Source: The World Factbook. Washington, DC: Central Intelligence Agency; and Rwanda Demographic Profile.

International and Regional Human Rights Agreements

* Category includes ratification, accession, or succession to the treaty

Constitutional Framework

The Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda was adopted by referendum in May 2003 and revised through referendum several times, most recently in 2015.

Relevant constitutional provisions include:

Article 37: Freedom of conscience and religion • Freedom of opinion/thought/conscience Freedom of thought, conscience, religion, worship and public manifestation thereof is guaranteed by the State in accordance with the law. Propagation of ethnic, regional, racial discrimination or any other form of division is punished by law.

Article 38: Freedom of press, of expression and of access to information, Freedom of press Freedom of press, of expression and of access to information are recognized and guaranteed by the State.

Freedom of expression and freedom of access to information shall not prejudice public order, good morals, the protection of the youth and children, the right of every citizen to honor and dignity and protection of personal and family privacy.

Article 39: Right to freedom of association.

The right to freedom of association is guaranteed and does not require prior authorization. This right is exercised under conditions determined by law.

Article 40: Right to freedom of assembly

The right to freedom of peaceful and unarmed assembly is guaranteed. This right is exercised in accordance with the law. This right does not require prior authorization, except when provided for by the law.

National Laws and Regulations Affecting Sector

Relevant national-level laws and regulations affecting civil society include:

• Organic Law 55/2008 of 10/09/2008 Governing Non-Governmental Organizations;
• Law Number 04/2012 of 17/02/2012 Governing the Organization and Functioning of National Non-Governmental Organizations;
• Law Number 05/2012 of 17/02/2012 Governing the Organization and Functioning of International Non-Governmental Organizations;
• Law Number 06/2012 of 17/02/2012 Governing the Organization and Functioning of Religious-Based Organizations;
• Ministerial order Nº 001/07.01 OF 14/01/2013 Determining Additional Requirements for the Registration of Religious-based Organizations;
• Organic Law N° 10/2013/0L of 11/07/2013 Governing Political Organizations and Politicians;
• Law N° 47/2012 of 14/01/2013 relating to the Regulation and Inspection of Food and Pharmaceutical Products;
• Law N° 37/2012 of 09/11/2012 establishing the Value Added Tax (especially in Article 6 Paragraph 2 and other regulations);
• Law N° 72/2018 of 31/08/2018 determining the organization and functioning of faith-based organizations;
• Organic Law N° 005/2018 of 30/08/2018 modifying organic law N° 10/2013/ol. of 11/07/2013 governing political organizations and politicians;
• Regulations of Rwanda Governance Board N° 001 of 08/03/2019 governing faith-based organizations;
• Law N° 2/2013 on Regulating Media in Rwanda;
• Law N° 4/2013 of 08/02/2013 Relating to Access to Information; and
• Law Governing Foundations No 059/2021 OF 14/10/2021.

Pending NGO Legislative / Regulatory Initiatives

Please help keep us informed; if you are aware of pending initiatives, write to ICNL at ngomonitor@icnl.org.

Organizational Forms

The Organic Law Governing Non-Governmental Organizations (Law 55/2008 of October 9, 2008) defines non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as associations composed of natural persons or autonomous, voluntary collective organizations that aim to improve economic, social, and cultural development or advocate for the interests of specific groups, individuals, or the broader public. To operationalize this framework, three implementing laws were enacted in 2012, each governing a distinct organizational form:

• National NGOs;
• International NGOs operating in Rwanda; and
• Religious-based organizations.

Law No. 4/2012, which regulates national NGOs, recognizes three categories of national NGOs: public interest organizations, common interest organizations, and foundations (Article 3).

Both national and international NGOs are required to register and obtain legal personality in order to operate legally within the country.

Public Benefit Status

Rwandan law does not provide for a distinct “public benefit” status separate from the categories defined under the national NGO framework. However, once a national NGO has acquired legal personality—regardless of its classification—it enjoys tax exemptions and other benefits, in accordance with relevant legislation (Article 28). Additionally, NGOs that have signed memoranda of understanding with the Ministry of Health and the Government of Rwanda are eligible for exemptions on health commodities taxes.

