We, members of the Executive Committee of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, strongly condemn the statements made to different media houses by Mr.Charles KABANDA, Mr.Vincent NSHIMIRIMANA and Ms. Jean Marie Vianey KANTENGWA, who defected from the party on 22 April 2010. We strongly condemn their statements, due to the following reasons : 1. The allegations made to the Founding President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Mr.Frank HABINEZA, that he made statements they don’t agree with while in the African Greens Congress, Kampala, Uganda. This is a total lie. It was actually Mr.Charles KABANDA who presented the report on Rwanda and not Frank Habineza. 2. The Party Leadership has been having serious concerns on these two men, Mr.Charles KABANDA and Mr.Vincent NSHIMIRIMANA : • Charles KABANDA : ever since he became a member of the party, he has never publically condemned the harassment and intimidation done to the Green Party, yet as a Secretary General it was in his capacity and duties to do so, but rather he was always giving excuses of not wanting to talk to the media and also discouraging the Leadership from doing so. This behavior indicated that he was not totally a committed member of Green Party, and thus had one leg in the party and another leg somewhere else. We had tolerated that behavior and discussed it with him, hoping that time will come for him to change. The truth is now clear. He has exposed himself. • Vincent NSHIMIRIMANA : Ever since he became a member of the Green Party, we started getting information of an infiltrator/spy amongst our midst (at one occasion he was confronted by someone who had information about him spying on us, and this was done in the presence of the President of the Party, though he denied it). Some of our internal discussions and decisions in party meetings used to be heard outside the office and we would wonder who was it, taking the party secrets and internal information outside the party, even some party documents used to get lost and be seen somewhere else. But because we knew that we never had any bad plans in our secrets, we became patient, believing that whoever was doing it would at some point in time change that behavior of betraying the party. Now, instead of changing this behavior, he has publically shown his true colors. • Ms. KANTENGWA Jean Marie Vianey : was probably mislead by these two men, they exerted a lot of pressure on her, that her life was in danger, if she remained in the party. They (Kabanda and Nshimirimana) actually had done the same to other party members but failed, (they did this as soon as the Party President had left the country to Holland). The Leadership of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, would like to inform all party members and Rwandans in general, that the going away (defection) of those people, is a big blessing, because they have been a heavy burden, we are so much relieved now that their evil plans have come to pass, their plan to destroy the party has failed and they can never afford it. We wish them a good journey. We shall communicate to you soon about their replacements. Issued at Kigali 26th April 2010 Signed by Green Party Leadership (se) : 1. Frank HABINEZA , President (se) 2. RWISEREKA KAGWA Andre, First Vice President (se) 3. UWINEZA Jeanine, Second Vice President (se) 4. MUGISHA Alexis, Treasurer (se) 5. NTEZIMANA Jean Claude, Organizing Secretary (se)
The Leadership of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, in its Executive Committee meeting of 5th May 2010, has replaced the vacant position of the Secretary General and re-organized the Executive Committee membership. The new Secretary General, Ms. Didacienne KANGEYO is a former member of Social Democratic Party (PSD), she worked at the Party Headquarters, as a National Permanent Secretary, for 6 years, since 2002-2008. Her brother NGANGO Felician, was a founder member and former First Vice President of PSD, he was assassinated in 1994 during the genocide. She joined the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, in October 2009 ; she is a mother of three, and a Social Scientist by profession. The other new entrants are : Ms. Diane MUYISENGE (Communication Secretary) Mr. Martin NSENGIYUNVA (Organising Secretary) and Ms. Carine MAOMBE (Deputy Treasurer General). Other details will be given in a separate Press Release
