'There is a line that must not be crossed,' President Kagame said during the 17th Unity Club Forum.
He pointed out that some individuals who were pardoned have repeatedly ignored cautionary advice, leaving the government no choice but to consider stricter measures.
Although he did not explicitly mention her name, his remarks clearly alluded to Ingabire, reflecting growing national frustration with her actions.
Misplaced international recognition
In a recent development, James Cook University in Australia invited Ingabire to speak on "Justice and Political Reforms in Rwanda," describing her as a 'champion of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.'
This characterization has sparked widespread criticism from those familiar with her past, questioning how someone with a documented history of genocide denial and divisive politics could be elevated to such a status.
Ingabire's controversial history is well-documented. In 2010, during a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, she infamously called for recognition of a so-called "Hutu genocide," remarks that were widely condemned as denial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Her actions during and after her imprisonment have consistently undermined the spirit of reconciliation and unity in Rwanda.
Despite requesting clemency while in prison, Ingabire later publicly denied doing so, even though her written appeals for a pardon remain on record. Following her release, she resumed political activities through her unregistered party, FDU-Inkingi, which has been linked to individuals and groups involved in destabilising Rwanda.
A legacy of division
Far from promoting inclusivity, Ingabire has been accused of advancing an agenda rooted in ethnic division. In 2019, during a meeting in Kirehe District, she allegedly directed her supporters to recruit new members but explicitly excluded Tutsis. Witnesses reported that she focused her recruitment efforts on unemployed Hutu youth, further fueling concerns about her divisive rhetoric.
To obscure scrutiny, Ingabire rebranded her political platform, renaming FDU-Inkingi as DALFA-Umurinzi in late 2019. Critics, however, argue that the underlying ideology of her party remained unchanged. This was evident when affiliates of her former party were implicated in an attack carried out on October 4, 2019, in Musanze District that claimed the lives of 14 innocent civilians.
Manipulating global platforms
Since her release, Ingabire has leveraged international media and institutions to criticize Rwanda, portraying the country's political and judicial systems as repressive. While positioning herself as a victim of political persecution, her rhetoric often aligns with narratives promoted by subversive groups against Rwanda.
In an October interview on a YouTube channel, she criticised Rwanda's legal system and claimed it was the reason the UK delayed deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda. She also dismissed calls from Rwandan citizens for stronger security measures as 'warmongering,' ignoring the broader national interest in safeguarding stability.
Ties to armed groups
Ingabire's connections to armed groups have repeatedly come under scrutiny. Her former party, FDU-Inkingi, has been linked to the Coalition of Democratic Forces (CDF), an offshoot of the genocidal FDLR militia. Court testimonies and evidence have highlighted her involvement in funding and planning activities designed to disrupt Rwanda's peace.
Ingabire has publicly praised the Wazalendo militia, a group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite its well-documented atrocities, including attacks on civilians, she has described the group as defenders of their rights and resources.
She has also been named in various UN Group of Experts reports on the DRC for her connections with the infamous FDLR. Notably, the 2009 report documented that Ingabire and her party, FDU-Inkingi, maintained regular contact with FDLR leaders.
In 1998, Victoire Ingabire was appointed as the Netherlands coordinator of the RDR, a so-called "political party" formed in the Mugunga refugee camp in the former Zaire by members of the genocidal government. As a leader of the RDR, Ingabire's primary objective was to deny the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Unchanging patterns of defiance
Since her arrival in Rwanda in 2010, Ingabire has consistently pursued a narrative of defiance, often dismissing national reconciliation efforts. Her continued disregard for the law and national values has strained Rwanda's commitment to fostering a culture of tolerance and forgiveness.
Her actions highlight the challenges of addressing individuals and groups that exploit international platforms to destabilise Rwanda. Despite the strides Rwanda has made in rebuilding from its tragic past, Ingabire's rhetoric and affiliations serve as a stark reminder of the persistent threats to national unity.
As Rwanda navigates these challenges, it remains crucial to prioritise national stability while ensuring accountability for those who undermine peace and security. Ingabire's case underscores the importance of vigilance and the collective responsibility to safeguard the nation's hard-earned progress.
IGIHE
