Category: Uncategorized

  • Made in Rwanda: Velano toothbrush factory opens in Kigali #rwanda #RwOT

    The factory, founded by South Sudanese dentist Dr. Moustafa Hussein Abbas, is driven by a medical-first approach aimed at improving oral health standards. Operating under Next Day Company Ltd, it focuses on producing quality toothbrushes entirely within Rwanda.

    During a visit by IGIHE, Factory Manager Eng. Mohamed Elmudathir Abdelrahman revealed that Velano has a daily production capacity of 120,000 toothbrushes.

    'Every Velano toothbrush is manufactured from scratch here in Rwanda, using local labour and expertise,' said Eng. Abdelrahman. 'We aim to set a new standard in medical-quality toothbrushes while keeping prices affordable for all.'

    According to the management, Velano manufactures every component locally from polypropylene (PP) plastic handles moulded using injection machines to the final packaging. Each toothbrush is tufted with bristles and undergoes quality inspection before distribution.

    The brand currently offers two packaging options for consumers: a strip line priced between Frw 300 and 400, and individual packaging costing between Frw 650 and 750.

    Both packaging options maintain the same medical-grade quality, drawing on Dr. Abbas’s research and dental expertise, according to Eng. Abdelrahman.

    Empowering local workforce

    The factory employs 35 staff, with plans to expand to 150 employees as production scales up. Women make up an impressive 89% of the current workforce.

    Additionally, employees are receiving hands-on training in operating advanced manufacturing machinery, a contribution to Rwanda’s broader skills development agenda.

    'Industry is the future for Rwanda,' Eng. Abdelrahman noted. 'By building our factory from scratch with local talent, we are contributing to the economy, creating jobs, and supporting skills growth.'

    Accessibility across the country

    Velano toothbrushes are already available for bulk and direct purchase. The company is working with distributors to ensure its products reach households in every corner of Rwanda.

    The launch aligns with Rwanda’s broader push to boost domestic production and develop competitive manufacturing sectors. It follows recent investments in oral-care production, including the opening of the Pro Smile Toothpaste Factory in November 2024 within the Kigali Special Economic Zone.

    The industry sector continued to play a central role in Rwanda’s economy in the second quarter of 2025, contributing 21% of GDP and recording a 7% growth rate, equivalent to 1.5 percentage points of overall economic growth.

    The performance was driven by gains in mining, construction, and manufacturing, highlighting the country’s ongoing industrialisation push. Within the sector, manufacturing expanded by 8%, supported by growth in food processing (10%), metal products, machinery and equipment (19%), chemicals, rubber and plastic products (24%), and non-metallic minerals, mainly cement (23%).

    The strong performance in chemicals, rubber, and plastic products is particularly noteworthy, as it directly reflects the emergence of local facilities like Velano.

    At the national level, Rwanda’s economy grew by 7.8% in Q2 2025, supported by agriculture (8%) and services (9%), with key drivers including trade, transport, financial services, and ICT. GDP at current market prices was estimated at Frw 5,798 billion, up from Frw 4,966 billion in the same quarter of 2024.

    The Velano Toothbrush Factory officially opened its doors early this month in Gahanga.

    The factory, founded by South Sudanese dentist Dr. Moustafa Hussein Abbas, is driven by a medical-first approach aimed at improving oral health standards.

    The brand currently offers two packaging options for consumers: a strip line priced between Frw 300 and 400, and individual packaging costing between Frw 650 and 750.

    According to Factory Manager Eng. Mohamed Elmudathir Abdelrahman, Villano has a daily production capacity of 120,000 toothbrushes.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/business-62/article/made-in-rwanda-velano-toothbrush-factory-opens-in-kigali

  • Israel strikes Gaza, killing over 100 as ceasefire comes under strain #rwanda #RwOT

    The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that the airstrikes were a retaliation for the killing of one of its soldiers, while President Donald Trump has strongly asserted that 'nothing will jeopardize' the ceasefire, stressing that Hamas 'has to behave.'