Public Participation

The Rwandan Constitution guarantees the right and duty of all citizens to engage in the development and protection of the nation. Article 48 affirms that every Rwandan should participate in the development and defense of the country by safeguarding peace, democracy, equality, and social justice. Article 11 encourages the use of “homegrown initiatives” rooted in Rwandan values as a means to foster national unity and restore dignity.

Law No. 4/2012 affirms the role of NGOs in civic life, granting them the right to contribute to national policy-making and legislative processes. Specifically, Article 28 states that NGOs may propose views on policies and laws, advocate for human rights and other national values, and express opinions on matters of public concern.

Several state-sanctioned mechanisms are designed to facilitate citizen participation. The National Umushyikirano Council (Article 140 of the Constitution), commonly referred to as the National Dialogue Council, convenes annually to bring together the President and citizen representatives to discuss issues of public importance. However, some NGOs find the Council to be less effective for advocacy due to its large scale and limited duration (typically two days).

One of the most prominent “homegrown initiatives” is Ubudehe, a traditional practice of collective problem-solving and mutual support providing a participatory development approach to poverty reduction. Another key structure is the Joint Action Development Forum (JADF), established under Prime Minister’s Instructions No. 003/03 of 03/07/2015. JADF operates at both district and community levels, serving as a platform for coordination among stakeholders, including CSOs.

Efforts have been made to ensure inclusive participation, particularly for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Women hold the majority of seats in Rwanda’s Parliament, supported by a constitutional quota guaranteeing at least 30 percent representation. People with disabilities are represented in Parliament and benefit from support from the government and civil society. Youth (ages 16 and 30 years of age), who constitute the majority of the Rwandan population, are supported through institutional mechanisms such as the National Youth Council and National Women’s Council.

Law No. 44 of September 6, 2017, provides protection for whistleblowers. Article 3 empowers individuals to report misconduct by government officials and private institutions. Article 9 requires the state to ensure whistleblowers’ security . Article 12 provides that if a whistleblower is summoned to court, his or her identity must not be disclosed, and if subject to interrogation, the procedure must be held on camera and without cross-examination.

Barriers to Formation

Article 17 of Law No. 04/2012 provides that national NGOs must first obtain a temporary certificate of registration, which is valid for twelve months. Within nine months of receiving this certification, the NGO must apply for legal personality in order to operate on a permanent basis.

According to implementing regulations issued by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), the application for legal personality must include the following:

1. Application letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the RGB;
2. Authenticated statutes that comply with the provisions of Law No. 04/2012;
3. Documentation verifying the location and full address of the organization’s head office;
4. Names, duties, contact details, curricula vitae, and judicial records of the organization’s legal representative and their deputy;
5. Minutes of the general assembly meeting that appointed the legal representative, including signatures of all members present;
6. Action plan for the fiscal year; and
7. Original District Collaboration Letter.

International NGOs must meet a similarly detailed set of requirements. These include an implementation schedule and its various stages of planning, detailed cost estimates supported by data, information on the sustainability of activities after the NGO’s departure, and “all information relating to its geographical establishment throughout the world.”

Barriers to Operations

National NGOs may be denied registration or may face termination if they fail to comply with applicable laws or there is “convincing evidence that the [applicant] may jeopardize security, public order, health, morals, and human rights” (Articles 20 and 24 of Law No. 4/2012).

NGOs must sign a memorandum of understanding (also known as an Original District Collaboration Letter) and a performance contract with the local district authorities where they operate. These agreements ensure that NGO activities are consistent with district-level priorities. NGOs with projects that do not align with these priorities may be denied registration.

Following registration, all NGOs are required to become members of the Joint Action Development Forum (JDAF), a coordination platform that aligns NGO activities with district development plans.

The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) monitors the governance and service delivery of both domestic and international NGOs. NGOs are required to submit annual reports that include updated action plans, budget estimates, and in the case of international NGOs, details about expatriate staff following the completion of their assignments.

