The Rwandan government continues its demonization of Victoire Ingabire

Victoire Ingabire, a key figure in the opposition, continues to face a smear campaign by the Rwandan government, accused of connections with the FDLR and promoting genocidal ideology. Dr. Jean-Damascène Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, reiterated these claims during a parliamentary session on March 5, 2025.

These accusations highlight President Paul Kagame's regime's strategy to suppress dissent under the guise of fighting ethnic division.

After returning from exile in the Netherlands in 2010, Ingabire announced her intention to run for the presidential elections, an act that immediately led to repression by the regime.

Upon her arrival, her visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and her questions about the fate of Hutu victims of violence were construed as denial of the Tutsi genocide. This manipulation of history by the Rwandan government justified her arrest and conviction on spurious charges of "denialism" and "conspiring against the state."

The Kigali regime's accusations against Ingabire are not new. In 2010, her trial featured controversial testimony from Tharcisse Nditurende, a former FDLR officer, who allegedly claimed she had ties with the group.

However, it is well known that opposition trials in Rwanda are orchestrated by the state, with testimony obtained under pressure. In 2013, Ingabire was sentenced to 15 years in prison, a verdict aimed solely at silencing one of the few political voices capable of challenging Kagame's power.

Released by a presidential pardon in 2018, the Rwandan government now attempts to rewrite this history, claiming she never sought forgiveness and remains dangerous. Since her release, Ingabire has consistently called for inclusive national dialogue, advocating for a more open political climate, which poses a direct threat to Kigali's authoritarian regime.

Minister Jean-Damascène Bizimana, adhering to government rhetoric, attempted to link Ingabire to armed movements, suggesting a continuity between her past engagements and current activities.

By stating there is "no difference between Ingabire of DALFA and Ingabire of the FDLR or RDR," he continues a strategy of criminalizing the opposition, equating any criticism of the government to an attempt to destabilize the country.

The Kagame regime, which portrays itself as a model of development and stability, relentlessly uses the genocide narrative to justify political repression. In 2019, it accused Ingabire of organizing a secret meeting in Kirehe district, where she allegedly recruited members based on ethnic lines.

This absurd claim is part of a defamation campaign where any political adversary is depicted as a dangerous extremist.

Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo attacked Ingabire again in March 2024, stating she was neither a political opponent nor a human rights activist but an incorrigible criminal. This statement perfectly illustrates the regime's propaganda, where any critique is equated to a conspiracy against the state.

Victoire Ingabire's case demonstrates how the Rwandan government manipulates justice to crush the opposition. By keeping her under surveillance and periodically renewing accusations against her, Kigali seeks to block any real political debate. Meanwhile, Paul Kagame, backed by costly media campaigns and polished communication, attempts to present himself as a strong, modernizing leader.

However, behind this facade lies a regime where political repression is systematic, fear is a governance tool, and the political opposition is hunted, arrested, or forced into exile. The persecution of Victoire Ingabire illustrates a dictatorship fearful of any political alternative and, after nearly 30 years in power, shows no intention of opening the democratic space.