Category: News

The charges stem from testimonies and evidence presented during an ongoing trial involving nine individuals, among them journalist Théoneste Nsengimana of Umubavu TV.

The prosecution has linked Ingabire to covert training sessions allegedly organized under the banner of DALFA-Umurinzi, a political movement that has not been legally registered in Rwanda.

Prosecutors claim that these sessions served as a platform for plotting a campaign to overthrow the government, allegedly through non-violent strategies inspired by the book Blueprint for Revolution by Serbian activist Srdja Popovic.

According to testimonies, the sessions were attended by former DALFA-Umurinzi members who were reportedly coached on how to exploit popular grievances, such as land tax policies, urban relocation disputes (notably in Kangondo), and grievances of motorcycle taxi drivers, to provoke public demonstrations.

Training modules referred to as Operation Shirubwoba, Serwakira, and Sondage were reportedly used to encourage participants to raise concerns in their communities and mobilize others through informal surveys and dialogue techniques.

Prosecutors argue that the ultimate goal was to launch coordinated protests on October 14, 2021, during a so-called commemorative event dubbed “Ingabire Day.”

One key witness, Nzabandora Boniface, testified that he initially joined the training under the belief it was for English language instruction, only to discover its political intentions. Alarmed by the agenda, he decided to withdraw and later reported the matter to authorities.

The prosecution maintains that the sessions were orchestrated by Sibomana Sylvain, allegedly with the assistance of a woman named Assumpta, and that Ingabire herself was central to connecting and supporting both organizers.

It is alleged that she not only facilitated the planning but also financed the internet data used by participants during the training. Audio recordings from these sessions, presented in court, reportedly capture discussions on anti-government mobilization strategies, including how to frame narratives to agitate relocated citizens and informal traders.

In her defense, Ingabire denied organizing or endorsing the sessions, asserting that she merely put Sibomana in contact with Assumpta after the former complained of dental problems and requested help.

However, prosecutors dismissed this explanation, insisting that Ingabire’s involvement went far beyond casual support. They argued that she was fully aware of the operation and closely followed its progress.

Journalist Théoneste Nsengimana also faces serious charges, including attempts to overthrow the government, spreading false information, and affiliation with a criminal group.

The prosecution claims that his media platforms, Umubavu TV and Umubavu.com, were used to amplify false and inflammatory content against the state.

This included allegations that singer Kizito Mihigo had been murdered rather than having died by suicide, and reports accusing the government of detaining individuals like Idamage Iryamugwiza Yvonne and Karasira Aimable without cause.

Nsengimana has denied all charges, stating that the information he broadcast was sourced from Ingabire’s close associates, known as “Inkora IVU” (supporters of Ingabire Victoire Umuhoza).

Given the repeated references to Ingabire throughout the trial, the court concluded that it was essential to hear her account directly. However, after reviewing her testimony, the judges found her explanations insufficient and determined that there was enough evidence to justify a full investigation.

All accused individuals have pleaded not guilty and have requested their release, citing extended pretrial detention.

The prosecution, however, has called for life sentences for all defendants, except for Alphonse Mutabazi, who did not attend the training sessions, for whom a 20-year prison term is being sought.

The investigation into Victoire Ingabire is expected to conclude by July 3, 2025. The next hearing is scheduled for July 7, where the findings of the probe may shape the future direction of the case.

Prime Minister Dr Edouard Ngirente announced the plan on June 19, 2025, during an address to a joint session of Parliament, where he outlined the Government’s progress in improving the welfare of Rwandans.

In the education sector, the Prime Minister noted that more than 22,000 new classrooms have been constructed in under a year, along with a significant increase in the number of teachers across all levels of schooling.

Dr Ngirente was responding to a question about what the government is doing to address the issue of teachers who lack sufficient proficiency in English, the language of instruction.

He explained that the issue is being tackled through teacher training programmes where Zimbabwean educators have been brought in to train future Rwandan teachers. He also revealed plans to recruit more.

“You may recall that we brought in teachers from Zimbabwe, and we are currently planning to bring in even more,” he said.

It is expected that around 150 teachers will be brought in during this phase, adding to the 154 already in the country.

“The majority of those we brought in are English teachers working in Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs), to ensure that future educators are well-versed in English. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in TTCs—providing them with the necessary facilities and resources. Even during school construction, TTCs were given priority so they could be adequately equipped. These Zimbabwean teachers will help ensure that graduates are capable of teaching in English, even at the primary school level,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that the current number of TTCs, which stands at only 16 nationwide, is insufficient to meet the country’s teacher training needs.

