Rwanda Joins the Budapest Convention: A Milestone in Global Cybercrime Cooperation

On January 10, 2025, Rwanda took a significant step in strengthening its cybersecurity framework by formally depositing the instrument of accession to the Convention on Cybercrime (ETS 185), commonly referred to as the Budapest Convention. Alongside this, Rwanda also acceded to the Additional Protocol to the Convention on Cybercrime (ETS 189), which focuses on criminalizing acts of a racist and xenophobic nature committed through computer systems.

This milestone underscores Rwanda’s commitment to combating cybercrime and fostering international cooperation to address the growing challenges posed by cyber threats. With this accession, Rwanda becomes the 78th Party to the Budapest Convention, joining a global network of nations working to harmonize cybersecurity laws and enhance cross-border collaboration.

What Is the Budapest Convention?

The Budapest Convention, adopted in 2001, is the first international treaty aimed at addressing cybercrime. Developed by the Council of Europe with the involvement of non-European states, it provides a comprehensive legal framework to tackle crimes committed via computer networks. The Convention focuses on:

• Criminalizing specific cybercrimes: This includes illegal access, data interference, system interference, and the misuse of devices.
• Enhancing procedural law: It provides tools for law enforcement to gather and preserve digital evidence, such as expedited data preservation.
• Fostering international cooperation: Parties to the Convention work together to investigate and prosecute cybercrime cases that transcend borders.

The Additional Protocol, adopted in 2003, expands the Convention’s scope to address offenses motivated by racism and xenophobia conducted through online platforms, such as hate speech and the distribution of racist materials.

Rwanda’s Cybersecurity Landscape

Rwanda has emerged as a leader in digital transformation in Africa, with its Vision 2050 roadmap emphasizing the importance of a knowledge-based economy. This transformation has brought immense benefits but also heightened vulnerabilities to cybercrime. In response, Rwanda has been proactive in establishing a robust cybersecurity framework, including:

• The establishment of the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA) to oversee cybersecurity efforts.
• The enactment of cybercrime legislation, such as the 2018 Cyber Security Law, which criminalizes hacking, identity theft, and other cyber offenses.
• Participation in regional and international initiatives to combat cyber threats.\

Acceding to the Budapest Convention reinforces Rwanda’s position as a cybersecurity leader in the region and aligns its laws with international standards.

The Role of the Council of Europe

The Council of Europe has played a pivotal role in advancing the Budapest Convention’s adoption and implementation. With Rwanda’s accession, the Council has committed to continuing its support for the country by assisting in further reforms of domestic legislation to ensure seamless implementation of the Convention’s provisions.

This collaboration is critical as Rwanda works to strengthen its legal and institutional capacity to tackle cybercrime effectively. Areas of focus include:

1. Training for law enforcement and judiciary: Ensuring stakeholders understand the procedural tools provided by the Convention.
2. Capacity building in digital evidence management: Enhancing the ability to gather, preserve, and share evidence in line with international best practices.
3. Promoting awareness and cooperation: Engaging the private sector and civil society to address cybercrime holistically.

A Growing Network of Cooperation

With Rwanda’s accession, the Budapest Convention now has 78 Parties, two signatories, and 15 invited states. This growing network reflects the international community’s recognition of the need for a unified approach to combating cybercrime.

Rwanda’s participation is especially significant for Africa, where the harmonization of cybersecurity laws remains a challenge. As more African countries accede to the Convention, the continent stands to benefit from enhanced international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.

Conclusion

Rwanda’s accession to the Budapest Convention and its Additional Protocol is a testament to the country’s dedication to addressing cybercrime and fostering a secure digital environment. By joining this global framework, Rwanda strengthens its position as a regional cybersecurity leader and sets an example for other nations to follow.

The Council of Europe’s continued support ensures that Rwanda, alongside other Parties, can effectively implement the Convention’s provisions, paving the way for a safer and more secure cyberspace worldwide. As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, international cooperation remains the cornerstone of a resilient global cybersecurity ecosystem.