    The airstrikes primarily targeted densely populated areas in Gaza, including the Al-Mawasi tent camp in southern Gaza, where thousands of displaced families had sought refuge. The strikes also affected other civilian areas, causing widespread destruction.

    Local medical teams reported that in addition to the confirmed civilian deaths, dozens more have been injured, some critically.

    The international community has reacted with condemnation, with many calling for an immediate return to the ceasefire.

    Humanitarian organisations have expressed concerns over the escalation of violence, as it threatens to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Displaced families, many of whom had hoped for a reprieve after the ceasefire agreement, now face renewed danger and uncertainty.

    The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States and signed by both Israeli and Palestinian factions, had been hailed as a breakthrough, promising a path to peace. However, these recent attacks have raised serious concerns about the durability of the ceasefire and the prospects for future peace talks.

    Despite the growing calls for an end to the violence, Israel’s government has made it clear that it will continue to take action to defend its soldiers and citizens, while also calling for Hamas to honour the ceasefire and refrain from further provocations.

    Israeli airstrikes overnight on Gaza have resulted in a significant loss of life, with at least 104 people reported dead, including 46 children, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. The airstrikes come amid rising tensions and accusations that Israel violated the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.

    Rania Umutoni

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/israel-strikes-gaza-killing-over-100-as-ceasefire-comes-under-strain

  • GasMeth Energy expands Lake Kivu investment in Rwanda to $560 million #rwanda #RwOT

    The ambitious project, located in Karongi District’s Bwishyura Sector, aims to produce 40 million cubic feet of methane gas per day by 2027. This output is expected to meet a substantial portion of Rwanda’s domestic and industrial energy needs, reducing reliance on imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and helping curb the country’s carbon footprint.

    GasMeth Energy’s CEO, Stephen Tierney, told Business Insider Africa that the first phase of the project, which was valued at just over $360 million, is nearly complete.

    'At this stage, all of the lake sites and onshore work are largely complete, and offshore work has commenced,' Tierney said, adding that essential infrastructure such as the key barge hull, pumps, and compressors are under fabrication.

    Signed in 2019 between GasMeth and the Government of Rwanda, the project initially faced delays due to complex financing arrangements and global supply chain disruptions. Tierney explained that sourcing specialised equipment and securing confirmed gas off-takers took longer than anticipated.

    Despite the setbacks, the project has regained momentum with strong support from both the Rwandan government and international financiers, including the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

    Preliminary works began in 2022, and the project currently employs about 250 people. Employment is expected to triple as construction progresses over the coming months.

    Beyond energy production, the initiative is poised to advance Rwanda’s environmental goals. With roughly 75% of households still relying on firewood for cooking, the project promises a cleaner, more affordable alternative for households and industries.

    Tierney emphasised that the methane-to-gas initiative will help cut CO₂ emissions, improve air quality, and reduce deforestation driven by wood and charcoal use.

    The project joins existing methane facilities, including KivuWatt and Shema Power Lake Kivu, potentially positioning Rwanda as a continental leader in sustainable methane energy extraction. Analysts say this initiative could mark a turning point for Africa in harnessing lake methane as a reliable, eco-friendly energy source.

    A maintainance technician, is seen inside the barge extracting methane gas on Lake Kivu, at the Kivuwatt power plant in Kibuye, Karongi District, in the Western Province of Rwanda, on November 1, 2021. GasMeth Energy Limited has expanded its investment in the lake project to $560 million.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/business-62/article/gasmeth-energy-expands-lake-kivu-investment-in-rwanda-to-560-million

  • Rwanda, Saudi Arabia partner to deliver 50,000 clean cooking kits to households #rwanda #RwOT

    Through the Forward7 programme, a Kingdom of Saudi Arabia initiative, the pilot project will provide 50,000 affordable Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) kits to Rwandan families over the next 18 months.

