The Minister of Justice, Tharcisse Karugarama, yesterday concluded a four-day working visit to Pepperdine University in California, US, where he delivered a lecture under the theme: ‘Justice After the Genocide: Reconciliation and Rule of Law in Rwanda’

Karugarama, also the Attorney General, also held talks with the head of the school of law, Provost Darryll L. Tippens and other heads of department.

"Their discussions centred mainly on formalising and strengthening the already existing friendship between the Ministry of Justice and Pepperdine School of law,” according to statement from the Rwandan Embassy in the US.

 In the past, Pepperdine University has had students come to Rwanda to do internships with the ministry.

The university leadership expressed their willingness to further their partnership with the government of Rwanda in addressing some of the challenges faced by the Rwandan justice system.

 "Rwanda is a young nation, but very ambitious and eager to cooperate and partner with well-wishers; people who are willing to help build a better Rwanda; a Rwanda free of violence, hatred and revenge,” Karugarama said.

The minister also spoke of Rwanda’s experience in peace, forgiveness and reconciliation, as well as justice, including Gacaca courts.

Karugarama also met with Pastor Rick Warren at his Saddleback Church main campus. Saddleback has, for some time, been sending its members for mission trips to Rwanda to help the poor and promote reconciliation through church affiliates.

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