In a public statement published on the Rwandan media platform IGIHE.COM on 22 February 2026, Dr Bizimana Jean Damascène is quoted as accusing Ms Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza of being a « terrorist » who « supports and seeks support for all kinds of armed groups carrying out attacks in the country with the aim of destabilising Rwanda and overthrowing the leaders elected by the people ». He also alleges that Ms Ingabire is « supported by a fringe of extremists”.
The minister made this statement during the dialogue with the Rwandan community in Europe on 21 February 2026 in Paris. Ms. Ingabire, a high-profile figure in the Rwandan opposition, is currently detained and her trial is ongoing. The minister’s statement was made ten days before Ms. Ingabire’s scheduled Supreme Court hearing on 4 March 2026. During this hearing, Ms. Ingabire and her legal counsels will argue her arrest and subsequent detention were in violation of the constitution.
The Fondation Victoire pour la Paix condemns in the strongest terms the venomous accusations made by a senior member of the Rwandan cabinet. Not only do these accusations incite hatred and violence against Ms Ingabire, but they are also intended to influence the judges’ ruling in the hearing scheduled for 4 March 2026 and prepare public opinion to accept a government-sponsored verdict.
It should be noted that Ms Ingabire’s arrest on 19 June 2025 followed consistent threats made over time by several senior government figures, including the Rwandan Minister for National Unity and Civic Engagement. The latter publicly claimed on social media that Ms Ingabire was inciting a new genocide in Rwanda.
The Fondation Victoire pour la Paix condemns the irresponsible behaviour and venomous public accusations made by a senior Rwandan government official responsible for national unity and civic engagement against Ms Ingabire, particularly in the run-up to her court hearing. Indeed, findings by independent organisations such as Freedom House and various other human rights organisations have corroborated the fact that the Rwandan judicial system is influenced by the executive branch, particularly in cases involving high-profile political figures.
The Fondation Victoire pour la Paix reiterates its call to the international community to condemn the interference of the executive in the case against Ms Ingabire, as well as the public incitement to hatred and violence against her. The fact that a senior minister, who is supposedly in charge of national unity and civic engagement, has publicly condemned an individual who is presumed innocent until proven guilty amply demonstrates the political nature of Ms Ingabire’s arrest and detention, as well as the upcoming trial. This therefore highlights the urgent need for decisive action to secure Ms Ingabire’s release.
Done in Brussels, 24 February 2026
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