    Implemented by Bboxx, the project targets households in Kigali, Musanze, Muhanga, Rwamagana, and Huye.

    In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, October 29, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Forward7 said each LPG kit includes a two-burner stove, a 12 kg gas cylinder, and a smart valve with a pay-as-you-go system, designed to make clean cooking accessible to low-income households that have not yet received subsidies.

    “Rwanda’s national energy balance statistics show that biomass (mostly wood fuel) accounts for the majority of the country’s total energy consumption. This partnership aims to reduce dependence on biomass by providing access to modern, cleaner cooking solutions,” the statement reads.

    Since its launch in Kigali in February 2025, the programme has already reached more than 6,000 households. With the expansion to Rwamagana and Musanze, officials expect broader uptake of cleaner cooking solutions across the country within a year.

    According to the partners, since its launch in Kigali in February 2025, the programme has already reached more than 6,000 households.

    The initiative also aims to generate carbon credits, with proceeds reinvested into further clean cooking projects, supporting Rwanda’s long-term commitment to a carbon-neutral and climate-resilient future.

    The partners said Bboxx will continue to run community awareness campaigns to inform eligible households about the benefits of switching to LPG and the availability of the kits.

    Forward7, launched in 2021 under the Middle East Green Initiative, has a global mission to provide cleaner cooking alternatives to vulnerable populations, reducing the risks associated with traditional cooking practices such as coal and wood use.

    The LPG kit includes a two-burner stove, a 12 kg gas cylinder, and a smart valve with a pay-as-you-go system, designed to make clean cooking accessible to low-income households that have not yet received subsidies.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-saudi-arabia-partner-to-deliver-50-000-clean-cooking-kits-to-households

  • The life of horses in Rwanda: A luxury with a price tag of over Frw 10 million #rwanda #RwOT

    Though rare, they can be found in a few select places across the country, one of them being Fazenda, located on Mount Kigali in Nyarugenge District. The site offers a variety of outdoor activities and is among the few places in Rwanda where horses are used for leisure and fitness.

    At Fazenda, eight horses are under the care of Niyonsenga Innocent, who describes them as calm and intelligent animals that respond to human emotions.

    'If you approach a horse with fear, it senses it. But if you come with love, they respond with affection,' he explains.

    According to Niyonsenga, horses possess a strong sense of perception, particularly through their eyes and mouths, allowing them to detect how a person feels.

    Like other animals, a horse’s lifespan depends largely on how it is raised. When properly cared for, a horse can live up to 50 years. Proper care includes regular veterinary attention, balanced feeding, cleanliness, and ensuring they are not overworked.

    Their diet mainly consists of grains such as maize, rice, and wheat, with proportions adjusted according to the horse’s size and age. At Fazenda, the horses are categorised into three groups—short, medium, and tall—and begin their training at a young age.

    Training involves the use of specially designed saddles to help them grow accustomed to carrying people. Horses are gradually taught to walk with a rider and perform tasks such as running and jumping. Training sessions are held three times a day, but if a horse becomes tired or uninterested, trainers adjust the routine accordingly.

    Niyonsenga notes that horses can express discomfort in different ways, including by biting, and that trainers learn to read these signals. The horses at Fazenda are imported from Naivasha, Kenya, and have adapted well to Kigali’s climate, though their overall wellbeing depends on environmental conditions.

    Horses, as prey animals, have unique sleep patterns that allow for both vigilance and deep rest. They achieve their lighter sleep (Slow Wave Sleep) while standing up, a feat made possible by the stay apparatus, a system of tendons and ligaments that effectively locks their leg joints, minimising muscular effort.

    However, to attain essential, deep REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, a horse must lie down entirely, usually for short, intermittent periods. While lying down is a normal behaviour, any horse found in prolonged recumbency or struggling to rise is usually treated as a medical emergency, as this is a key sign of severe pain, such as colic (severe abdominal pain).