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Dr Ngirente also announced that current teachers will be required to undergo two years of English language training, after which they must take a proficiency test. Those who pass will retain their positions, while those who fail will be replaced.

“TTCs cannot produce enough graduates to fill all teaching positions across the country. Therefore, we will gradually replace existing teachers as more English-proficient graduates come out of TTCs.”

He added, “Current teachers will have two years to learn English while still teaching. After that, they’ll take an exam—those who pass will remain, and those who fail will leave the profession. The programme lasts three years, with two years focused on learning while they work. Failing to teach in English effectively means failing to qualify as a teacher.”

A 2018 World Bank report highlighted the urgent need for English language training among teachers, revealing that only 38% of teachers from Primary 1 to 3 had sufficient English proficiency.

A document released by the Ministry of Education on February 26, 2024, indicated that only 4% of current teachers possess intermediate to advanced English skills, even though English is the official language of instruction.

Rwanda adopted English as the medium of instruction in 2008, replacing French. In 2011, the policy stipulated that English would be introduced from Primary 4 onwards, with the first three years taught in Kinyarwanda. However, this was revised in 2019, and English is now used as the language of instruction starting from Primary 1.

In an official statement shared via its social media platforms, RIB announced that Ingabire was taken into custody on June 19, 2025, at the request of the Prosecution Authority, in line with a decision issued by the High Court in the ongoing case involving Sylvain Sibomana and others. She was arrested in order to be presented before the court.

“Ingabire Umuhoza Victoire is under investigation, alongside her co-accused, for offences including forming a criminal group and planning activities intended to incite public unrest. She is currently being held at RIB Remera Station while awaiting transfer to the Prosecution,” RIB stated.

The court issued the directive on Thursday, June 19, after rejecting Ingabire’s account of her alleged role in a training program said to have involved former members of DALFA-Umurinzi.

According to the prosecution, the training was aimed at inciting the public against the government and mobilising support for regime change.

In her defence, Ingabire told the court that those accused in the case were former DALFA-Umurinzi members, with the exception of journalist Nsengimana Théoneste, the founder of Umubavu media channel. She, however, denied that the trainings were organised by her party or that she had any knowledge of them.

Following her testimony, the court examined whether her explanation was sufficient to rule out suspicion of criminal activity. It concluded that her statements were inadequate and that the case file contains incriminating evidence against her.

The court found it necessary for the prosecution to conduct a thorough investigation into Ingabire’s involvement before she is formally brought before the court.

As directed, the investigation will take two weeks, after which Ingabire will be presented to the court.

The trial is scheduled to resume on July 7, 2025.

As Rwanda’s leading brewery, the company aims to lead the debate on responsible drinking. In 2022, it expanded consumer options by launching Heineken 0.0, alongside various initiatives under the ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ campaign, aimed at promoting safer consumption behavior.

The ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ campaign is one of the several initiatives that promote road safety by sensitizing the public about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol as well as encouraging consumers to make safer choices, such as choosing a designated driver or opting for non-alcoholic alternatives such as Heineken 0.0.

This campaign entails multimedia messaging through national television, radios, billboards and social media platforms—that advises the public to refrain from drinking and driving, aligning with the RNP’s ‘Gerayo Amahoro’ road safety campaign.

“Campaigns and initiatives affiliated to ‘Gerayo Amahoro’ play a crucial role in reminding citizens that every decision behind the wheel has consequences.

“Our collaboration with other relevant public and private institutions is a powerful set in advancing national safety and public well-being,” said RNP spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga.

BRALIRWA has held joint public events aimed at enhancing road safety in collaboration with RNP as well as annual internal dialogues with its staff to encourage them to be ambassadors of the ‘Don’t Drive and Drive’ campaign initiatives.

Other internal campaign activities include regular training, online courses, awareness posters within the brewery, and leadership engagement sessions encouraging employees to lead by example, both at work and in their personal lives.

The Company also actively engages its distributors, partners, and other stakeholders in promoting responsible consumption through dialogue and regular bulk messages.

According to BRALIRWA’s Managing Director, the efforts help to reinforce the company’s shared commitment to the well-being of the community and sustainability through tackling harmful consumption.

“As a responsible Company, we are dedicated to ensuring that our beverages are enjoyed responsibly. We work closely with all stakeholders to promote a culture in which moderation is valued, and safety is prioritized. When our consumers drink responsibly, we all share in the joy of true togetherness,” said BRALIRWA’s Managing Director, Ms. Ethel Emma-Uche.

