Free Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza
The Campaign
Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza is the leader of the Unified Democratic Forces (FDU-Inkingi) opposition party. In January 2010 she returned to Rwanda after 16 years in exile to stand in the presidential election. Within days she was blocked from registering her party, and within months she was arrested.
In 2012 she was sentenced to 8 years in prison. In December 2013 the Supreme Court increased her sentence to 15 years on appeal. Her convictions rested on statements she made about the need to remember all victims of the genocide, including Hutu victims, and on her peaceful political activity. The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights later found that Rwanda had violated her freedom of expression.
Why It Matters
Ingabire's prosecution embodies the regime's determination to exclude any genuine opposition from Rwandan political life. The message of her trial was that whoever dares to challenge the ruling party will be arrested, silenced and locked away.
Our Demands
The Global Campaign for Rwandans' Human Rights calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, the restoration of her full political rights, and international pressure to end the criminalisation of peaceful opposition politics in Rwanda.
Take Action
Write to the President of Rwanda
Make your voice heard. Write directly to President Paul Kagame and ask him to act on our request. Your letter can help secure justice, freedom, and dignity for the victims of human rights violations in Rwanda.
Addressed to the Office of the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Kigali. Join others in calling for accountability and respect for human rights. You can also report abuse or request advocacy through us.