Escalating Threats Against Rwandan Opposition Leader Victoire Ingabire Demand International Action [Actors for socio-political change in Rwanda, 11.29.2024]

Press Statement

As one of Rwanda’s most prominent advocates for democracy and human rights, Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza continues to face escalating threats and persecution. We, the undersigned representatives of political and civil society organizations, issue this statement to call for urgent action from Rwanda’s international partners.

Recent remarks by President Paul Kagame at the Unity Club gathering on 16 November 2024 have further exacerbated these threats. These comments were followed by a coordinated campaign in pro-government media, disseminating baseless accusations against Victoire Ingabire. Such accusations, ranging from alleged subversion to fabricated security threats, not only endanger her safety but also violate her fundamental rights, as highlighted in the press statement issued by her legal team on 19 November 2024.

Since her return to Rwanda in 2010 to engage in political advocacy, numerous members of Victoire Ingabire’s team and leaders of her current political party, DALFA-Umurinzi, as well as her former party, FDU-Inkingi, have faced severe persecution. Many have been unjustly imprisoned on politically motivated charges, others have disappeared under suspicious circumstances, and some have tragically been assassinated. These acts have consistently coincided with efforts by the regime to intimidate Victoire Ingabire and silence her political voice, sending a chilling message to discourage her pursuit of democratic ideals.

We are deeply concerned that this pattern of repression is escalating once again. The recent pro-government media campaign is part of a broader effort to fabricate charges and use Rwanda’s already compromised justice system as a tool for further persecution, with the ultimate objective of returning Victoire Ingabire to prison.

We urge Rwanda’s international partners—particularly the United States, the European Union, and other development stakeholders—to act decisively. This includes applying diplomatic pressure, conditioning aid on measurable progress in human rights, and supporting an independent inquiry into the systematic targeting of opposition figures in Rwanda. Such measures are essential to safeguarding democratic values and ensuring accountability.

The ongoing persecution of Victoire Ingabire underscores the broader need to support Rwandans in building a democratic society founded on the principles of human rights, the rule of law, and a culture of peaceful political discourse. Only through coordinated international and domestic efforts can Rwanda move toward a just and inclusive political future.

We stand in solidarity with Victoire Ingabire and all Rwandans who strive for democracy, freedom and justice.