Government projections show that Rwanda’s economy is expected to grow by 7.1% in 2025, 7.5% in 2026, 7.4% in 2027, and 7% in 2028.

Presenting a report on the Government’s achievements in improving citizens’ welfare before both chambers of Parliament on June 19, 2025, Dr. Ngirente emphasised that this sustained economic growth has been inclusive.

“Some wondered whether the economic growth we’ve seen was truly inclusive. We have found that it is. The growth has been shared—many people have benefited from it. The positive effects of economic development have reached Rwandans across all regions—urban and rural—and across all age groups, both young and old,” he said.

According to the Seventh Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7) conducted over 12 months in 2024, Rwanda’s poverty rate dropped from 39.8% in 2017 to 27.4% in 2024. Extreme poverty fell from 11.3% in 2017 to 5.4% in 2024.

In 2000, the average annual income per Rwandan was $268, which rose to $1,029 by 2024.

EICV7 also shows that 1.5 million Rwandans moved out of poverty in the past seven years, a 12.4% decline in poverty levels.

The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) estimates that a Rwandan needs at least 560,127 Rwandan francs per year to meet essential needs, including food and other basic necessities.

The Government attributes this poverty reduction to a range of social protection programs, such as Girinka (One Cow per Poor Family), Vision 2020 Umurenge Programme (VUP), direct support to vulnerable households, and health insurance coverage for the poor.

Currently, Rwanda has over 1.6 million cows, with more than 452,000 distributed through the Girinka program.

The ceremony marking the end of the training and the official enrolment of the new recruits was presided over by RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, and attended by Service Chiefs, Generals, senior and junior officers, and enlisted personnel.

During the event, the graduates showcased a range of military skills acquired during the course, including arms handling and tactical manoeuvres, demonstrating their readiness to take on operational responsibilities in the RDF.

In his address, Gen Mubarakh congratulated the new soldiers for hard work and determination throughout the demanding training period. He welcomed them into the RDF family and urged them to uphold a high level of discipline and observe RDF’s ethics and values as they integrate and work alongside their fellow service members.

He also encouraged them to be inspired by their predecessors, apply and share the knowledge and skills gained during the training, while protecting Rwanda’s sovereignty and safeguarding its citizens. He further reminded them to be prepared to serve in a multinational environment during peacekeeping operations.

The Commandant of the Basic Military Training Centre, Nasho, Maj Gen JB Ngiruwonsanga, emphasised that the graduates underwent intense military training ranging from arms and combat drills, among others and stressed that their commitment demonstrated their readiness for future military operations.

The graduation and enrolment of these new soldiers come at a time when the RDF continues to modernise and expand its capabilities to meet both national and international defence obligations.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan presided over the inauguration ceremony, marking the completion of a project that began under the leadership of her predecessor, the late President John Pombe Magufuli.

The bridge includes a 1.66-kilometre connecting road, designed to ease transport across a region long dependent on ferries.

Among the guests at the ceremony was former First Lady Janeth Magufuli, widow of the late president. The bridge was renamed in Magufuli’s honour, recognising his role in initiating the project in February 2020 as part of a broader infrastructure development agenda.

At the time of Magufuli’s death on March 17, 2021, the bridge was just under 25 percent complete. President Samia pledged continuity and accelerated its progress, overseeing its completion ahead of the original December 2024 target. According to Minister of Works Abdallah Ulega, only 20 percent of the bridge had been built when President Samia took office.

“This is a landmark project—a three-kilometre bridge unlike any other in East and Central Africa,” Ulega said during a budget debate in Parliament in April. “Its completion is a national achievement, and today the nation celebrates.”

Built at a cost of $300 million, the bridge replaces the Kigongo–Busisi ferry route, long criticised for inefficiency and vulnerability to weather disruptions. The new permanent connection is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance economic activity in the Lake Zone, and improve access to essential services.

With the JP Magufuli Bridge now open, Tanzania strengthens its regional transport infrastructure and positions itself as a growing hub for trade and connectivity in the Great Lakes region.

The court issued the directive on Thursday, June 19, after rejecting Ingabire’s account of her alleged role in a training program said to have involved former members of DALFA-Umurinzi.

According to the prosecution, the training was aimed at inciting the public against the government and mobilising support for regime change.

