Category: Uncategorized

During the hearing, Ingabire presented grounds on which she is seeking the annulment of the decision by the Kicukiro Primary Court, requesting to be prosecuted while not in detention.

The Prosecution, however, argued that there are substantial reasons justifying her continued detention, as previously determined by the lower court.

Ingabire is charged with creating a criminal group, inciting public disorder, endangering the existing government, disseminating false information or propaganda intended to discredit the Rwandan government abroad, spreading rumours, conspiring to commit offences against the state, and organising illegal demonstrations.

The appeal hearing began with Ingabire expressing concerns about her legal representation. Although she is represented by Me Gatera Gashabana, she told the court that she had initially requested legal assistance from a lawyer based in Kenya. However, the lawyer was unable to obtain authorisation to practice in Rwanda, and thus, her current representation was not entirely of her choosing.

Ingabire, dressed in prison uniform and wearing her natural hair, appeared alongside her lawyer to challenge a procedural matter. They objected to the late submission of the Prosecution’s response to their appeal, which was filed in the electronic case management system at 21:06 on the eve of the hearing. They argued that this denied them sufficient time to review and respond to the submission.

Me Gashabana cited Articles 75 and 87 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which pertain to the timely notification of provisional detention decisions and the deadlines for appeals. He argued that the Prosecution should have filed its response at least five days in advance and asked the court to disregard the late filing.

The Prosecution countered by citing Article 184 of the same law, which governs the submission of responses in appellate matters. It argued that the provision does not specify a mandatory deadline and that its actions were consistent with legal procedure. The court indicated it would examine the objection and render a decision in due course.

Grounds presented by Ingabire Victoire

1. Jurisdictional irregularity

Ingabire’s primary argument was that her arrest was ordered contrary to the Constitution. She contended that the basis for her detention, Article 106, was applied in violation of constitutional provisions, as the court, not the Prosecution, ordered her investigation.

Ingabire and her counsel claimed they had petitioned the Supreme Court to nullify Article 106 for being unconstitutional and had requested that the Kicukiro court suspend proceedings pending the Supreme Court’s ruling. Nevertheless, the lower court proceeded and ordered her 30-day detention.

The Prosecution responded that the lower court was not barred from ruling, noting that the defence did not formally raise the constitutional matter during the initial proceedings and that the case was already heard and closed by the time the constitutional challenge was submitted on July 17, 2025.

2. Expiry of certain charges

Ingabire argued that some charges, such as spreading rumours and conspiracy to protest, are time-barred. She stated that the rumour-related offence, which carries a maximum sentence of six months, is classified as minor and should have expired after one year. She referenced an October 12, 2021, interview with a journalist as the basis for the charge.

Similarly, she said the alleged conspiracy to protest dates back to 2021, and the three-year limitation period had already passed. Her lawyer also contested the trial court’s comment suggesting that she might still harbour intentions to commit such acts, arguing that this was speculative and lacked evidentiary basis.

In response, the Prosecution argued that the statute of limitations begins from the date of the last action related to the offence. Since the content allegedly remains available online (e.g., on YouTube), the offences have not expired.

3. Lack of substantiation for certain charges

Ingabire submitted that some charges, namely, inciting unrest and threatening state security, were brought without the Prosecution presenting any substantive evidence. She said that testimony from Gaston Munyabugingo, a fugitive with pending charges, lacked credibility and should not be relied upon.

She also contested the legality and relevance of certain audio recordings cited by the Prosecution, alleging they were either obtained unlawfully or did not involve her.

The Prosecution responded that it had presented serious grounds for each charge and that testimony from individuals involved in the alleged crimes is admissible under the law. It argued that recordings obtained for the purpose of exposing threats to national security are permissible, citing Article 20 of the Penal Code.

4. No direct involvement in alleged activities

Ingabire denied any role in forming or joining a criminal group. She claimed she did not attend any of the so-called coup-planning workshops and that the presence of her friends or members of her unregistered political party, DALFA-Umurinzi, does not implicate her.

The Prosecution, however, maintained that there is a clear connection between her and the participants, including testimony from a former employee who claimed he was recruited by Ingabire to attend what he believed were English classes but turned out to be strategy meetings aimed at overthrowing the government.

5. Insufficient grounds for the conspiracy charge

Regarding the charge of conspiring to commit crimes against the government, Ingabire stated that the only evidence cited was an exchange of messages with Sylvain Sibomana, in which she was referred to as 'Mukecuru.'