Furthermore, international NGOs are subject to financial restrictions: their administrative expenses must not exceed 20 percent of the total budget for programs that are not in the interest of their beneficiaries (Article 18.4).

There are no legal restrictions on international communication or engagement with foreign partners.

Barriers to Resources

Foreign Funding

NGOs are not subject to legal restrictions on the receipt of foreign funding.

Domestic Funding

NGOs are allowed to engage in income-generating activities, provided that all profits are used to support activities related to their primary objectives.

NGOs may also compete for government funding and, in some cases, are encouraged to do so. The government is required to allocate funding for NGOs in the national budget, in addition to providing support through line ministries and contractual agreements. In practice, however, access to government funding is often tied to alignment with government priorities, and NGOs that receive state funds do not have total independence from the government.

While NGOs benefit from tax exemptions on most categories of income, Rwanda’s tax law does not provide incentives for private or corporate donors who contribute to NGOs.

Barriers to Expression

Freedom of expression is constitutionally protected in Rwanda. Article 37 of the Constitution states:

Freedom of press, of expression and of access to information are recognised and guaranteed by the State. Freedom of expression and freedom of access to information shall not prejudice public order, good morals, the protection of the youth and children, the right of every citizen to honour and dignity and protection of personal and family privacy.

Despite this constitutional guarantee, significant restrictions on freedom of speech and political space persist in practice. A notable example is the case of Victoire Ingabire, who returned to Rwanda in 2010 from exile in the Netherlands to run for president. Shortly after her return, she was arrested and sentenced by the Rwandan Supreme Court to 15 years in prison in what was widely regarded as a politically motivated trial. The African Court on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) ruled in her favor, finding that Rwanda had violated her rights to freedom of expression and to an adequate legal defense. Ingabire was eventually released in 2018 through a presidential amnesty, after serving eight years in prison, five of which she spent in solitary confinement. Nonetheless, after her release, members of her political party were harassed, threatened, and arrested, or killed in suspicious circumstances. Journalists using YouTube have also been targeted for prosecution for not registering with the Rwanda Media Commission (RMC) or for publishing information that contradicts the government’s version of certain events, such as the suspicious death in custody in 2020 of Kizito Mihigo, a gospel singer and activist.

In addition, the Supreme Court ruled in June 2025 that Article 39 of the Cybercrime Law is compatible with the country’s Constitution, particularly provisions on freedom of expression and access to information. The petitioner, Me Jean Paul Ibambe, a prominent Rwandan lawyer, filed the case arguing that Article 39 unreasonably curtailed citizens’ freedom to express opinions, especially in digital spaces, and that it risked being used to suppress dissent and journalism under the guise of fighting misinformation. Article 39 states that: “Any person who, knowingly and through a computer or a computer system, publishes rumors that may incite fear, insurrection or violence amongst the population or that may make a person lose their credibility, commits an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three (3) years and not more than five (5) years and a fine of not less than one million Rwandan francs (FRW 1,000,000) and not more than three million Rwandan francs (FRW 3,000,000).”

While a growing number of media outlets—including social media platforms, television, and radio stations—broadcast programs expressing critical views of the government, pro-government narratives still dominate the domestic media landscape.

Barriers to Assembly

Article 36 of the Rwandan Constitution guarantees the freedom of assembly, stating that:

Freedom of peaceful assembly without arms is guaranteed if it is not inconsistent with the law. Prior authorization shall only be necessary if the law so requires and solely in the case of assembly in the open air, in a public place or on a public road, to the extent that such is necessary in the interests of public safety, public health or public order.

However, in practice, the legal framework imposes significant administrative and criminal restrictions on the exercise of this right, particularly for political actors.

Organic Law. No. 10/2013/0L of November 7, 2013, which governs political organizations and politicians, requires advance notice or authorization for public assemblies and demonstrations:

• Article 19 mandates that political organizations notify relevant administrative authorities at least five working days before holding a public meeting.
• Article 20 requires political organizations to both notify and obtain authorization from administrative authorities at least five working days before holding demonstrations.