On the 24th March, 2010 the interim leaders of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda held a meeting with the representatives of the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), discussing issues related to the registration of The Green Party. The democratic Green party of Rwanda (in-formation) was represented by Mr.Frank HABINEZA, Founder and Interim President and Mr.Charles KABANDA, Interim Secretary General, while the Ministry of Local Government was represented by Mr.Fred MUFURUKI, Director of Good Governance (in charge of political parties) and Mr.Oswald BURASANZWE, Director of Legal Affairs. During the meeting that lasted nearly two hours, the representatives of both sides brainstormed on how all obstacles hindering the registration process of The Green Party could be resolved so that the Party can get registered. Several issues were discussed, including : the problems that erupted in the Green Party Congress of 30th October 2009, the issue of a need of a police clearance requested by the District of Gasabo and the response given by the National Police, which ensured police’s commitment to protect people and their property. It was agreed that during the next consultative meeting both parties will lay down strategies which will ensure an organized and peaceful Party founding Congress. The Interim Leadership of the Democratic Green party of Rwanda would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the leadership of MINALOC for having organized such a wonderful meeting. We would like to further emphasize that such an approach of seeking solution to problems through amicable means such as discussions should always characterize our dealings so that together we can build a stronger and better Rwanda. Issued at Kigali, 24th March 2010 Frank HABINEZA Interim President, Democratic Green Party of Rwanda
None, kuwa gatatu, taliki ya 24/03/2010, abayobozi b’Ishyaka Riharanira Demokarasi no Kurengera ibidukikije (Democratic Green Party of Rwanda) ar ibo Bwana Frank HABINEZA (Umuyobozi mukuru w’agateganyo) na Bwana Charles KABANDA (Umunyamabanga mukuru w’agateganyo) bahuye n’Intumwa za Minisiteri y’Ubutegetsi bw’Igihugu, Amajyambere Rusange n’Imibereho myiza y’Abaturage (MINALOC) aribo Bwana Fred MUFURUKI (Umuyobozi ushinzwe imiyoborere myiza na Bwana Oswald BURASANZWE (Umuyobozi ushinzwe amategeko). Mu biganiro byamaze hafi amasaha abiri, aba bayobozi baganiraga ku bibazo byerekeranye n’Ishyaka Riharanira Demokarasi no Kurengera Ibidukikije (Democratic Green Party of Rwanda). Abahagarariy e impande zombi bigiye hamwe icyakorwa kugi r a ngo inzitizi Ishyaka ryahuye nazo mu nzira yo kubona i byangombwa zivanweho maze Ish y aka rishobore gukorera ku mugaragaro nk’uko impande zombi zibyifuza. Haganiriwe ibintu byinshi, muri by o harimo : ibibazo byabaye mu nama ya Democra tic Green Party yo ku wa 30 Ukwakira 2009, ikibazo cyo gushaka icyemezo cya Polisi cyasabwe n’ A k a r er e ka Gasabo n’igisubizo cyatanzwe na Polisi y’igihugu gihamya inshingano za Polisi y’igihugu mu kurinda abaturage n’ibyabo. Impande zombi zemeranije ko inama izakurikira impande zombi zizafatira hamwe ingamba zatuma inama y’Ishyaka rya Gree n Pa rty iba mu mahoro n’it uze. Ubuyobozi bwa Democratic Green Party of Rwanda burashimira byimazeyo Minisiteri y’Ubutegetsi bw’Igihugu kuba yatumije iyo nama. Turifuza gushimangira koiyi ari inzira nziza yo gukemura ibibazo mu mahoro kandi turizera ko iyo nzira itazasubira inyuma, ahubwo ikaba ariyo igiye kujya ituranga ku rwego rwa buri munsi kugirango turusheho kubaka igihugu cyiza. Bikorewe i Kigali, kuwa 24/03/2010 Frank HABINEZA Umuyobozi w’agateganyo wa Democratic Green Party of Rwanda Soma itangazo ry’umwimerere
