http://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/1 Commonwealth urged to act over Rwandan election unrest 16 July 2010 Caroline Lucas, with other Green Party leaders in the Commonwealth, is urging action after the killing of the deputy leader of the Rwandan Green Party, Andre Kagwa Rwisereka. In the lead-up to Rwanda’s presidential vote on the 9th August, the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda has been subject to harassment, intimidation, and death threats. Police have broken up party meetings, and the party has been barred from registering or putting up candidates for the election. (1) A letter was sent yesterday to the Commonwealth’s Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, co-signed by Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, Sen. Bob Brown (leader of the Australian Greens) and Russel Norman (leader, New Zealand Greens). It calls on Sharma to take urgent steps to enforce the Commonwealth’s standards of human rights and democracy in Rwanda. (2) In part, the joint-letter from Lucas, Brown and Norman reads : The death of Green Party Vice President, Mr. Andre Kagwa Rwisereka, who was found dead on 14th July 2010, is a tragic event and we are extremely concerned for the other members of the Rwandan Green Party. Mr. Rwisereka’s death follows on from a series of events in the last few months that suggest that the Rwandan government is creating or allowing an extremely hostile environment for opposition political parties in the run up to Presidential elections on 9 August. Rwanda’s membership of the Commonwealth requires that it honors and complies with the Commonwealth’s fundamental political principles which include respect for civil society and human rights. We urge you to immediately send a team of Commonwealth representatives to Rwanda to ensure the Government is taking all steps possible to ensure respect for rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly of opposition parties. Notes 1) 15th July 2010, The Independent 2) This week, Reporters Without Borders also called on the European Union and other donors to suspend financial support for the election because of a series of grave press freedom violations.
CHRI condemns the recent wave of killings and suppression of press freedoms in the run up to the Presidential election on the 9 August 2010. In the last two months Jean-Léonard Rugambage, a journalist working for the banned newspaper Umuvugizi, and Andre Kagwa Rwisereka, the vice president of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, have been brutally murdered. There are allegations of RPF and security service involvement in a number of different incidents. Mr Frank Habineza, Green Party candidate for President, has complained that he has been subject to harassment and surveillance. Lieutenant –General Nyamwasa, the former army chief of staff who is currently living in exile in Johannesburg, was the subject of an assassination attempt on 19 June 2010. The involvement of Rwandan security agents is strongly suspected and two of the individuals originally arrested by the South African police have now been released. Dominique Makeli, a former Rwandan journalist currently living in exile in Kampala, was the subject of an attempted abduction on the 28 June 2010 allegedly by Rwandan agents. Two newspapers Umuseso and Umuvugizi have been banned by the High Media Council after allegations that they had published stories that insulted President Kagame incited the army, caused police insubordination and frightened the public, contrary to Article 83 of Rwanda’s media law. Bernard Ntaganda, the PS Imberakuri candidate for president and currently the only independent registered candidate for President, has been charged with terrorism offences after participating in a peaceful demonstration against the National Electoral Commission. Victorie Ingabire, the leader of the UDF, has been unable to register for the election and members of her party have been imprisoned and subject to abuse. Rwanda joined the Commonwealth in November 2009 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Port Spain. A few months prior to this CHRI released a report on Rwanda’s human rights record, authored by the leading constitutional expert Professor Yash Ghai. The report cast doubt on Rwanda’s human rights record and its democratic stability and highlighted the increasingly hegemonic nature of the RPF in Rwandan politics and concluded that due its poor human rights record Rwanda should not be admitted to the Commonwealth at the 2009 CHOGM. The rapid increase in violence and the constriction of political space and human rights in Rwanda following their Commonwealth membership has unfortunately proven the report’s predictions correct. Many supporters of Rwanda’s application for membership argued that Commonwealth membership would provide an incentive for the government to improve its human rights record. The actions of President Paul Kagame over the last six months have in fact shown the government to be committed to ensuring their own political survival and suppressing all political opposition to the RPF. The Commonwealth’s silence on recent developments in Rwanda cast grave doubts on the organisation’s commitments to the values that it recently re-affirmed at the 2009 CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago. CHRI echoes the condemnation voiced by the UN Secretary General and the European Union over political killings in Rwanda and urges immediate independent international enquiry into these incidents and supports the Commonwealth Green Parliamentarians’ call for Commonwealth representatives to be sent to Rwanda to immediately. Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative ICS Senate House Mallet Street London Tel : 02078628857