The Prosecution noted that it would present more evidence during the trial and reiterated that the lower court had already found sufficient grounds to support the charge.

6. Illegally obtained evidence

Ingabire challenged the admissibility of certain recordings, arguing that they were obtained in violation of the law. However, the Prosecution countered that Ingabire had not denied the authenticity of the recordings nor explained precisely how their acquisition violated legal procedures. It accused the defence of attempting to shift the focus to the substance of the trial prematurely, while the current hearing only concerns pre-trial detention.

7. Low risk of flight

Ingabire argued that she poses no flight risk. She cited her compliance with court appearances following her presidential pardon and her respect for a travel ban, even after her request to visit family abroad was denied. She described herself as a principled political actor committed to peaceful engagement.

The Prosecution questioned whether any reliable standard exists by which a suspect can prove they will not flee. It asserted that due to the seriousness of the charges, which carry sentences exceeding five years, Ingabire should remain in custody.

8. Potential to obstruct the investigation

Finally, the Prosecution argued that releasing Ingabire could compromise the ongoing investigation. She had acknowledged that 26 individuals attended the alleged workshops, of whom only a few had been arrested. The Prosecution argued that if she were truly cooperative, she would identify the remaining participants, including those still at large.

The Prosecution stated: 'If she were at liberty, she could interfere with the investigation. We believe continued detention is essential to ensure the integrity of the inquiry.'

After hearing arguments from both parties, the presiding judge announced that the decision on Ingabire’s appeal against her provisional detention would be delivered on August 7 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

Ingabire is charged with creating a criminal group, inciting public disorder, endangering the existing government, disseminating false information or propaganda intended to discredit the Rwandan government abroad, spreading rumours, conspiring to commit offences against the state, and organising illegal demonstrations.

IGIHE

On the morning of July 27, Burundian security forces arrested Laurent Ruboneka Musabwa, an embassy employee and leader of the Banyamulenge community, whose members survived the 2004 Gatumba refugee camp massacre.

The following night, on July 28, another embassy staff member, Félix Mweza—originally from the Bashi ethnic group in South Kivu—was also arrested by Burundian security forces.

According to SOS, both individuals were swiftly flown to Kinshasa on a government-chartered plane. Upon arrival, they were taken into custody by agents from the National Intelligence Agency and the military intelligence service, where they remain under interrogation.

Ambassador Mulumba was also summoned to Kinshasa on July 30 to provide clarification regarding the conduct of his subordinates. Sources indicate that after giving his statement, the ambassador sought to return to his post in Bujumbura.

However, the DRC government denied the request, instructing him to remain in Kinshasa while investigations continue.

While the DRC government has not issued an official statement regarding the ambassador’s recall, reports suggest that he is also under scrutiny for possible links to the AFC coalition.

Ambassador Mulumba was summoned to Kinshasa on July 30 to provide clarification regarding the conduct of his staff.

IGIHE

The decision, announced by the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura, follows broader immigration restrictions signed by President Donald Trump earlier this year, targeting immigrants and non-immigrants holding tourist, student, and business visas.

According to the Trump administration, the move followed repeated warnings about high visa overstay rates and individual noncompliance with the conditions of legal entry into the United States.

In a public advisory on Monday, August 4, the U.S. Embassy in Burundi emphasised that each Burundian traveller carries not only their personal ambitions but also the hopes of their families and communities.

The embassy urged Burundians to uphold U.S. immigration laws and protect future opportunities by ensuring full compliance with visa terms.

“Respecting visa rules isn’t just a personal matter, it’s national,” the statement shared on social media platform X reads. “Let us uphold the rules, because one person’s actions can close doors for an entire nation.”

Trump has, in recent months, maintained that the visa bans are part of wider efforts to tighten immigration controls. In Executive Order 14161, titled 'Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,' the United States imposed full travel bans on seven African countries and partial restrictions on three others, including Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

President Trump defended the policy in a televised address, stating that the bans were not blanket prohibitions but targeted measures designed to encourage foreign governments to improve screening systems and immigration cooperation.

The United States has temporarily suspended the issuance of visas to Burundian nationals, citing repeated violations of visa regulations.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In her opening remarks, Yvette Umutangana, the event’s main organizer, expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the celebration and those who showed up early to participate in Umuganda.

'When we engage in Umuganda, some people may wonder why we do it,' she said. 'But this is an act that reflects who we are, our core values, and our origins. It’s a way to promote our culture and our country, and to show that Rwanda is among the cleanest nations in Africa.'