AFRICAN GREENS FEDERATION Report of the African Greens congress 15th-19th April, 2010, KAMPALA UGANDA April 15th 2010 Ugandan Greens congress : The Final result was the election of the National Executive Committee, of the already registered, Ecological Party of Uganda (EPU), headed by Mr.Charles Lwanga Baale. This also marked the final implementation of the MoU signed between NAPO/National People’s Organization and UGM/ Uganda Green Movement, that established the Ecological Party of Uganda. Mr.Thomas Kentos Bakyayita from UGM, became the Party’s Secretary General. Several members from both organization and two other parties that joined EPU were co-opted on the new committee. April 16th 2010 Regional meetings for Greens from Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa as well as those from the Indian Ocean Island states were held and two regional representatives (male female) were chosen from each region. (All names are needed) April 17th 2010 Official opening ceremony began at 9.30am with a welcome speech from Mr. Charles Lwanga, chair of the Ecological party of Uganda and host of the event. He welcomed delegates to Kampala, and also informed them that the president of Uganda, his Excellency General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was expected at the opening ceremonies, but due to other state engagements was running late and at the end was unable to come. The chairman of African Greens, Mr. Frank Habineza in his opening speech outlined the struggles that made this congress a reality. He concluded by asking for a moment of silence to be observed for the Late, Ms. Mwenya Mukula from Zambia who died shortly after her return from the congress preparatory meeting in Bohicon, Republique de Benin. A tree was planted at the hotel ( J M Airport Road Hotel, Kampala, Uganda) in her memory. The Tree was named MWENYA MUKULA and Greens will always come to this hotel to remember her. The representative from the HBF- Henrich Boll Foundation (Eastern and Horn of Africa), Mr. Hezron Gikanga, gave a key note address, he talked about HBF operations in Africa, and went further to talk about the complimentary roles of Non-governmental Organisations and Green parties in Europe and hoped that the African Greens federation will encourage membership from non- political Green organizations within the continent as well. Ms. Inger Schorling, from the Green Forum Sweden brought greetings of encouragement from the Swedish Greens and was pleased to finally see this congress become a reality. Mr. Juan Behrend, a member of the European Greens, representing the Global Greens Coordination and European Green Party, in his keynote address expressed his happiness at the formal coming together of the African Greens especially since it mirrors similar occurrences across the globe in Asia, Middle East, etc. He shared the challenges being faced by the European Greens, and encouraged the federation to move on. He promised to put in a word for the honoring of Mwenya Mukula at the next Global Greens activity. The opening ceremonies came to an end with an address from Mrs. Saraha Georget Rabeharisoa from the Green party of Madagascar. During the first plenary, the name of the organization was reviewed and from the five given available, delegates chose African Greens Federation / La federation des verts Africains with AGF / FEVA as acronyms in English and French respectively. At the 2nd plenary, the constitution of the Federation was reviewed and adopted by the Assembly after several amendments. April 18th 2010 Day four began with the elections of the executive committee of the federation as well as substitutes to global Greens coordination. Dr. Idris Muslim from Nigeria was the chairman of this session assisted by Mr. Antoine Kimyonvyi from Burundi. The delegates from Kenya sought to know the criteria for voting and being voted, after explanations from the chairman, they however opted to withdraw from the process claiming to disagree with the procedures. Mr. Zitouni, delegate from the Tunisia Green party also withdrew from the process due to a misunderstanding and disagreement of the electoral procedure. The process of voting was one country ; one vote and twenty- two countries participated in the elections, East Africa Uganda Rwanda Burundi Southern Africa Zambia South Africa West Africa Senegal Burkina Faso Mali Cote D’Ivoire Niger Nigeria Togo Ghana Benin Guinea Conakry North Africa Morocco Africa in the Indian Ocean Madagascar Mauritius Central Africa Democratic Republic of Congo Angola Chad RCA/ Central Africa Republic The posts were keenly contested for by multiple candidates except for the positions of President, 1st Vice President, and Secretary General which had single candidates. At the end of