Cases Against Opposition Leaders
Cases were brought against Victoire Ingabire, president of an opposition party, and at least eight other members of the party. Ingabire was placed under house arrest in April 2010, later arrested in October 2010, and after trial, sentenced to 15 years in a politically motivated trial. She was released in 2018 by surprise via presidential grace after eight years of imprisonment, five of which she spent in isolated confinement. Members of Ingabire’s party were likewise arrested.
When Ingabire brought an action against Rwanda at the African Court of Human People’s Rights (AfCHPR), Rwanda withdrew from the court, announcing it would no longer allow individuals and non-governmental organizations to file complaints against it with the AfCHPR.
Journalists and Members of the Press Threatened and Arrested
Article 38 of the Constitution of Rwanda 2003 guarantees "the freedom of expression and freedom of access to information where it does not prejudice public order… good morals… the dignity and protection of personal and family privacy." However, in reality, this has not guaranteed freedom of speech since Rwanda has created laws to prevent Rwandans from promoting a "genocide ideology" and "divisionism.” But, the law does not explicitly define such terms. Fear of the possible ramifications from breaking these laws has caused a culture of self-censorship for civilians and the press. The government uses threats of arrests and physical violence to silence journalists and media outlets. Among others, the government convicted Yvonne Idamange, who posted YouTube videos critical of the government, and arrested Theoneste Nsengimana, the owner of Umubavu TV.
Unlawful and Politically Motivated Killings
The penultimate persecution was the murder domestically of six political opponents and individuals resisting arrests. A popular gospel singer, Kitzo Mihigo, was found dead in his cell under suspicious circumstances. His music was originally embraced, but he was arrested and convicted after writing a song criticizing the government’s actions. Another suspected death at the hands of Rwandan killers was Patrick Karegeya, a former head of intelligence, who fled to South Africa after a fall out with President Kagame. He was assassinated at a hotel in Johannesburg. South Africa issued warrants for the arrest of two Rwandans accused of murdering Karegeya, stating the killing was directly linked to the involvement of the Rwandan government.
Other murders linked to the Rwandan government include a Rwanda National Congress (RNC) official Seif Bamponoli who was killed in Cape Town, South Africa. There were also reports of the killing of other RNC officials in South Africa. (The RNC is an opposition group in exile that opposes the government of President Kagame.) The diaspora leader, Revocat Karemangingo, who previously survived an attempt on his life, was killed in Mozambique where an opposition figure, Cassien Ntamuhanga, went missing. Advocates reported that Rwandans living overseas experienced digital threats, spyware attacks, family intimidation and harassment which the government used to put pressure on individuals who threatened government interests.
Rwanda’s Vigilance on Perceived Opposition
I experienced this vigilance when I was warned by a friend working at the Rwandan Supreme Court that I would not be allowed into the country because I had signed a petition requesting that the governing Rwandan Patriotic Front’s (RPF) atrocities should be investigated. I had allowed my name to be used on that petition at the request of the husband of the late Alison des Forges, an acknowledged expert on Rwanda. But I did not sign the petition, as I told the then-Attorney General who permitted me to enter the country. When I met with the Secretary-General of the Supreme Court, she said, “We [i.e. the RPF] were surprised you would sign such a petition. We thought you were a friend of Rwanda.”
Rwanda’s oversight even reached opposition leaders living in Britain. Two Rwandan exiles living in London were warned last week by UK police that they faced the threat of assassination. BBC Africa analyst Martin Plaut said it was not the first time there have been reports of threats to Rwandan exiles living in the UK.
Conclusion
Because of Rwanda’s violation of human rights, it behooves the heads of the Commonwealth to press the authorities to drop all charges against opposition individuals and journalists who are facing abusive prosecutions. The UK Prime Minister and Home Secretary should also cancel the proposed agreement to send refugees to Rwanda, which the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights says violates international law. Should Rwanda clear its record of human rights abuses, it could then become a respected member of the Commonwealth.
