A new phase of the trial on the merits of Rwandan opposition figure Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza opened on Friday, 18 September 2026, before the High Court sitting in Kigali. This development has renewed concerns about the fairness of the proceedings and respect for political freedoms in Rwanda. The prosecution is expected to present its case and supporting evidence over four days, through Wednesday, 23 September, before the defence responds to the charges.
Victoire Ingabire, president of the opposition party DALFA-Umurinzi, was arrested on 19 June 2025 in connection with proceedings involving several members of her party and journalist Théoneste Nsengimana.
She faces charges including forming or participating in a criminal organisation, conspiring to commit offences against the government, inciting unrest, resisting lawful authority, organising or participating in unlawful demonstrations, and disseminating false information or harmful propaganda. She denies all the charges.
The prosecution alleges that Victoire Ingabire was involved in activities aimed at destabilising or overthrowing the government, including through political training and the promotion of strategies involving non-cooperation, boycotts and mobilisation. In support of its case, the prosecution has presented witness testimony, documents, and audio and video recordings.
The circumstances surrounding the proceedings have nevertheless raised serious concerns about the fairness of the trial. On 8 September, Victoire Ingabire challenged the composition of the three-judge panel hearing her case. Her request was rejected, and the court subsequently ordered the proceedings to continue.
These concerns must also be considered in light of the previous proceedings brought against Victoire Ingabire. In its judgment of 24 November 2017, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights found that Rwanda had violated her right to freedom of expression, as well as several guarantees relating to the right to a fair trial.
Her detention and prosecution have also drawn significant international attention. Amnesty International has described her detention as arbitrary and stated that the charges against her and the other defendants relate to peaceful political activities. The European Parliament has expressed concern over her arrest and identified serious irregularities affecting the proceedings. In July 2025, several independent United Nations experts formally raised concerns with the Rwandan government regarding her arrest, detention and prosecution.
Jambo ASBL calls on the Rwandan authorities to guarantee Victoire Ingabire all the rights associated with a fair trial, including effective access to legal counsel of her choosing, the opportunity to challenge the evidence presented against her, and an independent and impartial examination of her case.
In view of the findings and concerns already expressed by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the European Parliament, United Nations mechanisms and several international human rights organisations, these proceedings warrant sustained international scrutiny.
Beyond Victoire Ingabire’s individual case, these proceedings represent a major test for political pluralism, freedom of expression, genuine reconciliation and the possibility of a peaceful political environment in Rwanda.
Norman Ishimwe Sinamenye
President of Jambo ASBL
Press contact: info@jamboasbl.com