voting the following were elected into the executive committee ; NAME COUNTRY POST Mr. Frank Habineza Rwanda President Mr. Sere Adama Burkina Faso 1st Vice President Ms. Saraha Georget Rabeharisoa Madagascar 2nd Vice President Mr. Papa Meisa Dieng Senegal Secretary General Mr. Charles Lwanga Uganda Treasure Mr. Badono Daigou Tchad Publicity Secretary Ms. Bihiranke Anne Marie Burundi Women Greens Coordinator Ms. Winnie Quaye Ghana Female AYG Representative Mr. Kelvin Kaunda Zambia Male AYG Representative Sub-regions also submitted the names of their representatives on the AGF Executive Board, and they are ; NAME COUNTRY SUB-REGION Ms. Jean M.V. Kantengwa Rwanda East Africa Ms. Fatima Alaoui Morocco North Africa Mr. Laurent Avit Bokonas RCA Central Africa Mr. Idrissa Djagno Niger West Africa Mr. Laurent Anpilahy Madagascar Indian Ocean States Mr. Patrick Sindanane South Africa Southern Africa Ms. Nma Emeruwah from Nigeria was elected to replace Ms. Juliana Mugure on Global Greens Coordination, while Mr. Pembe Didace of Republique Democratique du Congo was elected to fill in the newly created additional position for (Africa) on the Global Greens Coordination. Mr.Frank Habineza and Mr.Adamou Garba, were also maintained on the Global Greens Coordination. In addition to this, four more positions were provided for as agreed by the GGC in its last deliberation for each continent to have Global Green s Coordination Substitutes and an extra person for Administration, the following were elected : NAME COUNTRY Dr. Idris Muslim Nigeria (African Administrative Secretary) Mr. Gregorio Nsumbu Angola (Member) Mr. Aime Padonou Benin (Member) Mr. Mohammed Tounkara Guinea (Member) Mr. Eddy Michel from Mauritius and Mr. Luc Atundu from RDC were elected as auditors to the federation. (Commissaires aux Comptes) This election took almost a whole day and at the end it was successful. At the third plenary, the AGF rules and procedures and the African Greens Charter were adopted. Also adopted is the Climate Change stand for African Greens as had been proposed. The meeting also adopted Membership fee as 100 USD and annual subscription fee as 50 USD. During the meeting , Nigeria, Madagascar and Morocco paid up. The meeting came to an end at 1.17AM on 19th April 2010. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING The next morning, the new Executive Board had a meeting, which discussed about communication strategies and future plans and a comprehensive presentation about hosting the 3rd Global Greens Congress in Africa by Mr.Juan Juan Behrend from EGP/GGC. The Executive committee also approved a motion of support for the Green Tunisia Party, led by Mr.Zitouni Abdelkader and it was signed by both the Federation President and Secretary General. Mr.Zitouni had asked for forgiveness for having moved out, he said he has been misled and he finally gave all his support to the new elected council. * Burkina Faso was proposed to host the headquarters of the Federation, since Kenya walked out. * Four countries designed by 4 African sub-regions (Senegal, Madagascar, Morocco, Rwanda) proposed their desire to host the next 3rd Global Greens Congress in Africa 2012 . (Two will be proposed to the appreciation of the Global Greens Organization. CONCLUSION Despite several challenges faced, the congress was a big success as it finally created the African Greens Federation, adopted the Constitution, Rules and Procedures, African Green Charter and elected a broad based committee. The revised documents will be sent out soon, with a detailed list of participants. On behalf of African Greens Federation Mr. Frank Habineza Dr.Papa Meisa Dieng President Secretary General LIST OF PARTICIPANTS AFRICAN GREENS CONGRES, 16th -18th April, 2010, KAMPALA UGANDA Venue : J M AIRPORT ROAD HOTEL Northern Africa Region 1. Morocco, Ms. Fatima Alaoui, Parti des Verts Pour le Développement du Maroc 2. Tunisia, Mr. Zitouni Abdelkader , Parti Tunisie Verte West Africa 1. Benin, Mr Aime Padonou, Benin Green Party 2. Nigeria : Nigerian Green Movement * Dr. Idris Muslim * Ms Nma Emeruwah 3. Senegal, Dr. Papa Meissa Dieng, Fédération Démocratique des Ecologistes du Sénégal (FEDES) 4. Mali, Mr. N’fa Diabate (Mayor), Mali Green Party 5. Burkinafaso : * Mr. Adama Sere, S.G, Rassemblement des