http://www.globalgreens.org/stateme Assassination of Rwandan Greens Vice-President Mr. André Kagwa Rwisereka Global Greens demand investigation into the murder Call on the Commonwealth to act 15 July 2010 • Global Greens Statement The Global Greens express their deep shock and sadness at the murder of Rwandan Greens Vice President Mr. Andre Kagwa Rwisereka on 13 July 2010. Mr. Rwisereka was a prominent member of the Rwandan Greens which has been systematically blocked from registering as a political party. The assassination of André Kagwa Rwisereka is a tragic event that requires a strong reaction from the Rwandan institutions. The murderers of André Kagwa Rwisereka must be identified and brought to justice. Mr. Rwisereka’s murder appears to be another sign of the growing repression of Rwandan opposition groups and media as President Paul Kagame prepares for elections in August. There is serious doubt whether the elections will be free and fair. The Global Greens call on the international community to react to the increasing violations of human rights and democratic rules in Rwanda. The Global Greens call on the Commonwealth to act immediately to enforce its standards of human rights and democracy. Rwanda was admitted to the Commonwealth less than one year ago, in December 2009, against the clear advice of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI). If the Commonwealth fails to act, now that the CHRI warnings about Rwanda are being bourne out, it will signal the Commonwealth’s shallow commitment to its values. The Global Greens call on Green Parties around the world to raise the Rwandan situation with their governments and to request they take action to ensure that members of Green and other opposition parties are able to safely pursue their democratic rights The Rwandan government must also guarantee the safety of opposition groups and individuals and their freedom to speak out against the regime. We send our deepest sympathy to Mr Rwisereka’s family and colleagues. The Global Greens Coordination More information : James Tonson, secretary@globalgreens.org.au
MADRID — UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Friday called for a full probe into the deaths of a senior opposition party member and a journalist in Rwanda during talks in Madrid with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, his spokeswoman said. He expressed his concerns regarding the recent incidents which have caused political tensions in Rwanda ahead of August 9 presidential elections in the African country, his spokeswoman Vannina Maestracci told AFP. The UN chief also stressed the need to respect human rights and he encouraged the Rwandan authorities to carry out a full investigation into these incidents , she added. Three Rwandan opposition parties on Thursday called for an independent international investigation into the murder of opposition official Andre Kagwa Rwisereka and independent journalist Jean Leonard Rugambage. Rwisereka was the deputy president of the Rwandan Democratic Green Party, which along with the Unified Democratic Forces (FDU) and the Socialist Party (PS), called for the investigations. His nearly decapitated body was found dumped by a river on Wednesday. Rugambage, who was critical of Kagame’s government, was shot dead near his home on June 24. The Rwandan Democratic Green Party is unregistered and has no candidate for next month’s presidential elections. It has accused President Paul Kagame of blocking it from taking part in the polls. Ban and Kagame were in Madrid for the first meeting of the MDG Advocacy Group set up last month by the United Nations to advance the Millennium Development Goals, which include halving extreme poverty by 2015. Kagame and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero are the co-chairs of the group. But at the last minute Zapatero opted out of Friday’s meeting following protests that Kagame’s regime was linked to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. Spain was instead represented at the meeting by Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos and Zapatero met with the UN chief separately. http://www.google.com/hostednews/af