In her defence, Ingabire told the court that those accused in the case were former DALFA-Umurinzi members, with the exception of journalist Nsengimana Théoneste, the founder of Umubavu media channel. She, however, denied that the trainings were organised by her party or that she had any knowledge of them.

Following her testimony, the court examined whether her explanation was sufficient to rule out suspicion of criminal activity. It concluded that her statements were inadequate and that the case file contains incriminating evidence against her.

The court found it necessary for the prosecution to conduct a thorough investigation into Ingabire’s involvement before she is formally brought before the court.

As directed, the investigation will take two weeks, after which Ingabire will be presented to the court.

The trial is scheduled to resume on July 7, 2025.

The matter was recently raised in the Senate, where the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) addressed concerns regarding residents of islands such as Nkombo, Gihaya, Ishywa, and Bugarura—some of whom are the third generation born on Rwandan territory but lack official identification.

“Some of them have married Rwandans in unrecognised unions, and their children were born here, yet they are still not officially recognised as citizens,” said Marie Solange Kayisire, Minister of State in MINALOC.

She confirmed that the government has collected all required documentation and that those who meet legal requirements will be granted citizenship under the existing nationality law.

Priority will be given to individuals married to Rwandan citizens and those eligible under the 2022 Ministerial Order on nationality.

Rwanda has 148 islands in various lakes, of which only 15 are currently inhabited. Some islands are being depopulated due to safety concerns or inaccessibility, with communities from areas like Ruzi, Muzira, and Tereri being relocated to the mainland to access better public services.

Kayisire added that beyond legal recognition, the government is investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare to improve living conditions for island communities.

The Senate Committee on Social Affairs and Human Rights recently toured several islands as part of a broader oversight mission linked to Rwanda’s NST2 development strategy (2024–2029).

“Citizenship is not just a legal matter; it’s a door to opportunity, dignity, and inclusion,” said Senator Adrie Umuhire, who chairs the committee.

Rwanda offers multiple paths to citizenship, including by birth, marriage, or long-term residence. Applicants are required to provide documentation such as birth certificates and residency records. The law also allows humanitarian exemptions, with some application fees waived for vulnerable individuals.

Ingabire denied allegations of organising training sessions that prosecutors allege were used to develop the plan.

She gave her testimony on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, after being summoned by the court to provide clarifications related to the case.

Prosecutors accuse the defendants of forming or joining a criminal group, conspiring to commit crimes against the state, inciting public unrest, defying the rule of law, and engaging in unlawful protest activities.

The prosecution alleges that training sessions aimed at toppling the current government were held, involving Rwandans living abroad, including a person named Assumpta, alias “Peppino”, and members of DALFA-Umurinzi.

The court summoned Ingabire after her name was repeatedly mentioned in the case file.

At the start of the hearing, the judge asked Ingabire how DALFA-Umurinzi had organised the training and what role she played. She replied that the party, founded in late 2019, never organised such training for its members because it was effectively inactive at the time.

She explained that by 2020, she had ceased recruiting new members and that DALFA-Umurinzi existed for only two months.

“DALFA existed for two months. We were prohibited from recruiting members, so we stopped,” she said.

“I was surprised to hear people say training was held under the party’s framework in 2021, yet we never organised any.”

When asked if she knew the accused as members of DALFA-Umurinzi, she acknowledged they were party affiliates, except for journalist Nsengimana Théoneste, with whom she had planned to collaborate on media coverage during “Ingabire Day.”

“Journalist Nsengimana Théoneste and I were discussing a program we were supposed to do, but it had not yet taken place,” Ingabire stated.

She explained that “Ingabire Day” was an annual event with a specific theme each year, and it should not be associated with the alleged training sessions.

The judge asked her what she knew about plans to overthrow the government without using force. She responded, “I can’t speak on things I’ve never studied. I’d be lying.”

Her lawyer, Me Gatera Gashabana, told the court that Ingabire had no role in organising the training sessions and that there was no evidence linking her to them.

However, the prosecution argued that Ingabire and Sibomana Sylvain, a former coordinator of DALFA-Umurinzi, had discussed the training and were aware of its intent, asserting that Ingabire was monitoring the activities even though she denies any involvement.

The prosecution further said that the training sessions aimed to teach participants strategies to delegitimise the government by making citizens feel disrespected, abused, and unlawfully detained.

They added that the sessions and “Ingabire Day” served as public mobilisation tools that could help advance the group’s objective.

The court was expected to decide by 2 p.m. on June 19 whether Ingabire’s explanations were sufficient to excuse her from further proceedings or if further investigation was warranted.