Rwanda: Stories That Made Headlines in 2023

The Republic of Rwanda was yet again on the spotlight as the year 2023 ended following the nation being linked to serious allegations from neighboring Burundi.

However, the President Paul Kagame led nation has since denied the allegations from the Burundian President claiming that it is backing a local rebel group.

Also, the nation was struck with shocking news about the death of one of the country’s main opposition figures Anne Rwigara on December 29.

Notably, the country has been on the spotlight for both good and bad throughout the year.

As such, The Kenya Times has compiled the top stories about Rwanda that made headlines in the year 2023.

Anne Rwigara’s death

The East African region was sent into shock following the news about the death of one of Rwanda’s most vocal opposition figures.

Anne Rwigara died at her home in California, United States on Thursday, December 28.

Reports reveal that she succumbed to multiple organ failures after complaining of stomach complications.

However, according to Anne’s mother, her daughter’s death was a mystery since she was not sick. 

“She was not sick. It’s just a matter of days.

It’s just a mystery,” her mother, Adeline Rwigara stated, expressing shock at the unfortunate demise.

Notably, the demise marked yet another tragedy in the Rwigara family, which began in 2017.

Anne’s sister Diane Rwigara in May 2017 announced she would run for presidency against the incumbent Rwanda president, Paul Kagame.

Also Read: Family Recalls Last Moments of Rwanda’s Opposition Figure Anne Rwigara

However, the National Electoral Commission would later stop Diane from participating in the election.

The commission further ruled that the hundreds of signatures she submitted for validation of candidacy, were forged.

Notably, in February 2015, the family patriarch, Assinapol Rwigara, a prominent businessman in the country, died in a car accident.

However, the Rwigara family contested this version of events, and asked President Paul Kagame to investigate the mysterious death.

Rwanda accused of funding rebels

Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye accused Rwanda of funding and training the RED-Tabara rebels, a rebel group opposing the ruling government.

Notably, the rebels claimed to have killed 10 security personnel in an attack on Gatumba border village last week.

Furthermore, the Kagame government has since denied the allegations by President Ndayishimiye.

In a statement on Saturday, December 30, the Rwandan Government said it has no association with any Burundian armed group.

“Rwanda is not associated, in any way, with any Burundian armed group,” the Rwandan government said.  

The nation further urged Burundi to address its concerns through diplomatic channels.

Consequently, relations between the two neighboring countries have remained tense for years.

The neighboring nations have both accused each other of meddling in their internal affairs over the years.

Notably, the RED-Tabara group is one of the several armed factions that oppose Ndayishimiye’s ruling party.

Based in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the armed group is estimated to have between 500 and 800 fighters.

Kenya in Rwanda

Across borders, Kenya also made headlines in the country this year through a major move in the financial sector.

Kenya’s Equity Bank claimed the move as it is set to acquire a new Rwandan subsidiary, Cogenbanque Rwanda as the lender seeks to anchor its regional footprints. 

This is following a public announcement published in June 2023, that notified the public that it would purchase 91.93 percent of shares in Cogenbanque Rwanda. 

At the same time, the bank noted that it was yet to receive one key approval, promising the completion of the acquisition.

Also Read: Equity Bank Set to Acquire Rwandan Bank

“We are looking to complete the acquisition by 30th November 2023,” Equity Group Chief Legal Officer, Gertrude Karugaba had stated on the matter.

Further, in the announcement of the purchase, it was noted that it would lead to the joining of Cogenbanque Rwanda with the group’s subsidiary.

Kagame on fourth term

Notably, President Paul Kagame on Tuesday, 19 September declared his intention to seek a fourth term in the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

This decision could extend his tenure to a quarter of a century in power.

Kagame, who assumed the presidency in 2000, became eligible for an additional decade in office following a constitutional amendment in 2015 that effectively altered term limits.

The Rwandan Constitution previously allowed the President to have a seven-year tenure renewable once, through a Constitutional change conducted in 2003.

However, the 2015 constitutional amendment allowed a president to serve two five-year terms commencing in 2017, which allowed Kagame to run for his third term.

In an interview with the pan-African Jeune Afrique magazine, Kagame confidently affirmed his candidacy.

“I am happy with the confidence that the Rwandans have shown in me.

I will always serve them, as much as I can. Yes, I am indeed a candidate,” said the former military officer.

Murkomen forced to apologize

Earlier in December, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, found himself on the receiving end following his remarks about Kagame.

Notably, his remarks on the Rwandan President, implied that he was a dictator who does not respect the rule of law. 

Murkomen had on December 18, 2023, called out the Rwandan leader, describing his leadership as an autocracy.

Also Read: Murkomen Forced to Clarify Remarks on President Kagame

In a media interview, Murkomen said it was needless to compare the two countries, since Rwanda is “even smaller than Kajiado county.”

“Rwanda is an autocracy and there whatever the President says is the law,” said Murkomen.

While making his clarifications the CS however stated how he admires Rwanda’s style of leadership which in return has brought them growth.

“I have expressed my admiration for Rwanda’s style of leadership which has made it possible for them to build good infrastructure and enforce discipline & order on their roads,” said Murkomen.