The law defines a political organization as an association of citizens united by common views on national development and social welfare, aiming to access power through democratic and peaceful means.

Further restrictions are found in Article 685 of the Penal Code, which imposes potentially disproportionate penalties for violations based on broadly defined terms:

• Holding a public meeting or demonstration on public ways without notifying authorities is punishable by imprisonment of 8 days to 6 months and a fine of 100,000 to 1,000,000 Rwandan francs.
• Holding such an event despite refusal by the authorities increases the penalty to imprisonment of 6 months to 1 year and/or a fine of 200,000 to 3,000,000 Rwandan francs.
• If an unauthorized gathering impairs security, public order, or public health, penalties range from 6 months to 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine of 2,000,000 to 5,000,000 Rwandan francs (if held without prior notice) or 1 to 3 years imprisonment and a fine of 2,000,000 to 5,000,000 Rwandan francs (if held despite refusal).

For more information on restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly in Rwanda, please see “Mission to Rwanda: Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association” (September 16, 2014), also available in the Reports of UN Special Rapporteurs section below.

While we aim to maintain information that is as current as possible, we realize that situations can rapidly change.  If you are aware of any additional information or inaccuracies on this page, please keep us informed; write to ICNL at ngomonitor@icnl.org.

Historical Notes

Civil society in Rwanda has its roots in farmers’ associations established in the 1950s, many of which operated under the influence of the Church. The 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, in which more than 800,000 people were killed, devastated the country’s social fabric. In the aftermath, CSOs played a critical role in addressing urgent humanitarian needs—supporting widows and orphans, child-headed households, and traumatized survivors. Other CSOs emerged with a focus on promoting reconciliation, good governance, and human rights.

While these organizations have made significant and lasting contributions, Rwanda continues to grapple with the long-term social impacts of the genocide, including widespread collective trauma and fragile social cohesion.

Today, Rwanda’s economy is one of the fastest growing in Africa, fueled by growth in the agriculture, industry, and service sectors. The government has also committed to an ambitious climate agenda, aiming to become carbon-neutral by 2050. As part of this vision, Rwanda plans to invest $11 billion in climate adaptation and mitigation measures by 2030.

However, the country faces significant challenges in mobilizing the private financing needed to meet these goals. Key obstacles include high upfront capital costs, expensive borrowing terms, and stringent collateral requirements. To help attract climate finance and catalyze green investment, Rwanda launched the Rwanda Green Investment Fund at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Key Events

There are no key events to report at this time.

General News

Supreme Court Upholds Law Which Petitioners Said Violates Free Speech (June 2025)
In a closely watched ruling with implications for digital freedoms and freedom of speech in Rwanda, the Supreme Court has rejected a constitutional challenge filed against Article 39 of Law Nº 60/2018 of 22/8/2018 on the Prevention and Punishment of Cyber Crimes. The Supreme Court in a ruling issued June 5 declared that it is compatible with the country’s Constitution, particularly with provisions on freedom of expression and access to information. The petitioner, Me Jean Paul Ibambe, a prominent Rwandan lawyer, had filed the case arguing that Article 39 unreasonably curtails citizens’ freedom to express opinions, especially in digital spaces, and that it risks being used to suppress dissent and journalism under the guise of fighting misinformation.

Kagame opponents and critics say elections in Rwanda neither free nor fair (July 2024)
Paul Kagame’s win in Rwanda’s presidential election was widely expected, although critics say the vote was neither free nor fair. Kagame faced two opponents — Democratic Green Party Candidate Frank Habineza and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana. Both received less than 1 percent of the vote. Other candidates, including some of Kagame’s most vocal critics, were barred from running for president, including Diane Rwigara.

Rwanda’s president smashes his own election record (July 2024)
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has smashed his own record by winning Monday’s elections with more than 99% of the vote. The 66-year-old won the 2017 election with 98.63% of the vote, higher than the 93% he got in 2010 and the 95% in 2003. His critics say Mr Kagame’s thundering majorities come as no surprise as he rules with an iron hand. However, his supporters say they point to his huge popularity, with Rwanda having achieved stability and economic growth under his rule. Mr Kagame is a former rebel commander whose forces swept to power in 1994, ending a genocide that claimed the lives of around 800,000 people in 100 days.