    Fazenda’s horses are given space to roam freely when not being ridden. They receive regular grooming, including brushing and gentle hand massages to relax their muscles and relieve tension. Their hooves are cleaned every five to ten days to remove dirt and prevent infections.

    From the age of two or three, young horses begin more intensive training to wear saddles and carry riders. Some even participate in races, which helps enhance their endurance and performance skills.

    In Rwanda, owning a horse is a significant investment. Prices range up to RWF 10 million, depending on the horse’s age, breed, and level of training. Comparable horses in Kenya sell for around RWF 7 million, though costs vary based on their maturity and capabilities.

    While horses are still uncommon in Rwandan households, they are increasingly being used for tourism and recreational businesses. Niyonsenga observes that the main reason horses remain rare in Rwanda is not a lack of investors but rather limited knowledge and information about horse keeping.

    Globally, horses are valued for various purposes. In some European countries, such as France, Belgium, and Switzerland, and in parts of Asia, including Kazakhstan, horse meat is consumed as a delicacy. Similarly, in Mexico, Argentina, China, Japan, South Korea, and parts of Brazil, horse meat is considered a valuable commodity.

    However, in most African societies, eating horse meat is considered taboo. Horses are viewed with respect, often used for transport, agriculture, and leisure. When they die, they are typically buried with honour rather than consumed.

    The growing interest in horses for recreation and tourism signals their gradual integration into Rwanda’s evolving leisure and cultural landscape, a blend of luxury, sport, and connection with nature.

    Fazenda is home to eight horses.

    A horse can grow to an impressive height of 1.8 metres.

    Hooves are cleaned carefully on both sides.

    A well-fed horse can weigh up to 600 kilograms.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/the-life-of-horses-in-rwanda-a-luxury-with-a-price-tag-of-over-frw-10-million

  • 25 U.S. states sue Trump administration for blocking food aid funding #rwanda #RwOT

    The officials, including those from California, New York, as well as the District of Columbia, announced that they are suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unlawfully suspending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

    The federal court lawsuit filed in Massachusetts requests that the judge block the administration’s prior orders directing states to suspend benefits and compel the USDA to utilize all available resources to continue providing SNAP benefits in November.

    “Millions of Americans are about to go hungry because the federal government has chosen to withhold food assistance it is legally obligated to provide,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement.

    According to U.S. media, SNAP is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program serving nearly 42 million people, which is over 12 percent of the U.S. population. Most SNAP recipients live at or below the federal poverty line.

    25 U.S. states have sued Trump administration for blocking food aid funding.

    Xinhua

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/25-u-s-states-sue-trump-administration-for-blocking-food-aid-funding

  • Suluhu tipped to retain power as Tanzania’s election kicks off #rwanda #RwOT

    This marks Suluhu’s first electoral test since assuming office in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. Running on the ticket of the long-dominant Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party alongside former minister Emmanuel Nchimbi, she is seeking her first full term in office.

    Despite a crowded field of 17 presidential candidates, analysts describe the race as largely uncompetitive. The disqualification of Tanzania’s two main opposition parties, Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo, has cleared the path for Suluhu and CCM to maintain their six-decade rule, uninterrupted since independence.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) barred both major opposition parties earlier this year. Chadema’s leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested on treason charges in April following his calls for electoral reforms under the slogan “No Reforms, No Election,” while ACT-Wazalendo’s candidate, Luhaga Mpina, was twice disqualified after a series of court challenges.

    Their exclusion has left smaller opposition figures to fill the vacuum, though few command significant national appeal.

    Among them is Salum Mwalimu of the Public Liberation Party (Chaumma), once a close ally of Lissu and a former Chadema secretary-general. Mwalimu, who served as Lissu’s running mate in the 2020 election, has promised far-reaching reforms, including a new constitution.

    'Tanzanians should expect great change from our party, which is committed to transforming the country,' he said when collecting his nomination forms last month.

