Rwandan Opposition Leader Ingabire Detained After Court Orders Conspiracy Probe

Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, leader of the unregistered opposition party DALFA-Umurinzi, has been summoned and subsequently detained by Rwandan authorities amid a trial alleging a conspiracy to overthrow the government through non-violent means. The High Court in Kigali directed prosecutors to investigate Ingabire's alleged involvement in a case concerning YouTuber Théoneste Nsengimana and eight co-accused, who are accused of organizing training sessions under the guise of English language courses to mobilize resistance. Ingabire has denied all allegations, stating her party never held official activities due to its lack of legal registration and that she had instructed a halt to political mobilization after failed registration attempts. The prosecution claims Ingabire and the others formed a criminal group inciting public disorder, with some detainees identifying her as their leader. The ongoing legal proceedings have drawn attention to the use of laws permitting the summoning of individuals believed to have relevant information in criminal cases, even if not initially charged, while highlighting political tensions surrounding opposition activities in Rwanda. The trial is set to resume on July 7, with investigations mandated to be completed within two weeks from June 20.