Civil Society Seeks Clarity on Operating Budget Clause (May 2024)
A clause in a draft law governing NGOs, which proposes that such entities must not exceed 20 per cent of their operating budget in programs that are not in the interest of their beneficiaries, should be clarified to avoid misinterpretation in enforcement, civil society has said. The emphasis on the importance of clarity was highlighted as the lower chamber of Parliament’s Committee on Social Affairs started scrutinizing the draft law.

Rwanda Legislature Considers Strict Rules on NGOs (April 2024)
A controversial draft law governing NGOs in Rwanda passed a first reading in parliament, with critics questioning the timing of the bill shortly before elections in July. Opponents warned that the legislation, which has yet to receive final approval, will limit civic space in a country where the government is accused of crushing dissent and press freedoms. The legislation calls for NGOs to submit their operating plans and budgets to the Rwandan authorities for approval.

Justice Minister Calls on Civil Society to Promote Revised Constitution (September 2023)
Minister of Justice Emmanuel Ugirashebuja has urged civil society to disperse the revised constitution as a way of ensuring that it becomes widely known and thoroughly understood at the grassroots level. He made the call on September 5 during his meeting with civil society practitioners on the dissemination and analysis of the newly revised constitution. Ugirashebuja emphasized that for the country to progress, it requires a collective effort from various stakeholders, including civil society.

CSO Grantees Exhibition Showcases Achievements for Rwanda’s development agenda (May 2023)
The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Rwanda Civil Society Platform (RCSP) and the Network of International NGOs in Rwanda (NINGO) have organized a CSO grantees exhibition at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village. The exhibition aimed at showcasing the achievements of grantees of the second phase of the Programme on Strengthening Civil Society Organizations for Responsive and Accountable Governance in Rwanda that started in 2018. The exhibition, which was the last event of the 2023 CSO week, provided an opportunity for civil society organizations (CSOs) to demonstrate their contributions to Rwanda’s development agenda.

‘Hotel Rwanda’ Hero Freed from Prisons (March 2023)
Outspoken Rwandan government critic Paul Rusesabagina, whose efforts to save people during the 1994 genocide inspired the Hollywood film “Hotel Rwanda”, has finally been freed from prison after more than 900 days behind bars. Rusesabagina was released away from the media glare and will return to the United States after the Kigali government commuted his 25-year sentence on terrorism charges. His detention had thrown a spotlight on Rwanda’s record of crushing political dissent and free speech under President Paul Kagame.

RGB Meets the Network of International NGOs (November 2022)
On November 15, 2022, the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) and the Network of International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) operating in Rwanda held a joint meeting during which they discussed how the latter could engage in strategic partnerships for national transformation. In her remarks, RGB CEO, Dr. Usta Kaitesi, underscored that both local and international organisations must continuously improve and create the right influence on one another.

Rwanda criticizes expulsion of its ambassador from Congo (October 2022)
Rwanda accused neighboring Congo of escalating tensions between the two countries after the Rwandan ambassador to Congo was given 48 hours to leave the country following rebel advances in the east. Congo believes that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebels, who have expanded their control over the past year. In Goma, DRC, residents burned a Rwandan flag during a protest called by civil society there.

Blinken raises concerns on rights in Rwanda during talks with Kagame (August 2022)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated he voiced “serious concerns” about human rights during talks with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. In particular, he raised the case of “Hotel Rwanda” hero Paul Rusesabagina, a fierce Kagame critic who was sentenced to a 25-year prison term last year on terrorism charges. “As I told President Kagame, we believe people in every country should be able to express their views without fear of intimidation, imprisonment, violence or any other forms of repression,” Blinken told a joint press conference with Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta.

