Rwandan authorities have arrested prominent opposition figure Victoire Ingabire, accusing her of inciting public disorder and playing a role in forming a criminal organization. The Rwanda Investigations Bureau (RIB) confirmed her detention in Kigali, where she is being held pending further legal proceedings.
Ingabire, who leads the unregistered DALFA Umurinzi party, has long been a vocal critic of President Paul Kagame’s administration. She previously served six years of a 15-year sentence handed down in 2012 for charges related to conspiracy and genocide denial, before receiving a presidential pardon in 2018.
The RIB stated that her arrest is linked to an ongoing case involving nine individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the government through non-violent means. Ingabire has denied any involvement, asserting that her party has not organized or supported any such activities.
Her detention has reignited concerns over political freedoms in Rwanda, where Kagame’s government has faced repeated criticism for suppressing dissent. Despite international scrutiny, Kagame continues to enjoy strong domestic control, having secured over 99% of the vote in the most recent election.
