Rights Body Accuses Rwanda of Overseas Threats and Killings of Critics

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Rwanda’s government of engaging in a campaign of “extraterritorial repression,” including murder, attacks, and disappearances of critics beyond its borders. HRW called for international action against these actions.

Rwanda, led by President Paul Kagame since the 1994 genocide, is set to extend his rule in upcoming elections. According to HRW, the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front has responded aggressively to perceived threats, not limited to critics within the country. The report, based on interviews with over 150 people, documented numerous cases of violence, including killings, kidnappings, disappearances, and physical attacks against Rwandans in the diaspora, along with efforts to extradite critics from abroad.

Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo dismissed HRW’s claims as a distorted portrayal of Rwanda. Meanwhile, the UK Supreme Court held hearings regarding the British government’s plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.

HRW’s report highlighted frequent violent abuses, particularly in African countries where Rwanda has a presence, with some countries potentially colluding or turning a blind eye to these acts. In Mozambique, where Rwandan troops are involved in peacekeeping, HRW found cases of suspicious deaths and harassment of Rwandans.

While such attacks are less common in Europe and North America, they contribute to a climate of fear among the diaspora. Kagame’s government also targets the relatives of those it cannot directly reach, further exerting control. HRW emphasized that countries with close ties to Rwanda rarely address human rights concerns publicly in their interactions with the Rwandan government.

HRW called for accountability for Rwanda’s human rights violations, both domestically and abroad, emphasizing the need for international recognition of these issues. However, the Rwandan government defended its progress in advancing the rights and well-being of its citizens and rejected what it saw as a politicized agenda.

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