Civil Society Open Letter to Commonwealth Heads of Government (June 2022)
We, the undersigned civil society organisations, express our grave concerns about the human rights situation in Rwanda as it prepares to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in June 2022. The silence of the Commonwealth on Rwanda’s human rights record risks undermining the organisation’s human rights mandate, as well as its integrity and credibility. We urge the Commonwealth and its members to consider CHOGM, scheduled to take place in Kigali in the week of 20 June 2022, as a moment to reiterate its core values of human rights, rule of law and good governance.

Rwanda cracking down on YouTubers, bloggers (April 2021)
After clamping down on free speech in traditional media, Rwanda is now arresting and threatening those who have turned to YouTube or blogs to debate current affairs, Human Rights Watch has said. The rights watchdog called on leaders attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in June to pressure Rwanda to introduce reforms and protect free speech.

Civil society petitions government over some COVID-19 guidelines (September 2020)
The government has been implementing a series of guidelines to prevent the outbreak since it hit the country in March this year. The last cabinet meeting held on August 26 adopted several stern measures, including strict restrictions on movement, and tasked relevant institutions to implement them. However, civil society organisations have come together to challenge some of the guidelines. The organisations say some instructions lack clarity, are contradictory, and overlap each other, leading to inconsistent interpretation and implementation across the country.

Diane Shima Rwigara is Free (October 2018)
There was pandemonium today in the court room as Prison warders tried to separate excited friends and relatives of freed Diane Shima Rwigara and her mother Adeline Rwigara after the High Court ruling granting the duo bail. Diane and her mother have been unlawfully detained by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda as a result of her criticism of his government. They were arrested along with over a dozen persons after Diane declared intention to run for the post of presidency against Paul Kagame. Diane and her mother have spent over a year in detention and were charged for treason, facing over 20 years in prison if found guilty.

Rwandan Opposition Leader, 2,100 Others Walk Free from Prison (September 2018)
One of Rwanda’s most prominent opposition leaders walked free Saturday after the government approved the early release of more than 2,100 prisoners with little explanation. Supporters of Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza and the state-run The New Times newspaper posted photos of the opposition leader walking out of Nyarugenge prison hours after the justice ministry’s announcement. Also approved for early release was musician Kizito Mihigo, who along with Ingabire received a presidential commutation. The ministry statement said both had made their most recent requests for clemency in June Ingabire, head of the FDU-Inkingi opposition party, was arrested in 2010 and found guilty of conspiracy to undermine the government and denying Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, charges that she denied. She was sentenced to 15 years.

Rwandan parliament passes law to regulate churches (July 2018)
The Rwandan parliament passed new legislation aimed to regulate faith-based organizations. The new law requires pastors to have a theology degree before they can start their own churches. It also requires faith-based organizations to declare grants to the regulator, Rwanda Governance Board. Under the new law, any financial support to a faith-based organization must be channeled through the organization’s account in a bank or a financial institution in Rwanda.

Human Rights Commission given more responsibilities (January 2018)
The National Human Rights Commission has been given more responsibilities and power to access any place where torture against a person is assumed, under the draft law approved by cabinet. The Chairperson and Spokesperson of Rwanda Civil Society Platform (RCSP) told Sunday Times that having some torture cases or death cases reported by international entities represent weakness of local entities, or false reports based on individuals’ interest. He said the Human Rights Commission should not work alone, rather with the civil society which alongside the community to understand their concerns, so as to give information on probable torture incidences for prevention purposes.

International organisations urged to align activities with districts (September 2017)
International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) working in Rwanda have been challenged to ensure their partnerships generate greater achievement in services aiming at socio-economic transformation of citizens. The Chief Executive of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), Prof. Anastase Shyaka, made the call during the RGB’s first meeting with INGOs under its new mandate of registering and monitoring their operations. The meeting aimed at enhancing partnership and welcoming INGOs into the new operational framework.

Rwandan police arrest Paul Kagame critic Diane Rwigara (August 2017)
Rwandan police have arrested Diane Rwigara, a leading critic of President Paul Kagame, for alleged offences against state security. Rwigara’s mother and sister were also detained on tax evasion charges, while she is also being charged with forgery, police said in a Twitter post. The three women can be held for up to five days while authorities decide whether to press charges.

