http://greenparty.ca/statement/2010 15 July 2010 2:45pm OTTAWA — A full investigation is needed into the actions of the Rwandan Government, political violence and the ongoing Presidential elections. The Green Party of Canada wishes to convey our deep concern over the news of the death of the Rwandan Greens’ Vice President Mr. Andre Kagwa Rwisereka who went missing yesterday on July 13th. Mr. Kagwa Rwisereka was found dead this morning near the River Mukula. This follows a series of actions by the Kagame government to harass and arrest opposition leaders and political rivals. The Green Party of Rwanda has been consistently stymied by the actions of local government officials who have repeatedly interfered with the Party’s ability to register as an official party. Two of these attempts involved violence that broke up the meetings. In the fall of 2009, Rwanda became a member of the Commonwealth with the backing of Canada, Britain, and Australia, among other nations, despite a report in July, 2009, by the Commonwealth’s own Human Rights Initiative which expressed deep reservations over the country’s human rights record. In particular, it noted that Rwanda needed to “Tackle a lack of political freedom and harassment of journalists…” Harassment of journalists and newspaper agencies has increased dramatically during this past election year and since Rwanda was admitted to the Commonwealth. The Canadian government has been silent on the elections in Rwanda and the actions of President Paul Kagame’s government. The Green Party of Canada wishes to reiterate its support for founding President Mr. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and the President of the African Greens Movement. The Green Party of Canada also remains in solidarity with the aspirations of the peoples of the continent of Africa to have their nations and communities embrace and build democratic societies which can live free from violence and environmental degradation. We strongly encourage the government of Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, and all other government officials to reverse its recent descent into undemocratic practice and turn its energies towards a fully democratic, inclusive and peaceful society. We recognize that Rwandan society can and should be among the leading societies on the African continent in the efforts to combat climate change and environmental degradation which remains the greater overall threat to the future of all Africans. We are disturbed by this recent news and once again, respectfully petition His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, and all other government officials concerned to do the following : [a] To conduct a full investigation into the death of Mr.Andre Kagwa Rwisereka and all other acts of political violence ; [b] To do or perform any other act that is politically and legally conducive to the successful registration of democratic political parties ; [c] To continue to adhere to internationally accepted democratic principles so that the culture of multiparty democracy is entrenched in Rwandan society. 30 Contact Information : Debra Eindiguer Press Secretary C : 613.240.8921 media@greenparty.ca
http://europeangreens.eu/menu/news/ [tt_news]=2064 tx_ttnews[backPid]=1 cHash=acd2e1152e The First Vice-President oft the Rwandan Democratic Green Party, Mr Andre Kagwa Rwisereka, who went missing early on Tuesday 13th July, has been found dead near the town of Butare in the south of Rwanda. Mr Rwisereka’s body had been badly mutilated and his car had been dumped close to where his body was found. His body was identified by his brother. The Co-Spokespersons of the European Green Party, Monica Frassoni and Philippe Lamberts, have expressed their deepest sympathy for Mr Rwisereka’s family, friends and colleagues and called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death : “This is extremely shocking and distressing news .We would like to send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Andre Kagwa Rwisereka and his colleagues in the Rwandan Democratic Green Party. We call on the Rwandan authorities and police to launch a thorough investigation into his death and for its findings to be published. We also reiterate our call to the Rwandan authorities to do much more to protect the freedom and safety of opposition politicians. “ “We also urge the EU to look into this case as a matter of urgency and to inform the Rwandan government about its concerns. We will be contacting the Rwandan embassy in Brussels to obtain more information about this terrible situation. “ NOTES FOR EDITORS : The Media Release of the Rwandan Democratic Green Party can be found here : http://rwandagreendemocrats.org/spi The Statement by the Spokesperson of the EU’s High Representative Catherine Ashton on the murder of Andre Rwisereka can be found here : http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedo
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