    Other contenders include Haji Ambar Khamis of NCCR-Mageuzi, who has pledged to introduce a new constitution within his first 100 days in office, and Gombo Samandito Gombo of CUF, whose campaign focuses on anti-corruption, domestic revenue generation, and agricultural investment.

    Two women, Saum Hussein Rashid of UDP and Mwajuma Noty Mirambo of UMD, also feature on the ballot, highlighting the slow but steady rise of female representation in Tanzanian politics.

    Observers say the fragmented opposition, coupled with CCM’s vast resources and entrenched grassroots network, leaves little doubt about the likely outcome.

    More than 37 million Tanzanians are eligible to vote in an election that also includes parliamentary and local government contests.

    In the 2020 election, the late John Magufuli secured a landslide 84.4% of the vote, while Tundu Lissu came second with 13.04%.

    Polling stations across Tanzania opened on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, with citizens casting their ballots in a general election likely to extend President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s tenure.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/suluhu-tipped-to-retain-power-as-tanzania-s-election-kicks-off

  • Rwanda’s conservation milestones highlighted at U.S. Congressional leadership gala #rwanda #RwOT

    The event held on October 28, 2025, in Washington, D.C, brought together various leaders and conservationists, to celebrate global initiatives in wildlife protection and ecosystem preservation.

    In his remarks, Dr. Nsengigumva thanked the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF) for its unwavering dedication to advancing global conservation and emphasized Rwanda’s strong commitment to the cause.

    'Peace and prosperity cannot be sustained, without protecting the environment that our people depend on,' Dr. Nsengigumva stated. 'That’s why Rwanda has placed conservation at the heart of our national development strategy, for the past three decades.'

    Reflecting on Rwanda’s conservation achievements, Dr. Nsengigumva pointed out the success of the Kwita Izina program, initiated twenty years ago, which involves naming all baby mountain gorillas born in the previous year.

    This initiative, he noted, came at a time when mountain gorillas were critically endangered.

    'Today, thanks to our conservation efforts, the population has rebounded to over 1,000, a four-fold increase, and we can proudly say they are no longer critically endangered,' he said.

    The Prime Minister also highlighted the restoration of Akagera National Park, where a public-private partnership with African Parks led to a dramatic rise in the park’s wildlife population.

    'Since then, Akagera’s wildlife population has more than doubled, from fewer than 5,000 large mammals to nearly 12,000, and the park is now self-funding,' Dr. Nsengigumva revealed.

    Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengigumva has reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to environmental conservation.

    Rwanda’s commitment to reintroducing species, such as lions and rhinos, was another point of pride.

    Lions were reintroduced in 2015 after being decimated in 1994, followed by the return of Eastern Black Rhinos and the introduction of Southern White Rhinos, marking the largest single rhino translocation in history,' he stated, adding a lighthearted remark.

    Dr. Nsengigumva stressed the vital role of local communities in Rwanda’s conservation success.

    “None of these results could have been achieved without the support of the communities that surround these parks. They have become the frontline defenders of wildlife in Rwanda because we always make sure that they benefit directly from wildlife conservation,” he explained.

    Dr. Nsengigumva also spoke about Africa’s broader commitment to conservation, referencing the Kigali Call to Action for People and Nature, adopted by African leaders in 2022.

    He pointed out the innovative potential within the continent’s parks, from wildlife monitoring to biotechnological advancements like genomic sequencing.

    'We cannot allow Africa’s parks to be used by terrorist groups, or criminal organizations, to create insecurity,' the Prime Minister added, emphasizing Rwanda’s commitment to preserving peace and safety in the region.

    He expressed appreciation for President Donald Trump’s leadership in facilitating regional peace, which includes provisions for cross-border cooperation between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on wildlife conservation and tourism.

    Concluding his remarks, Dr. Nsengigumva expressed his thanks to those supporting conservation initiatives, particularly highlighting Rob Walton’s remarkable contributions to the field, including the recent establishment of the African Conservation Academy in Akagera.

