Mushikiwabo Rejects Accusations of Arrests & Disappearances

{{Rwanda government has refuted allegations by the United States Department of State which castigate the government of Rwanda over arrests and disappearances of dozens of citizens.}}

In a statement released by Marie Harf Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC, it’s noted;

“The United States calls upon the Government of Rwanda to account for individuals arrested over the past two months and currently in custody, and to respect the rights under Rwandan law and international human rights law of the individuals detained and arrested.

We also call upon Rwanda to fully respect freedom of expression, including for members of the press so that they can investigate, report, and facilitate discussion on issues of public concern,” the statement reads in part.

However, in her response the Foreign Affairs Minister and government spokesperson, Louise Mushikiwabo said in a statement;

“In all instances, police and security agencies in Rwanda have acted lawfully. Accused individuals are entitled to, and receive, due process — suggestions otherwise, including claims of “disappearances”, are false.

We call on all parties to refrain from discourse and actions that embolden the FDLR and its allies, and thereby endanger the lives of Rwandans.

Rwandan authorities, like in any other country, will act swiftly and decisively to address such threats. The people of Rwanda deserve no less.”

According to the official statement, Rwanda says is dealing with a specific security challenge in the North of the country where FDLR, an armed genocidal militia based in DRC, and their associates, have been recruiting and infiltrating.

The statement further says, a judicial process is underway triggered by recent FDLR attacks in Musanze, resulting in several casualties including the death of a police officer shot outside the Police School, and the death of an infant child of a local mayor at her home.

Earlier grenade attacks in crowded public places are another tactic that have caused death and suffering to innocent civilians. As discussed at a briefing for diplomats earlier this week, such acts are designed to terrorise the population and undermine the security that has enabled Rwanda to achieve significant progress over the past twenty years.