Paul Kagame re-elected president with 99% of vote in Rwanda election (August 2017)
Paul Kagame, the controversial president of Rwanda, has won a landslide victory in the small African state’s election, securing a third term in office and extending his 17 years in power. The result will surprise no one, inside or outside Rwanda. In the final tally for Friday’s election, he won almost 99% of votes cast, said Kalisa Mbanda, chairman of the National Electoral Commission.

Rwanda’s exiled activist’s wife charged with treason (March 2017)
The Rwandan-British wife of a member of the Rwandese opposition in exile appeared Thursday in a court in Kigali, accused of “forming an illegal armed group”. Violette Uwamahoro rejected all charges against her at the hearing which will decide whether she should remain in custody until the start of her trial at an undetermined date. According to her lawyer, Mrs. Uwamahoro was accused of having asked Mr. Shumbusho, a policeman in Kigali, via the WhatsApp messenger, to reveal “information about state security” and to ask him “to go to Uganda to form an armed group to attack Rwanda”. “It’s a lie,” insisted Mrs. Uwamahoro after the charges were read. “Yes, we used to chat but I never talked to her about anything related to national security. We were only discussing family stories,” she maintained.

Launch of Rwanda Media Barometer 2016 (November 2016)
The second edition of the Rwanda Media Barometer shows an upward trend in Rwanda’s media development from 60.7% in 2013 to 69.6 in 2016.  Dr Christophe Kayumba, the head of the team that was commissioned to conduct the study, attributes the improved score to media reforms undertaken by the Government of Rwanda since 2012.

Rwanda Parliament denounces claims by the EU (October 2016)
Rwanda’s Parliament has denounced claims by the European Union (EU) that the government denies Victoire Ingabire her rights and freedoms. Ingabire is serving a 15-year prison sentence for negationism and revisionism of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi on top of conspiracy and terrorism. Between September 19-22, a delegation of EU MPs visited their Rwandan counterparts to share best practices on the rights of women and gender equality. However, when some of the EU MPs attempted to visit Ingabire in prison, they were denied access. After returning home, the EU MPs wrote in a report on their visit complaining about Rwanda’s recent constitutional amendment, lack of political space, media freedom and being blocked from accessing Ingabire in prison.

Rwanda Required to Appear At Ingabire Court Case in Arusha (June 2016)
The Rwandan government is expected to appear at the African Court of Human and Peoples Rights, despite requesting to withdraw from the court’s special declaration that allows individuals and NGOs to sue governments. Pending cases that involve the government of Rwanda include that of Kayumba Nyamwasa, a former chief of staff of the Rwandan army – now in exile – who, alongside “others,” took the government to court for allegedly declaring their passports “invalid” without notice. Rwandan national Laurent Munyandilikirwa has also taken the government to the court for allegedly ousting him illegally from a local human rights body.

Civil society calls for tough measures (May 2016)
The Civil Society Platform has called for tough measures against persons found to have mismanaged public funds as per the latest released Auditor-General’s report.The umbrella body for civil society organisations operating in the country said the move to hold accountable individuals who engage in fraud will improve public funds management.

Civil society commits to fight Genocide ideology (May 2016)
Over 3,000 people from 400 organisations under Rwanda Civil Society Platform gathered at Amahoro Stadium to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which claimed over a million lives, including more than 100 employees of the Platform. Eduard Munyamariza, chairperson of Rwanda Civil Society Platform, said it was time the civil society fulfilled their responsibilities and partnered with the government to build a peaceful country.

Govt, civil society in joint regional integration drive (March 2016)
Government and civil society officials have agreed to organise regular platforms where the Ministry of East African Community Affairs and civil society groups can meet to enhance a people-centered regional integration approach. This was recommended, yesterday, during the first such gathering in Kigali. The consultative forum, themed: ‘‘Engagement of the Rwandan civil society in the East African Community integration”, intended to, among others, introduce the local civil society fraternity to the EAC integration agenda and identify areas that require further awareness.