Umutangana noted that this year’s Umuganura was particularly unique, taking place amid tense diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium, which have led to a pause in official cooperation.

'Despite these challenges, we are here as Rwandans to uphold unity and continue being good ambassadors of our country, both here in Belgium and beyond,' she said.

She encouraged the Rwandan community to strive for progress and not just come together for the sake of celebration or to enjoy familiar food and traditional dress.

'Let’s aim to gather again next year, but this time to celebrate tangible achievements,' she urged.

Ernest Gakuba, president of DRB-Rugari-Belgique, emphasized the importance of this year’s theme: 'Umuganura: A Source of Unity and Foundation for Self-Reliance.' He reminded attendees that unity is the foundation of national strength.

'It’s also a day to thank Rwanda’s God for the harvest, to reflect on areas where we’ve fallen short, and to correct them. It’s a time to appreciate every Rwandan who has contributed to their own development and the growth of our nation as a whole,' Gakuba said.

He added that Rwandans in the diaspora, particularly in Belgium, must come together in these challenging diplomatic times and combine their efforts without reservation.

Gakuba warned that if Rwandans abroad fail to work in unity, they risk losing their collective value and progress. He urged the community to focus on self-empowerment and resilience, calling on all Rwandans to embrace the traditional belief that 'work is the foundation of life.'

'Umuganura should push us to ask ourselves: 'What am I doing for my country?’ This day should not only be about celebrating achievements, but also about safeguarding them, reinforcing our unity, and always remembering our homeland in everything we do,' he added.

The celebration also featured cultural games and storytelling for children in both French and Kinyarwanda, aiming to foster love for both languages in a way that respects Rwandan heritage.

Oscar Gahutu delivered a special presentation on the historical significance of Umuganura in pre-colonial Rwanda, highlighting how the tradition was disrupted by colonial powers but later restored by Rwanda’s current leadership.

'The road ahead is still long, but what we’ve achieved is worth preserving,' he said. 'We must teach and pass it on to our youth.'

The day also included practical activities for children, such as sweeping and cleaning, to introduce them to traditional household roles and responsibilities.

As the event continued, children were served milk, attendees enjoyed traditional Rwandan dishes, and the atmosphere was filled with traditional songs, dances, and shared joy — all in true Rwandan spirit.

Gakuba warned that if Rwandans abroad fail to work in unity, they risk losing their shared values and progress.

Yvette Umutangana, the event’s main organizer, expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the celebration and those who showed up early to participate in Umuganda.

Children were addressed in both French and Kinyarwanda, and were told short stories rooted in Rwandan culture.

Children were served milk

As part of the Umuganura Day celebrations, children were given a central role to help instill in them a deep understanding of Rwandan cultural values from an early age.

The day also included practical activities for children, such as sweeping and cleaning, to introduce them to traditional household roles and responsibilities.

Attendees enjoyed traditional Rwandan dishes

Oscar Gahutu delivered a special presentation on the historical significance of Umuganura in pre-colonial Rwanda.

The Umuganura celebration held in Bruges was led in both Kinyarwanda and French.

The atmosphere was filled with traditional songs, dances, and shared joy, all in true Rwandan spirit.

Ernest Gakuba, President of DRB-Rugari Belgium, and Yvette Umutangana, the coordinator of the Umuganura event in Bruges, were among the participants in the Umuganura Day celebration.

Community work

Karirima Aimable Ngarambe

The hotels are seeking compensation for policies they say restricted competition and cut into their revenues. The legal action is backed by HOTREC, the umbrella organization representing the European hospitality industry, along with more than 30 national hotel associations.

“European hoteliers have long suffered from unfair conditions and excessive costs. Now is the time to stand together and demand redress,” HOTREC Chairman Alexandros Vassilikos said in a statement on the organization’s official website. “This joint initiative sends a clear message: abusive practices in the digital market will not be tolerated by the hospitality industry in Europe.”

Central to the dispute are the “best price” or parity clauses, which Booking.com enforced for years. These clauses barred hotels from offering lower prices on their own websites or through other booking platforms.

According to HOTREC, the legal action remains open to all eligible hotels. “Following overwhelming demand from hoteliers across Europe, the deadline to register for the collective action against Booking.com has been extended until Aug. 29, 2025,” the statement said, adding that the lawsuit is expected to be filed in a Dutch court.