    “When we work together, we can create a better future for our children and our planet,” he concluded.

    The 2025 ICCF U.S. Congressional International Conservation Leadership Gala is one of the most prominent events in Washington, D.C. dedicated to advancing bipartisan U.S. leadership in global conservation efforts.

    Hosted by the International Conservation Caucus Foundation, the gala convenes over 200 distinguished guests, including members of the U.S. Cabinet and Congress, global policymakers and opinion leaders, international business executives and NGO leaders, celebrities and conservation advocates.

    The gala serves as a platform to raise awareness and political support for habitat and biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and international collaboration.

    It highlights the work of the ICCF Group in building political will and delivering cost-effective, resilient conservation solutions through its International Conservation Corps and parliamentary caucus model.

    Since its inception in 2006, the gala has featured notable figures such as; King Charles III; Founder of Amazon and Bezos Earth Fund,Jeff Bezos; Queen Noor of Jordan, Prince Albert II of Monaco, and former U.S. Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton who are also Honorary Co-Chairs of ICCF.

    The event held on October 28, 2025, in Washington, D.C, brought together various leaders and conservationists, to celebrate global initiatives in wildlife protection and ecosystem preservation.

    The introduction of Southern White Rhinos in Rwanda marked the largest single rhino translocation in history.

    Akagera National Park is home yo the ‘Big Five’.

    Théophile Niyitegeka

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-s-conservation-milestones-highlighted-at-u-s-congressional-leadership

  • Kinshasa: Prosecution wants soldier sentenced to 10 years in prison for kissing while in military uniform #rwanda #RwOT

    Ebabi and her partner were preparing for their wedding, set for October 31, 2025. Ahead of the event, they visited 'Raw Studio’ in Kinshasa to take photos and videos to commemorate the occasion.

    The DRC military arrested Ebabi on October 24 after a video showing her kissing her partner went viral on social media. She is currently being held at the Military Prosecutor’s office.

    The prosecution accuses Ebabi of tarnishing the image of the national army and violating military regulations. They argue that the incident, kissing while in uniform, was compounded by her alleged role in spreading the 25-second video.

    During proceedings at the Military High Court, Ebabi testified that the photographer from Raw Studio, Yannick Kayembe, admitted to posting the video and photos on his TikTok account to promote his work.

    She told the court president, 'The crime is the photographer’s, Mr. President. I didn’t share the video.'

    The military prosecution, however, insists that Ebabi was responsible for posting the photos and videos and is requesting a 10-year prison sentence.

    The court’s final decision is expected to be announced on the afternoon of October 29, 2025.

    The DRC military arrested Ebabi on October 24 after a video showing her kissing her partner went viral on social media. She is currently being held at the Military Prosecutor’s office.

    The military prosecution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is seeking a 10-year prison sentence for the soldier.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/kinshasa-prosecution-wants-soldier-sentenced-to-10-years-in-prison-for-kissing

  • Grounds for dismissing Munyemana’s appeal in Genocide case #rwanda #RwOT

    To reach the decision, the court analyzed the history of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the specific actions of Dr. Munyemana, using testimonies from survivors, expert evidence, and statements from the accused himself.

    Both the defense and witnesses agreed that after the assassination of President Juvénal Habyarimana on April 6, 1994, extremists, political leaders, and high-ranking military officers initiated a nationwide campaign to kill Tutsis, based on a premeditated plan.

    Initially, Butare remained peaceful as its Prefect, Habyarimana Jean Baptiste, had prohibited violence. However, two days after the transitional government forced him to resign on April 17, 1994, President Théodore Sindikubwabo called on the population to “do the work,” which meant killing Tutsis.

    After this speech, Tutsis were targeted through roadblocks, ambushes, and mass killings at churches and government offices, which were falsely labeled as “safe,” yet were set up as traps to kill them. These acts were part of a nationwide strategy.