The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda welcomes the National Police’s efforts which have led to the arrest of the suspected murderer of our First Vice President Late Andre KAGWA RWISEREKA who was found dead on 14th July 2010. The National Police Spokesperson, Sup. Eric KAYIRANGA announced last night (15th July 2010) that they have put in custody, Thomas NTIVUGURUZWA, the last person to have talked to our Vice President. This is a good step taken in these investigations ; we had shared some of those details with the National police and the Rwandan Army. We hope that this suspect will not divert the police investigations but lead us to the killers of our Vice President and their real motives. Issued at Kigali, 16th July 2010 Frank HABINEZA Founding President Democratic Green Party of Rwanda
Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda (PCC) C/O B.P.6334 Kigali,Rwanda, Tel :+250 788563039,+250728636000,+250788307145 The Permanent Consultative Council of opposition parties in Rwanda (PCC), is deeply concerned and shocked on the death of the First Vice President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwannda, Mr.Andre KAGWA RWISEREKA. We strongly condemn this inhuman action. We call upon the Rwandan Government to quicken its investigations and bring these criminals to justice. We also call for an international independent inquiry over the assassination of a key opposition leader. The First Vice President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Mr.Andre KAGWA RWISEREKA who went missing yesterday 13th July 2010, was found dead on 14th July 2010. His head was almost completely removed from his body. He was born on 31st Dec 1949, in Rusenge, Nyaruguru, Southern Province, Republic of Rwanda. He went into political exile in the early 1960’s. He stayed in DRC, where he obtained a degree of Education, while in DRC he was one of the senior members of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front, especially in its struggle to liberate Rwanda. He has been a prominent businessman in Butare town. He was among the founding members of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, founded on 14th August 2009, at Hotel ex-Novotel in Kigali. He is survived with four children. In less than a month, the repression spree is alarmingly high rocketing : on 24th June 2010, Mr. Jean-Léonard RUGAMBAGE, a Rwandan Editor of UMUVUGIZI Newspaper, a critical voice, was shot dead in front of his home. Earlier that day, opposition members including Mr.Andre Kagwa RWISEREKA were arrested, many stayed in police custody for over a week, they revealed to the Judge serious marks of torture, ill-treatments and abusive hate language. On 19th June 2010, in Johannesburg, a Rwandan former Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General KAYUMBA NYAMWASA survived an assassination attempt. Another assassination case, was reported on 21st June 2010, in Gisenyi, Northern Rwanda of Denis Ntare SEMADWINGA, former Chief of Staff to General Laurent NKUNDA. SIBOMANA RUSANGWA Aimable Private Secretary for the Founder President of PS Imberakuri, was reported missing since 13th June whereabouts are completely unknown. Two local newspapers UMUSESO and UMUVUGIZI have been suspended while all the editing team of UMURABYO newspaper are now in police custody. Only a few days ahead of the presidential election, the Rwandan opposition is in a very sorry state. The Parti Social IMBERAKURI, has been split into two factions, a pro-government wing and another one represented by Maitre Bernard NTAGANDA, the founding President of PS Imberakuri, currently in a Kigali maximum prison for politically motivated crimes. Most of his colleagues were also arrested and released on bail. They told court and prosecution that they had been tortured while in detention. The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda , has been prevented from registering after trying several times, its recent attempt was when it requested the Government to grant it permission to have a founding congress on 4th June 2010, so that is able to participate in the elections, but it never received any response from Gasabo District. Earlier alone it had officially requested the Ministry of Local Government which is in charge of political parties to intervene in its situation. It never received any official response, despite after having been invited to one meeting with Ministry officials. The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, still hopes that the Government will respond positively to its earlier requests. The FDU INKINGI, not yet registered as well, is facing a critical situation. It’s Chair, Ms Victoire INGABIRE UMUHOZA is still under extended house arrest ; Mr. Sylvain SIBOMANA, the party Secretary General and Ms. Alice MUHIRWA, the party Treasurer, have been released on bail. FDU Inkingi has tried several times to get registered but could not be allowed. The FDU-Inkingi had officially requested the Ministry of Local Government which is in charge of political parties to intervene in its situation, despite after having been invited to a meeting with Ministry officials. It never received any official response. The Permanent Consultative Council of opposition Parties