Rwanda is currently holding 500 foreign nationals in its correctional facilities, according to Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Service, CG Evariste Murenzi.
The figure, which reflects detainees from multiple countries, was disclosed on Monday during the launch of Justice Week at the Supreme Court.
Murenzi said the number underscores Rwanda’s position that no individual is exempt from prosecution or imprisonment once a court has made a determination.
He was responding to questions about foreigners who commit crimes against Rwandans and disturb public order. “In Rwanda, no one avoids prison if the courts decide so,” he said.
Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Ujeneza, reinforced the message, warning that foreign nationals cannot assume they can act with impunity.
“No one is above the law, whether Rwandan or foreign,” she said. “When it is established that a foreigner has committed a crime, we hand them over to RIB for prosecution.”
Last week the Inspector General of Police CG Felix Namuhoranye warned that Rwanda National Police will not, in anyway whatsoever, compromise public security and safety in the event of criminal activity by any foreigner or a citizen.
He insisted that security is paramount and that RNP will not fall short on the promise.
Meanwhile the briefing today also highlighted the growing role of mediation in resolving commercial disputes.
In 2024, the Commercial High Court recorded 301 business-related cases settled through mediation.
Court president Clothilde Mukamurera said mediation begins at the level where the case is filed, and once parties agree to settle, they sign a formal agreement and the matter ends there.
Chief Justice Domitille Mukantaganzwa noted that mediation has become an essential tool for maintaining social harmony.
Since 2022, she said, more than 20,000 cases have been resolved through mediation across different courts.
Justice Week, which runs from December 8 to 19, brings together all institutions involved in the justice system.
Throughout the week, selected cases will be heard, plea agreements will be processed, and mediation sessions will be conducted.
Officials noted that mediation is also possible at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, though cases reaching those levels tend to be more costly and delayed due to the higher demands of the appellate system.