Ecologistes du Burkina Faso, * Mrs TRAORE ASSETOU, Parti Ecologiste pour le Développement du Burkina 6. Guinea Conarky, Mr. Mohamed Tounkara, Guinea Green Party ( PVG) 7. Ivory Coast : Parti Ecologiste Ivoirien * Ms. Assemou Adja Edwige Nicole , 8. Togo, Mr. Adessou Kossivi, Jeunes Voluntaires pour I’Environnement ( JVE-Togo) 9. Ghana , Winnie Quaye, Ghana Green Movement 10. Niger, Mr.Idrissa Djagno, Rassemblement pour un Sahel Vert/Niger Green Party Southern Africa/Indian Ocean Islands 1. Zambia, Mr.Kelvin Kaunda, National Revolution Green Party 2. Mauritius, Mr. Eddy MICHEL, Les Verts Fraternels Mauritius 3. Madagascar, Madagascar Green Party * Ms. Saraha Georget Rabeharisoa * Mr. GEORGET Alexandre Marie, * Mr. Laurent AMPILAHY 4. Angola, Eng. Gregorio NSumbu MBala, Angola’s National Ecological Party 5. South Africa, Mr.Patrick Sindane, South African Social-Green Alliance Central Africa : 1. DRC : Parti Ecologique Congolais (PECO) * Mr. LUC ATUNDU * Mr. DIDACE PEMBE BOKIAGA (second delegate, half sponsored), 2. RCA, Mr. Laurent Avit BOKONAS, Mouvement des Verts de Centrafrique 3. Chad, Mr. Badono Daigou, Chad Green Party East Africa : 1. Kenya : Mazingira Green Party of Kenya Mr. Ngarama Karanu * Kenya Young Greens, 1. Mr. Philip Otieno 2. Mr.Gibson Amenya 3. Mr.Mohamed Nyange 4. Ms.Lilian Mutuku 5. Ms.Rachael Mutuku 6.Mr.Douglas Arege 7. Ms.Ann Bulimu (self sponsored) HBF 8. Ms. Lawrence Kabuthi (self sponsored) HBF 9. Ms.Rose Wachuka (self sponsored )HBF 2. Rwanda : Democratic Green Party of Rwanda 1. Mr. Charles Kabanda 2. Mr.Andre Rwisereka Kagwa 3. Mr. Mugisha Alexis, 4. Mr.Emanuel Murenzi, 5. Mr. Nshyimirimana Vincent 6. Ms. Jean Marie Kantengwa 7. Mr.Ntezimana Claude 8. Ms. Uwimana Jeanine 3. Uganda : Ecological Party of Uganda/Uganda Green Movement Host country : 10 delegates ( non-residents) LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE/UGANDA : 1. Mr.Chales Lwanga Baale, 2. Mr.Thomas Kentos Bakyayita 3. Mr.John Byarugaba 4. Ms.Anna Nafuna. 4. Burundi : Burundi Green Movement 1. Mr. KINYOMVYI Antoine 2. Ms.Ana Marie Bihirabake 3. Mr. Havyarimana Richard Official Translator : Ms.Jaye Allan (will come from Benin but originally from Australia and China) and will be assisted by, Mr. Patrick Adessou Kossivi from Togo. Global Greens Coordination Representatives for Africa : 1. Mr.Frank Habineza, Democratic Green Party of Rwanda GREEN FORUM SWEDEN /Swedish Green Party Ms. Inger Schorling, Heinrich Böll Foundation ( HBF) Eastern and Horn of Africa Region Mr. Hezron Gikanga ( self sponsored) HBF European Green Party/ Global Greens Coordination member Mr.Juan Behrend
The Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties in Rwanda which brings together : The United Democratic Forces–Inkingi, The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, Le Parti Social IMBERAKURI, is strongly disturbed with the warning Letter issued by the Minister of Local Government, Mr. James MUSONI, yesterday, 25th February 2010 to politicians and politicians to be in Rwanda. The Hon. Minister is flogging a dead horse, what he is saying is common knowledge. We are law abiding citizens and are committed to respecting the Laws in place and the Constitution. However, the letter seems to limit the little political space, that has started to be visible in Rwanda. This seems to be an attempt aimed at muzzling the democratic right of freedom of expression under the pretext of using the law. The Minister is stretching the interpretation of the constitution to its widest limits. This is intended to intimidate people into silence and to muzzle the freedom of speech. If the RPF Government is bent on silencing the opposition, it should not use the constitution. This is abuse of process. It’s in RPF’s advantage to open up political space. The Minister is quite right in reminding us. But what has prompted such a reminder ? Hope we shall be getting reminders every month as election fever heats up. This alarm raises serious concerns about the shadows, interpretations and limits of the current law on political parties. In this context, the absence of dialogue between the government and the opposition parties is harmful to the country’s governance. Local political actors and international partners of Rwanda urgently need to assess these risks and