Within DALFA Umurinzi, Ingabire is known by several nicknamesâ”some members refer to her as 'IVU,' an abbreviation of her name, while others call her 'Mukecuru' (Old Lady). These aliases appear throughout this report.
This article highlights some of the evidence presented by the Prosecution that led to her arrest. The case centres on messages exchanged between Ingabire and her party members, which are believed to be part of a plot that prompted her detention.
Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza was recently re-arrested as part of a new investigation into allegations that she attempted to overthrow the Rwandan government.
Origins of the charges
DALFA Umurinzi is a political party founded by Ingabire following the dissolution of her previous party, FDU-Inkingi, which had been accused of collaborating with former FDLR members.
Within DALFA, Ingabire worked closely with individuals such as Sibomana Sylvain, who, according to information obtained by IGIHE, initially worked as her housekeeper.
In the party structure, Sibomana served as the national coordinator, acting as a link between party members inside and outside Rwanda.
Those familiar with Ingabire’s political activities may recall training sessions organised for party members. These sessions, coordinated by Sibomana and another individual named Assumpta, based in Switzerland, were designed to train party leaders on 'how to remove a government without armed conflictâ”through mass civil resistance.'
Sibomana was responsible for organising these activities, as confirmed by WhatsApp messages presented in court.
Who is Sibomana Sylvain?
Born in 1970 to Kinonko François and Mukamisha Immaculée, Sibomana hails from Kabageri Village, Mwendo Sector, Ruhango District, in the Southern Province. He currently lives in Mataba Village, Kigarama Cell, Kigarama Sector, Kicukiro District.
In 2014, he was sentenced to six years in prison by the Rusizi High Council Court for inciting public unrest.
Current charges against him
Sibomana now faces a series of serious charges. He is accused of creating or joining a criminal organisation and of conspiring to endanger state security or harm the President. In addition, he stands charged with inciting public unrest, defying the law, and organising or participating in illegal meetings or protests.
Authorities also allege that he spread false information and propaganda aimed at damaging Rwanda’s international image, as well as disseminating unfounded rumours.
As part of DALFA Umurinzi’s activities, Sibomana coordinated English-language training sessions for members.
Key dates and events
In August 2021, Sibomana informed members via WhatsApp about upcoming training sessions and shared both a book and a video to help them improve their English and grasp the course content.
August 14â”20, 2021: Sibomana instructed trainees to download the Jitsi Meet app and use pseudonyms for anonymity.
August 20: He asked a participant, Nzabandora, to use a fake name, suggesting options like 'Turkey,' 'Morocco,' or 'Egypt.'
August 14: Participants, including Nzabandora, received the English book Blueprint for Revolution and its French translation Comment faire tomber un dictateur… by Serbian activist Srđa Popović.
Popović’s video content was also shared to help participants familiarise themselves with English and prepare for the sessions.
Who are Popović and Milošević?
Slobodan Milošević was the President of Serbia from 1989 to 1997 and later the President of Yugoslavia until 2000. He is infamous for his role in the Yugoslav Wars and was overthrown during the 2000 'Bulldozer Revolution.'
Srđa Popović is a Serbian activist and co-founder of the Otpor! youth movement, which played a major role in the peaceful overthrow of Milošević through non-violent protest and creative civil resistance.
More evidence from WhatsApp
August 23, 2021: Sibomana sent Nzabandora a link to download Jitsi Meet.
August 28: Using a phone number registered to Leonille Gasengayire, he shared the training scheduleâ”sessions were set for September 13, 16, 20, and 23, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM.
September 2: He sent a YouTube link to help participants study the trainer’s delivery style.
September 8: A reminder was sent for a trial session scheduled for September 9.
September 9: Sibomana shared the meeting link and sent participants Rwf 1,000 via MoMo to purchase internet data.
Participants included: Pepino (moderator), Grace (Sibomana), Flanlin (Rucubanganya Alexisâ”DALFA representative in Ngoma), Brown, Clever, VD, and Sacha.
The first session, titled Vision for Tomorrow, discouraged violent resistance and instead promoted alternative ways to confront the regime in a country where public protests are not permitted.
The second session, held on September 20, 2021, was led by Sandra and Anna and focused on strategies for removing the government.
During the training sessions, four key strategies were discussed as potential methods to challenge the government. The first involved mobilisation and persuasion, aimed at encouraging citizens to stand up to the regime without provoking a violent response. The second strategy centred on protest, using public demonstrations to show presence and determination in confronting state authority.
The third tactic was non-cooperation, which entailed refusing to pay taxes and boycotting government programmes as well as locally produced goods, including those under the 'Made in Rwanda' label.
Lastly, the dilemma tactic was introducedâ”an approach designed to create scenarios that would compel the government to make difficult or unpopular decisions, particularly as the number of active participants increased.
Ingabire’s recent arrest stems from an ongoing case involving members of her political party, DALFA Umurinzi.
Planned operations to destabilise the government
The participants are said to have organised their activities under a series of planned operations, each aimed at undermining the government through targeted acts of civil resistance.
One such initiative was Operation Shira Ubwoba Udahungetwa Ugahungeta, which focused on street vendors frequently subjected to harassment by law enforcement. The plan involved the use of protest songs as a tool to highlight and amplify the vendors’ grievances.
Another was Operation Serwakira, which sought to mobilise landless citizens. The strategy began with the distribution of blank flyers, intended to spark curiosity. These would later be replaced with flyers bearing messages such as, 'We’re tired of police brutality, heavy taxes, and disappearances.' To ensure wide circulation, motorcyclists were to be hired to distribute them across different areas.
The third, Operation Umuturage Imbere, addressed issues like forced evictions, oppressive taxation, and the mistreatment of street vendors. As part of this campaign, participants would wear T-shirts emblazoned with the word Kangondoâ”a reference to a community evicted in recent yearsâ”during court proceedings and large public gatherings, in an effort to draw attention to the plight of affected citizens and stir public sentiment.
This investigation, grounded in intercepted communications and witness testimony, forms the basis for Ingabire’s most recent arrest and prosecution. Prosecutors say more evidence will be unveiled as the case proceeds.