Jailed Rwandan opposition leader in plea to Arusha court (February 2016)
The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights will 3 hear a plea filed by Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire, who has accused the government of violating her freedoms and denying her a fair trial. Ingabire, 47, is currently serving a 15-year in jail sentence handed to her by the Supreme Court in 2013, which found her guilty of inciting revolt, forming armed groups to destabilise the country, as well and denying the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It is not yet known whether the government will allow Ms Ingabire to travel to Arusha for the hearing, or whether she will be represented by her lawyers.

U.S. Reiterates Criticism of Kagame Bid to Extend Presidency (January 2016)
The U.S. reiterated its criticism of Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s plan to extend his 15-year rule in elections, while saying it will continue to deepen commercial ties with the East African nation. “We believe that respecting established term limits can strengthen democratic institutions and help build a vibrant and free society,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker said in a statement issued during a visit to Rwanda. Pritzker met Kagame to discuss opportunities presented by the integration of the five-nation East African Community.

Statement by NSC Spokesperson on Rwandan Constitutional Referendum (December 2015)
The United States is disappointed that a referendum was called on short notice to amend the Rwandan constitution and introduce exceptions to term limits. While we commend the people of Rwanda for peacefully exercising their civic rights, we regret that the arrangements for the referendum failed to provide sufficient time and opportunity for political debate on the merits of the proposed provisions.

Cabinet asks President Kagame to call a referendum on Constitution (November 2015)
Members of the Cabinet yesterday asked President Paul Kagame to call a referendum for Rwandans to approve the recently revised Constitution of the country. The decision was reached during an Extraordinary Cabinet Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi, which was held at Village Urugwiro.

Rwandan Senate votes to allow third term for Kagame (November 2015)
Rwanda’s upper house of parliament has unanimously approved a constitutional amendment to allow President Paul Kagame to seek a third term. The vote by the Senate clears the path for a referendum that is not expected to face much opposition. Earlier this year, more than 60 percent of voters signed a petition calling for constitutional changes to be drafted that would allow Kagame to stand again.

Parliament passes new constitutional amendments (October 2015)
The Lower House of Parliament unanimously voted to reduce presidential term limits from seven to five years renewable once. The change will be preceded by one transitional presidential term of seven years for which any presidential candidates including President Paul Kagame, should he choose to run, will be eligible.

New Project to Strengthen Role of Civil Society (September 2015)
A project aimed at strengthening the role of civil society organisations in monitoring and accountability in service delivery in different communities has been launched. The project, named “Efficiency, Accountability and Service Delivery (EASD-R)”, was announced during a meeting that brought together the Rwanda Civil Society Platform (RCSP) and development partners. The four-year project is expected to empower communities to voice their concerns.

Rwandan Opposition Party Seeks to Block Third Term (June 2015)
Rwanda’s Green Party, the country’s tiny but main opposition, said it was challenging moves to change the constitution to allow President Paul Kagame to stand for a third consecutive term in elections in 2017.

Civil Society Organizations are Agents of Change (December 2014)
The Rwanda governance Board (RGB), in collaboration with One UN, awarded grants to eight local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on Thursday December 11, 2014, under the joint program of ῞Strengthening Civil Society Organizations for responsive and accountable governance in Rwanda.” Each organization received an amount of US$30,000, and the funds will enable them to implement their different projects contributing to efforts of strengthening responsive and accountable governance in Rwanda. Speaking at the ceremony, the One UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Lamin Manneh reiterated his institution’s commitment to support CSOs aimed at building sustainable development. “We know that any society can’t develop without the role of civil society. We are strongly committed to make this programme as successful as possible by supporting grantees to use the received funds to improve the living conditions of the people of Rwanda,” said Mr Manneh.

Ntaganda Released from Mpanga prison (June 2014)
Bernard Ntaganda was released from Mpanga prison in Nyanza after serving a four-year sentence after he had been found guilty of endangering national security, divisionism, inciting ethnic divisions and attempting to organize demonstrations without official authorization. The director of Mpanga prison, Alexis Sano, refuted claims that Ntaganda was mistreated while in prison and added that he wasn’t denied any of his rights. Ntaganda has vowed to continue with politics.