A high court in Rwanda has ruled to block vibrant opposition leader Victoire Ingabire from running in the upcoming July presidential election.
She was seeking the court could lift a ban on her which would enable her to participate in the elections.
Victoire Ingabire was freed in 2018 after spending eight years in prison for threatening state security and “belittling” the 1994 genocide.
Per Rwanda’s regulations regarding elections, people who have been jailed for more than six months are barred from running in elections.
She believes the court’s ruling was politicised.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), she said: “The refusal of my rehabilitation is not merely a personal attack but is emblematic of the broader issues facing our nation, issues that human rights organisations and development partners of Rwanda have long criticised.”
“It underscores the prevailing concerns about the independence of the judiciary, the restriction of political rights and the suppression of alternative voices in Rwanda.”
She emphasized that the High Court’s “decision is a stark reminder of the barriers to political participation and the urgent need for reform in our country’s governance.”
“The refusal of my rehabilitation is not merely a personal setback but is emblematic of the broader issues facing our nation, issues that human rights organizations and development partners of Rwanda have long criticized.”
“This moment in Rwanda’s history should be marked as a turning point, the court’s decision is a missed opportunity for Rwanda to take meaningful strides toward establishing a genuine democracy. It not only impacts my ability to contribute to Rwanda’s political landscape but also restricts the Rwandan people’s capacity to explore diverse political perspectives.”
She was quick to add that she is “committed to continuing the struggle for the establishment of genuine democracy in Rwanda, advocating for respect for human rights and the rule of law. The path towards change is often fraught with obstacles, but it is through perseverance and collective effort that we can aspire to a more just and democratic society.”
Ms Ingabire is an outspoken critic of President Paul Kagame, who has been the dominant force in the country for three decades.
Before this ruling, she was seen as one of the strongest opposition figures to contest president Kagame.
There is currently only one challenger to the president in July’s election in the shape of the Green Party’s Frank Habineza, the AFP news agency reports.
