GASABO - A group of judges from the United States are in the country to pave way for future cooperation between the two institutions in both countries.

During their visit, the Americans paid courtesy calls on different leaders within the Rwandan judiciary, including Justice Minister Tharcisse Karugarama.

Speaking after their meeting, Karugarama said that the judges’ visit preceded cooperation between the two countries that will focus on mainstreaming challenges within the legal system.

"The visiting judges are in the country to share views on how best challenges within the judiciary can be addressed, and to prepare for a capacity building conference to be held in November,” Karugarama said.

Among the issues to be tabled during the conference include the performance of the Gacaca semi-traditional courts.

Karugarama revealed that the three Stephen G Larson, Pierre Richard Prosper and Robert C O’Brien were also going to explore other avenues that can boost Rwanda’s judiciary.

"Currently we have an exchange programme with the US in place but there are other avenues of learning that we are willing to explore,” added Karugarama.

Speaking during an earlier interview one of the judges, Prosper hailed the Rwandan legal system and its functioning albeit prevailing challenges. 

"Rwanda judiciary has done a remarkable job despite what people outside Rwanda have reported. We hope to work together with the ministry in building and strengthening this through shared capacity building programmes,” said Prosper

Prosper,  former prosecutor with the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and Us Ambassador at large for war crimes,  is a US district judge.

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