in Rwanda (PCC) calls for an independent international investigations on the assassination of the opposition key figure Mr. Andre KAGWA RWISEREKA, the murder of the journalist Jean-Léonard RUGAMBAGE and other allegations of tortures or death threats to opposition members. We call upon the Government of Rwanda to use all means possible to ensure that there is peace and tranquillity in Rwanda, especially before and after the August Presidential elections. We also call upon the Rwandan Government to allow the opposition parties get registered and work freely, release Maitre Bernard NTAGANDA of PS Imberakuri and waive all criminal charges levelled against opposition members. Issued at Kigali, 15th July 2010 Mrs. Victoire INGABIRE UMUHOZA Chairperson, United Democratic Forces, FDU INKINGI Mr. Frank HABINEZA Chairman, Democratic Green Party of Rwanda Mr. Theobald MUTARAMBIRWA Secretary General, PS Imberakuri
The First Vice President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Mr.Andre KAGWA RWISEREKA who went missing yesterday 13th July 2010, has been found dead this morning of 14th July 2010. His head was almost completely removed from his body. He was found dead in the same wetland of River Mukula just about 3 Kms away from Butare town, where his car was dumped. His brother Antoine HAGUMA confirms seeing the dead body. During our visit to Butare yesterday, we found out that his national ID, driver’s license, house keys and car keys were found inside the dumped car, now packed at Police Headquarters in Huye-Butare town. His passport was also found in his house ; TABA-Butare Town. Issued at Kigali, 14th July 2010 Frank HABINEZA, Founding President, Democratic Green Party of Rwanda
Mr.Andre KAGWA RWISEREKA, First Vice President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, has gone missing. His car (Toyota Pick Up) has been found on the banks of River Mukula in Butare (Huye-Southern Province) near Burundi, according to family sources. We understand that officers of National police have arrived at the scene, we call for quick results. We would also like to call upon the Rwandan Government to use all means possible and inform us the whereabouts of our Vice President. We shall update you on new developments as they come. Issued at Kigali, 13th July 2010 Frank HABINEZA, Founding President Democratic Green Party of Rwanda
The Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda (PCC) C/O. B.P. 6334 Kigali , Rwanda , Tel : +250 788563039,+250 728636000, +250 788307145 Press Release : Detained victims of the last police crackdown on opposition still in agony. The National Electoral Commission (NEC) is wrapping up nominations for Presidential Candidates today, as opposition politicians arrested last week when it started receiving nominations are still imprisoned, under torture and suffering inhumane torments in police cells. The victims are in agony and have been denied medical care. The Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda (PCC) is deeply concerned with this inhumane treatment from state organs. There are persecuted because they are opposed to the ruling party and were demonstrating for their civil and constitutional rights, since the National Electoral Commission in complicity with other Government institutions have blocked the genuine opposition from participating in the upcoming August presidential elections. The planned demonstration on 24th June 2010 was sabotaged by the Government when Maitre NTAGANDA Bernard, founding president of PS Imberakuri was violently grabbed from his home by agents of the National Police. Since then he has been day and night in handcuffs in different police cells. The Party Secretary General, Theobald MUTARAMBIRWA and several Imberakuri members are still held up. The same day several members of FDU Inkingi were arrested. Though some have been released others are submitted to severe tortures and denied medical attention. Ms. Alice MUHIRWA, the party treasurer, is still bleeding due to boots kicks into her stomach. Mr. Sylvain SIBOMANA, the party secretary general, needs an urgent x-ray as he was hardly beaten several times while his legs and arms were tied behind his back. Mr. Theoneste SIBOMANA (party leader in Kigali) needs a concussion evaluation after head injury which was bunged on wall many times during torture. The medical condition of the following prisoners is not known : the party lawyer Maitre Theogene MUHAYEYEZU, and the party member Martin NTAVUKA. They all have symptoms of torture and degrading treatments. How can the incumbent President Paul KAGAME, his regime and police explain the arbitrary arrests, torture, inhuman and cruel treatment of the opposition leaders ? We call upon the Rwandan Government to immediately release these political prisoners without any further delay and investigate the reported cases of torture and barbaric martyrdom. Issued at Kigali, 2nd July 2010 Mrs. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza Chairperson, United Democratic Forces Mr. Frank Habineza Chairman, Democratic Green Party of Rwanda
