Rwanda Case Law

Re BYANSI (FOND)2

Court

Supreme Court

Case number

– RS/INCONST/SPEC 00002/2021/SC

The Court held that Articles 156, 157, 194, and 251 of Law No. 68/2018 do not contravene the Constitution, as they provide necessary and proportionate limitations on freedom of expression to protect privacy, public order, and justice. However, Article 218, which criminalizes defamation or insult against foreign heads of state and diplomats, violates Articles 15 and 38 of the Constitution by granting unjustified special protection and unduly restricting press freedom. Therefore, Article 218 is declared null and void.

Source excerpt

• Freedom of expression
• Press freedom
• Privacy rights
• Criminal offences
• Defamation
• Investigative journalism

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HAGENGIMANA v. UWIHOREYE

Court

Supreme Court

Case number

RCAA0006/13/CS

The Supreme Court upheld exequatur of a US divorce judgment in Rwanda, finding no proof of a defence violation or conflict with Rwandan public order.

• Exequatur of foreign judgments
• Divorce
• Burden of proof
• Procedural costs
• Public order
• Right of defense

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GAHIGA v. FORTIS BUSINESS HOLDINGS LLC_231190_en

Court

Supreme Court

Case number

RCA0010/11/CS

The Supreme Court of Rwanda held that a foreign judgment could not be executed in Rwanda because the defendant had not been summoned and his right to defence was violated.

• Exequatur
• Right to defence
• Public order
• Damages
• Procedural fees
• Right-to-defence

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RE DOREBABA

Court

High Court

Case number

RCA 0051/13/HC/KIG

The High Court granted exequatur for a DRC marriage certificate, finding the foreign authentic deed met Rwanda’s legal requirements and was not contrary to public order.

• Exequatur
• Enforcement of foreign judgments
• Marriage certificate
• Public order
• Authenticity of foreign documents
• Foreign-authentic-deeds

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