HUMAN RIGHTS VETTING INFORMATION FOR ACOTA

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 036459

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/22/2017
TAGS: PGOV MARR PHUM RW
SUBJECT: HUMAN RIGHTS VETTING INFORMATION FOR ACOTA
TRAINING, USG FUNDED AIRLIFT AND ANY AND ALL SUPPORT TO
DARFUR, AMIS II

REF: A. STATE 15216


B. KIGAIL 146

C. KIGALI 178

D. KIGALI 36

Classified By: Amy Nicodemus AF/C; Reason 1.4 (C) and (D)


1. (U) This is an action message. Please see paragraphs 4
and 5.


2. (U) This cable refers to the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF)
personnel below:

NAME: Goodman Ruzibiza
RANK: Lieutenant Colonel
CURRRENT ASSIGNMENT: Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF)
GENDER: Male


3. (C/NF) Background: Based on extensive consultations
and a thorough review of its files, the Department of State
has
determined that as of March 22, 2007, the USG is unable to
currently
provide any assistance, military or otherwise, to LTC Goodman
Ruzibiza, as the commander of the RDF peacekeeping force that
Would deploy to Darfur. This decision is based on information
indicating that LTC Ruzibiza was tried and convicted in
connection
with a 1996 incident in which Rwandan armed forces committed
human
rights abuses. Although the precise extent of LTC Ruzibiza,s
involvement in this incident remains unclear, the Department
believes
the prudent course is to err on the side of caution. The
Department
notes, however, that should additional exculpatory
information become
available regarding Ruzibiza, his case could be reviewed in
regard to
future USG funded training opportunities or other deployments.


4. (U) Post should provide the following statement to the
Rwandan
authorities at the appropriate level:

The United States Government is unable at this time to assist
any
military contingent that includes LTC Goodman Ruzibiza. We
regret
any inconvenience that this may cause you and appreciate your
willingness to replace LTC Ruzibiza with another commander
of the 14th battalion that will deploy to Darfur. We also
wish to express our continued respect for the exceptionally
professional and generous contribution of the GOR/RPF to
peacekeeping efforts in Darfur. Please advise us of the
name of the replacement commander so that we can complete the
vetting as required under United States law.


5. (U) Post is asked to confirm via cable GOR agreement to
replace LTC Ruzibiza.
RICE