    For the court to establish a link between the violence in Butare and Dr. Munyemana’s actions, it was necessary to examine detailed information about his activities, his standing in the local community, and his political affiliations.

    Dr. Munyemana from Butare

    Dr. Munyemana was a gynecologist who worked at Butare Hospital before and during the genocide, and also served as a lecturer at the former National University of Rwanda (UNR).

    He was a member of the MDR party, the Vice President of the local intellectuals’ group (Cercle des Intellectuels)of the party in Butare, and had close ties to key figures, including Kambanda Jean, the Prime Minister of the interim government.

    The court found that Dr. Munyemana’s reputation and influence allowed him to carry out actions that affected the Butare population, as he was seen as an influential figure.

    On April 16, 1994, Dr. Munyemana, along with other intellectuals, signed a document supporting the interim government, which played a significant role in the mass killings of Tutsis. The court determined that by signing this document, Dr. Munyemana knowingly supported the continuation of the genocide.

    The court’s ruling, issued on October 27, 2025, stated, “It is clear that the accused, from April 16, 1994, supported the transitional government’s plan and its execution, calling on Hutus to ‘start work,’ which meant continuing to kill ‘enemies’ labeled as Tutsis across the country.”

    Dr. Munyemana’s involvement in roadblocks and patrols

    The court confirmed that Dr. Munyemana attended a meeting at the Tumba sector office on April 17, 1994, where a decision was made to initiate patrols and set up roadblocks. He was assigned to a security committee responsible for implementing these measures.

    From April 21, 1994, the roadblocks and patrols were used to search for and arrest Tutsis to kill them.

    The court noted that Dr. Munyemana knew that Tutsis were being captured at the roadblocks and patrols, but continued to participate in these operations without intervening to stop the violence against Tutsis or protect the victims.

    Dr. Munyemana admitted that François Bwanakeye, the head of Tumba sector, gave him the keys to the sector offices, which he held from April 23 to May 19, 1994.

    The court found that Dr. Munyemana locked many Tutsis in the sector offices, and most of them were arrested and killed. He prevented them from escaping, allowing the Interahamwe militia to bring in more victims, whom he then handed over for execution.

    Survivors from the genocide testified that Dr. Munyemana played a role in the death of Tutsi. A witness stated that one of the Tutsis who had been imprisoned at the sector offices was the only survivor.

    Dr. Munyemana’s defense and court’s rejection

    Dr. Munyemana claimed that he did not know the killings were planned, but the court found that he was well aware, as he followed the media and knew what was happening in Kigali. He was close to the leaders who orchestrated the killings.

    The accused also argued that he confined Tutsis in the sector offices to protect them. However, the court found that locking them in a small building without essential resources such as food, water, or security was intended to facilitate their deaths.

    Dr. Munyemana further claimed that he did not know what happened to the Tutsis after they were removed from the offices. However, the court noted that he never inquired about their fate, even though he could clearly see that those he claimed to be “rescuing” had disappeared.

    To explain his inaction, Dr. Munyemana asserted that he was just a doctor with no political involvement. The court, however, disagreed, as it found that he played an active role in politics in Butare and at the national level.

    Court’s decision

    The judges concluded that Dr. Munyemana played a direct role in the genocide by imprisoning Tutsis at the sector offices in Tumba, fully aware that they were to be killed. This constituted a crime of depriving people of their liberty with the intent to kill them as part of the genocide plan.

    The court also found that Dr. Munyemana contributed to the planning of the genocide through his involvement in various meetings, his support of the genocidal government, and his participation in security operations designed to capture and kill Tutsis.

    However, the court acquitted him of crimes against humanity due to lack of evidence proving that he personally tortured, murdered, or committed other inhumane acts against the Tutsis detained at the sector offices.

    Dr. Munyemana was sentenced to 24 years in prison, a sentence he had previously received from the Paris Court of Assizes in December 2023.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/grounds-for-dismissing-munyemana-s-appeal-in-genocide-case