This collective claim follows a similar initiative by the Dutch consumer advocacy group Consumentenbond, which announced in June that it was preparing a mass lawsuit on behalf of Booking.com customers. The group accuses the platform of inflating prices through “illegal agreements and deceptive practices.”

Booking.com has rejected the allegations of price manipulation, saying it is reviewing the claims and will respond formally in due course.

The company is already facing legal scrutiny in Europe. In July last year, a Spanish court fined Booking.com 413 million euros (478 million U.S. dollars) for similar practices. The European Court of Justice later ruled that such parity clauses violate EU competition laws.

More than 10,000 hotels across Europe have joined a mass lawsuit against online travel platform Booking.com, accusing the company of unfair business practices that they claim led to significant financial losses, Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported on Monday.

Xinhua

Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola and Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau said that no agreement had yet been reached, despite South Africa submitting its trade framework proposal in May.

“South Africa seeks to conclude deals that promote value addition and industrialisation, rather than extractive relations that deprive the country of the ability to beneficiate our mineral wealth by mimicking extractive colonial era trade relations,” Lamola said, noting that geopolitical tensions have complicated negotiations with the United States.

Lamola warned that the proposed tariff could reduce South Africa’s gross domestic product by 0.2 percentage points. The United States is South Africa’s third-largest trading partner, making up 7.5 percent of total trade, with agricultural exports most vulnerable to the looming tariff.

“South African exports do not compete with U.S. producers and do not pose a threat to the U.S. industry. On the contrary, our exports are crucial inputs that support America’s industrial base,” Lamola said, adding that agricultural goods from South Africa to the United States are seasonal and are not “replacing” U.S. agricultural products.

He also highlighted South Africa’s efforts to diversify its export markets, particularly in agriculture. Local producers have started exporting lemons, avocados, and apples to China following the signing of bilateral protocol agreements. Similar efforts are underway to expand access to markets across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with US President Donald Trump earlier this year, but relations between the two countries have faced challenges over various issues, including US trade tariffs.

Xinhua

In August, the OPEC+ countries saw an oil output increase of 548,000 bpd amid a plan to gradually unwind their most recent layer of output cuts.

Sunday’s decision was made during a virtual meeting where member countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, reviewed global market conditions and outlook, according to a statement on the OPEC website.

The statement noted that the gradual increases may be paused or reversed subject to evolving market conditions.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, announced the decision on Sunday to increase oil output by 547,000 barrels per day (bpd) in September.

Xinhua

The strike move was earlier announced after members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 voted to reject a modified four-year labor agreement with Boeing.

This vote followed members’ overwhelming rejection of Boeing’s earlier proposal on July 27 as a labor agreement officially expired before midnight.

The workers were based at Boeing’s facilities in St. Louis and St. Charles, Missouri, as well as Mascoutah, Illinois.

“We will be there on the picket lines, ensuring Boeing hears the collective power of working people,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant in the statement on Sunday.

“They deserve nothing less than a contract that keeps their families secure and recognizes their unmatched expertise,” IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli said.

“Solidarity is our strength. This vote shows that when workers stand together, they can push back against corporate greed and fight for a better future for themselves and their families,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett.

The IAM union is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

Boeing expressed disappointment over the vote. Dan Gillian, Boeing Air Dominance vice president and general manager, and senior St. Louis site executive, said in a statement that the company was “disappointed our employees rejected an offer that featured 40 percent average wage growth and resolved their primary issue on alternative work schedules.”

Boeing was “prepared for a strike and had fully implemented our contingency plan to ensure our non-striking workforce can continue supporting our customers,” he added.

Xinhua

Zigiranyirazo was previously accused of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi but was later acquitted.

He was among eight Rwandans who remained stranded in Niger after multiple countries denied them asylum, despite either being acquitted or having completed sentences issued by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), based in Arusha, Tanzania.

Initially sentenced to 20 years in prison on December 18, 2008, Zigiranyirazo was acquitted by the Appeals Chamber on November 16, 2009.

He was known as a member of “Akazu” — a close-knit inner circle around the Habyarimana regime that played a key role in orchestrating the Genocide. Zigiranyirazo was also the brother of Agathe Kanziga, wife of the late President Juvénal Habyarimana.

Zigiranyirazo was previously accused of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi but was later acquitted.

IGIHE

The United States announced the development following a meeting held on Friday, August 1, 2025. Rwanda was represented by Antoine Marie Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, while the DRC delegation included an expert in economic affairs. The U.S. was represented by Massad Boulos, Advisor for African Affairs.

