Rwanda Detains Journalist and Opposition Figures in Repressive Crackdown

December 05, 2025 – Rwanda – 

Amnesty International condemned Rwanda for detaining journalist Théoneste Nsengimana alongside eight members of the unregistered opposition party Dalfa‑Umurinzi. The arrests stemmed from attendance at a training workshop on peaceful protest tactics, inspired by Srdja Popović’s Blueprint for Revolution, held in late 2021.

The detainees—charged with forming a criminal association, inciting unrest, and distributing harmful propaganda—have endured nearly three years of pre-trial detention under vague legal definitions. Rwandan authorities are reportedly seeking sentences ranging from 20 years to life in prison.

Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, denounced the case as a blatant violation of fundamental rights: “No one should face prosecution for the peaceful expression of their views.” She urged their “immediate and unconditional” release, stressing the action constitutes “a travesty of justice” and serves to stifle dissent through fear.

Among those detained is journalist Théoneste Nsengimana—his supposed “crime” being merely the intention to cover the opposition training event. His arrest highlights an alarming expansion of repression targeting both journalists and peaceful political opponents.

The broader context reveals a government pattern under President Paul Kagame: crushing political pluralism and constricting civic freedoms. Prominent dissidents—including Victoire Ingabire and Diane Rwigara—have also faced trials, travel bans, arrests, or disqualification from elections, illustrating a sustained campaign to eliminate credible political competition.

Rwanda’s press remains tightly controlled, with independent journalists facing harassment, intimidation, and legal jeopardy. The suppression of civil society is reinforced through provisions against “genocide ideology,” used to imprison dissenters, and a fear-based environment where pro-democracy voices are swiftly silenced.

Reference –

Rwanda: Authorities must immediately release detained journalist and members of political opposition