create a national political dialogue. Otherwise the political space will remain ultimately hermetically sealed off. The Ministry of Local Government is playing a key role in the democratisation process especially in handling the authorization of political meetings ; registering political parties and following up the eventual violations of laws. Authorisations for political parties to hold their founding congresses are denied with no reason ; political leaders are attacked and beaten in government offices ; political parties are harassed by the police and security services. Those are obvious signs of a political deadlock. The United Democratic Forces constitutional congress has been postponed because the local authority failed to respond to the application submitted. The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda was forbidden to hold its congress by the local administration on unclear grounds of security. The future of the Parti Social IMBERAKULI is at stake as well because of dissolution threats. We call upon the Government of Rwanda to prove its willingness to open up political space and let multiparty politics flourish as a matter of urgency. A political dialogue with the opposition and other stakeholders is urgently needed. We would also like to inform the Rwandan public that the three parties by forming a common platform (Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties) did not break any law, since they did not form a coalition or a political party’s forum. This is a political right as stipulated in the constitution ; we just used our freedom of association. Ms. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza FDU-UDF INKINGI Mr. Franck Habineza Democratic Green Party of Rwanda Maître Bernard Ntaganda Parti Social Imberakuri
Frank Habineza, who was physically threatened by an unknown person while at a Kigali Hotel known as Le Printemps admits having received this information but says he does not believe that this Government can do such a thing “I do not believe that RF can stoop so low by killing a person just simply because he/she has different views, but from what aim hearing anything is possible” UMUSESO NEWSPAPER No.396.of 22nd -01 March 2010 BAD PLANS HABINEZA TO BE KILLED IN 60 DAYS Translation of some text on Page 2 ………………. While Victoire Ingabire is in the process of being sent to Prison, another opposition politician Mr.Frank HABINEZA will be killed within 60 days. One of the security operatives who gave us the information had this to say Frank is going to be killed within 60 days, they have no case against him. They can’t charge him with harboring genocide ideology, neither genocide crime. They have been trying to frame him up but have not yet succeeded, yet he is the one fully supporting (giving courage) to Victoire Ingabire. Frank Habineza, who was physically threatened by an unknown person while at a Kigali Hotel known as Le Printemps admits having received this information but says he does not believe that this Government can do such a thing “I do not believe that RF can stoop so low by killing a person just simply because he/she has different views, but from what aim hearing anything is possible” Arrangements are being made to kill Frank Habineza, the party he is reading is at road blocks, still struggling to get registered
Désireux de renforcer l’essor démocratique de notre pays, de faire reconnaître le droit pour nos compatriotes d’exercer pleinement leurs droits politiques, de pouvoir confronter les différents projets de société afin de porter au pouvoir le parti politique et la personnalité qui aura pu les convaincre de la pertinence et de l’efficacité de son projet, Devant les nombreux obstacles administratifs et judiciaires dressés par le pouvoir en place afin d’empêcher les partis politiques de se faire enregistrer formellement, Vu que le seul parti agréé jusqu’à ce jour, est lui freiné dans son travail politique sur le terrain et ne peut accéder ni aux populations, ni aux médias publics, Considérant qu’il faut s’assurer à ce que les élections présidentielles prévues au mois d’août 2010 se déroulent de manière démocratique et dans la plus grande transparence possible, Convaincus que seule la mise en commun de nos forces respectives est la seule susceptible de frayer l’espace