The move builds on the Washington Declaration of Principles signed in April and aligns with the broader Peace Agreement signed on June 27, 2025, with the support of the United States.

Rooted in mutual respect, sovereignty, and shared prosperity, the REIF outlines a forward-looking economic partnership designed to unlock investment opportunities, curb illicit mineral trade, and support sustainable development across multiple sectors.

Shared commitment to stability and inclusive development

Both governments reaffirm their commitment to combating the illicit trade of minerals, which has long fueled violence and undermined good governance in the region. By formalising their cooperation through the REIF, Rwanda and the DRC aim to dismantle the economic drivers of conflict and shift toward a future anchored in cross-border collaboration, industrial development, and community empowerment.

The framework recognises the potential for greater synergy with regional and continental bodies, particularly through the revitalisation of the Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL) and seeks alignment with initiatives such as the African Union’s Continental Power Systems Masterplan.

Mineral supply chains

Rwanda and the DRC have committed to jointly reforming and formalising the mineral sector, particularly in critical minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten, niobium, and gold. They aim to eradicate the financing of armed groups through illicit trade and to develop a world-class, industrial mining sector that creates value from extraction to end-user.

Both countries will work toward formalising artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), expanding opportunities for alternative livelihoods, and strengthening transparency, traceability, and professional standards.

Improving cross-border interoperability, particularly in border management, is central to this effort. By doing so, they hope to attract global investment and promote equitable value sharing through industrial development initiatives.

While reaffirming sovereign control over natural resources, both governments agree that communities must benefit directly from the revenues and advantages generated through extraction, processing, and trade. This approach aims to promote a productive, rules-based economy anchored in transparency and local empowerment.

Energy cooperation

Energy is viewed as a cornerstone of industrialisation and regional development. The two countries have expressed their intention to prioritise increased electricity generation and access for both industry and households. They will focus on completing the Ruzizi III hydropower project and sustainably exploiting methane gas from Lake Kivu for electricity generation and transmission.

These efforts will be coordinated with neighbouring countries and guided by the African Union’s Continental Power Systems Masterplan. Where appropriate, the multilateral governance structures of the CEPGL may be used to support implementation.

Infrastructure development

Rwanda and the DRC will cooperate in developing mutually beneficial infrastructure in sectors such as transportation, logistics, and information and communication technology (ICT).

This includes plans for passenger and cargo transport infrastructure, warehousing, ports, and markets. Both governments are keen to attract private sector investment that can catalyse economic growth in the Great Lakes region.

These infrastructure initiatives will be aligned with the U.S.-supported Lobito Corridor to enhance regional and global connectivity and improve access to international markets.

National park management and cross-border tourism

The two countries also plan to collaborate on cross-border conservation and science-based management of biodiversity and ecosystems. A key part of this will be the development of a coordinated cross-border security strategy to address shared threats in protected areas. This includes harmonising enforcement mechanisms and legal frameworks.

Additionally, Rwanda and the DRC intend to build a sustainable cross-border tourism sector by supporting each other’s tourism operators and promoting community-based initiatives. They plan to implement a harmonised tourism revenue-sharing model and standardised policies to strengthen community livelihoods through conservation.

Public health cooperation

Recognising the importance of a united health response, Rwanda and the DRC have agreed to strengthen cross-border coordination to prevent and manage disease outbreaks. This includes collaborative planning and response to epidemics and pandemics, with an emphasis on information sharing to promote scientific research and health-related commercial ventures.

Other areas of cooperation

The REIF is designed as a living platform, allowing for the continuous identification and integration of new opportunities. The Participants are committed to exploring expanded cooperation in areas such as water and sanitation infrastructure, agribusiness (including livestock), education, sports, and entertainment.

They have also pledged to accelerate trade liberalisation and regional integration, ensuring that REIF remains dynamic and responsive to emerging regional needs.

The REIF will be finalised through a dedicated agreement outlining coordination mechanisms for its implementation. Officials from both countries have reiterated that all efforts will be carried out in full respect of national laws and sovereignty.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, previously told Parliament that while economic cooperation is a pillar of the Washington peace agreement, separate economic agreements would follow. The REIF now serves as the foundation for those agreements, charting a clear and strategic path from principle to execution.

Rwanda was represented by Antoine Marie Kajangwe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, while the DRC delegation included an expert in economic affairs. The U.S. was represented by Massad Boulos, Advisor for African Affairs.

IGIHE