Murder and disappearance mystery in Rwanda is common, every day at least a person is reported missing in Rwanda, with direct or indirect knowledge of the government.

Lake rweru

The brutal murder we witnessed of innocent Rwandans that were wrapped in plastic bags last year and thrown in the Kagara River ending up in Lake Rweru in Burundi, the re-arrest of Capt. David Kabuye just after a week from a prison sentence of six month, the disappearance ofJackson Kalemera a brother of former Kagame Protection Unit Lt. Joel Mutabazi is a graphic illustration of how political dissents or potential challengers to the RPF rule is being crushed by President Kagame.

Jackson Kalemera AKA Ndinga

Whoever is suspected of having independent mind or against the current gospel of Kagame changing the Rwandan constitution to extend his reign after 2017 or who publicly denounces the “mad, aggressive” policies undertaken by the Rwandan president which had led to Rwanda’s human rights abuses and atrocities inside and outside the country especially in the neighboring Congo as well as selective justice or abuse of anti-corruption policies creating anxiety within the Rwandan society. In addition President Kagame’s policies or behavior do not stop at those who wrong to him but extends his brutal behaviour to their families and friends.

We need to compile a detailed dossier against the Rwandan ruler on the murdered or disappeared people in Rwanda and the information of the UN Mapping report of Kagame’s involvement in supporting the M23 and other rebels in Eastern Congo.

But Kagame’s Rwanda is not a place that tolerates free speech, freedom of assembly and pluralistic politics. Almost Two decades since the Rwandan strongman first rose to power, a significant number of journalists and political activists have paid with their lives for daring to criticise Kagame’s autocratic style, while hundreds more are languishing in Rwandan prisons. Meanwhile many Rwandan newspapers and media organisations that were critical of the government have been closed or persuaded to adapt a more pro-Kagame line.

For example the arrest and subsequent sentencing of the president of FDU-Inkigi party madam Ingabire or other politicians who have paid a heavy price no doubt understood the risks they were taking by so publicly criticising the Kagame regime, and there will be no one in Kigali or in the Diaspora who is any doubt that murder or imprisonment we see in the country are linked to their political activities.

Unlike other leaders quickly condemn the killing of their opponents and offer their condolences of crocodile tears.  Kagame in contrast goes public to boast of such brutal murders and warn those still at large that they will pay a heavy price that it’s just a matter of time. But no one in Rwanda or beyond is likely to be convinced that Mr.  Kagame will really continue to kill or incarcerate or brutally silence his vociferous opponents.

Jacqueline Umurungi

Brussels