politique adéquat pour l’opposition politique, Nous, représentants des formations politiques suivantes : les Forces Démocratiques unifiées INKINGI, Le Parti Démocratique Vert du Rwanda, Le Parti social IMBERAKURI, Avons décidé de mettre en place une plateforme commune appelée : Conseil de concertation Permanente des Partis d’opposition, « Permanent Consultative Council of Opposition Parties » (PCC/CCP) L’objectif principal du Conseil est celui de définir des positions communes et de conduire ensemble dans cette perspective des actions de plaidoyer et de lobbying politique devant l’opinion publique nationale et internationale. Les domaines de collaboration communs sont pour le moment : 1. L’enregistrement des partis politiques ; 2. La diplomatie ; 3. Information et communication ; 4. La justice. D’autres domaines de collaboration pourront être inclus ultérieurement. Fait à Kigali, le 19 Février 2010. Madame Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza Présidente des Forces Démocratiques Unifiées Inkingi Monsieur Frank Habineza Président du Parti Démocratique Vert du Rwanda Me Bernard Ntaganda Président du Parti Social IMBERAKURI
FRANK HABINEZA B.P. 6334 Kigali, Tel : 078 85 630 39, Email : fhabineza@rwandagreendemocrats.org 25th February 2010 The Minister of Internal Security KIGALI, RWANDA Dear Sir, Re : Security Threat to My Life, Requesting for Protection. I would like to take this opportunity to draw your kind attention to very disturbing events that have in the recent past surrounded my daily life as the Chairman of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), a party that, as you very well know, is yet to be registered. Since Early February this year, there has been several verbal reports about my imminent demise through assassination. At first I dismissed that information as ordinary rumours that form part of the occupational hazard of a politician’s life. I had tried to ignore the various threats, intimidation and harassment I have been subjected to, including those committed to our members since 30th October 2009. However, subsequent events have forced me to reconsider all aspects relating to my security. Recent Press reports published in UMUSESO No.396, of 22 Feb-01 March 2010, on Page two, reveal that there are people who plan to kill me in 60 days, according to reliable sources. I also have information which I can’t substantiate that there are planned robberies, beatings, grenade attacks and harassment being prepared against my family in particular and other Senior Leaders of the party. Other details indicate that we are supposed to be assassinated before the August 2010 Presidential elections. Similar events have happened to Ms.Victoire Ingabire. She was beaten by a mob at Kinyinya Sector in Kigali also in February 2010. These security threats are preceded by an event that happened to me on 4th February 2010, while i was at Hotel Le Printemps, Kimironko, Kigali, sharing a soft drink with a friend Jean Paul MUDAHERANWA aka. Sunday, a certain person unknown to me approached us and greeted me in my names and then told me in a menacing voice, that they are watching me very closely and asked me why I was fighting them, yet they paid for my education. I reported the matter to Police on 5th February 2010 and on 9th February ; i gave a full statement to Remera Police Station in Gasabo District. In a country like Rwanda, which is supposed to follow the rule of law and trying to be democratic, where a significant community believes to be peaceful, these developments are very worrying. The Purpose of this letter is therefore to request you to use your good offices to verify these threats and if found true then bring the perpetrators to book. I would also like to request you to ensure my security in particular and that of the senior Leaders of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and fellow opposition Leaders in other yet to be registered parties. I am looking forward to getting a kind consideration from you. Yours Faithfully Frank HABINEZA Chairman, Democratic Green Party of Rwanda C.C : H.E. President of the Republic The Right Hon Prime Minister The Commissioner General of Police The Director General of National Security Services National Human Rights Commission All Embassies in Rwanda
