Rwanda’s justice institutions have renewed their message of equal accountability before the law as officials revealed that more than 500 foreign nationals are currently held in the country’s correctional facilities on various criminal charges.
The announcement came during the launch of Justice Week, a nationwide initiative taking place from December 8 to 19, 2025, aimed at promoting accessibility, efficiency and collaboration across the justice sector.
Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), CG Evariste Murenzi, said the foreigners in custody originate from multiple regions across the world and face offences ranging from document forgery to violent crimes.
He noted that forgery remains the most common crime committed by non-nationals living in Rwanda, followed closely by assault-related offences. Murenzi stressed that foreign citizens are subject to the same legal processes as Rwandans and face detention whenever courts determine it is justified.
“We currently have more than 500 foreigners detained. They originate from different countries and continents. The most prevalent offence is document forgery, followed by assault and battery,” he said.
He added that international residents must understand that Rwanda’s laws apply to all without distinction. Murenzi explained that foreigners are detained in the same manner as locals and remain fully accountable under domestic law.
His remarks were echoed by Jeanne Ujeneza, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Administration and Personnel, who underscored the government’s firm stance on public order and safety.
The press briefing also highlighted the growing importance of mediation within Rwanda’s justice system. Murenzi clarified that mediation is available whether the dispute involves two foreign nationals or one party who is Rwandan.
He noted that mediation mechanisms under the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework remain accessible to both foreigners and locals, particularly in cases where the parties consent to out-of-court settlement.
“No one is above the law, whether Rwandan or foreign. People must understand that. Whenever it is established that a foreign national has committed a criminal act, we hand them over to RIB,” she said.
Commercial courts continue to register significant progress in this area. In 2024, a total of 301 commercial disputes were resolved through mediation, according to Clothilde Mukamurera, the President of the Commercial High Court.
She explained that once a case is filed and both parties opt for mediation, a binding agreement is issued, bringing the matter to a close.
Chief Justice Domitille Mukantaganzwa reaffirmed mediation as a cornerstone of peaceful dispute resolution, noting that since 2022, more than 20,000 cases have been concluded through this approach.
During Justice Week, institutions across the sector will hear selected cases, finalize plea agreements and promote alternative mechanisms that reduce litigation costs and delays.
