🇷🇼 Rwandan journalist Théoneste Nsengimana, founder and owner of UMUBAVU TV, an independent online media platform, has been imprisoned for exercising his fundamental right to freedom of expression and independent journalism.
His case is another disturbing example of the repression faced by independent journalists, political opponents, and government critics in Rwanda.
Through UMUBAVU TV, Nsengimana provided a platform for independent voices, public debate, and critical discussions on issues affecting Rwandan society. Instead of being protected for his journalistic work, he has faced prosecution and imprisonment.
Today, he is standing trial alongside @VictoireUmuhoza, a prominent political figure whose only alleged crime was seeking to run for president.
His continued detention raises serious concerns about press freedom, freedom of expression, and the shrinking democratic space in Rwanda.
@RwandaGov must understand that journalism is not a crime. No journalist should be imprisoned for informing the public, questioning those in power, or giving citizens a platform to express their opinions.
We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Théoneste Nsengimana, an end to the persecution of independent journalists, and full respect for fundamental freedoms in Rwanda.
Silencing journalists does not silence the truth. Imprisoning independent voices does not make injustice disappear.
We will continue highlighting the stories of Rwanda's political prisoners and advocating for their freedom, justice, and accountability.
Freedom starts with a name. Today, that name is THÉONESTE NSENGIMANA.
#FreedomStartsWithAName #FreeNsengimana #FreeTheonesteNsengimana #FreeThemAll #FreeThem #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners #Rwanda @UrugwiroVillage@PrimatureRwanda@Rwanda_Justice@amnesty@hrw@ACAT_France@IbukaboseR
“Many will say about my mother, Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, that she is a very capable leader. And to explain to my two sons that this is why their grandmother is held in prison in Rwanda breaks my heart.”
These heartbreaking words were spoken by Raïssa Ujeneza, daughter of Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, during her speech in Washington on the International Day of Political Prisoners.
Her testimony is a powerful reminder that behind every political prisoner is a family enduring separation, uncertainty, missed milestones and years that can never be recovered.
@VictoireUmuhoza spent eight years in prison, including five years in solitary confinement. She missed precious moments in the lives of her husband, three children and five grandchildren. Since her re-arrest in June 2025, she has been denied the opportunity to attend church services with other prisoners.
Her case has been examined by two prominent international human rights mechanisms, both of which found serious violations of her fundamental rights:
- In 2017, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights ruled that Rwanda had violated her rights to freedom of expression and defence in judicial proceedings.
- In 2026, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that her detention was arbitrary and called for her immediate release and reparations.
Despite these findings, Victoire Ingabire remains imprisoned.
Yet, despite years of persecution, imprisonment and separation from her loved ones, she remains committed to her vision of a better future for Rwanda.
Raïssa concluded her speech with a moving message to her mother: “Mom, you do not stand alone.”
Political imprisonment does not punish only those behind bars. Its consequences reach across families and generations. Behind every political prisoner are loved ones who also pay the price for injustice.
Victoire Ingabire must be released immediately and unconditionally.
#FreedomStartsWithAName #FreeVictoireIngabire #FreeThemAll #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners #FreeThem #Africa
Today, October 30, is the International Day of Political Prisoners. I call on the government of #Rwanda to release @VictoireUmuhoza, a leading opposition figure and advocate for democratic reform. She has been arbitrarily detained since June 2025 and is now on trial on false, politically motivated charges. The prosecution is seeking a life sentence for her.
As one of Victoire’s international counsel and an advocate for her freedom, I ask people and governments everywhere to raise her case and call for her release.
#PoliticalPrisonersDay #FreedomStartsWithAName #FreeVictoireIngabire
@HRF@NEDemocracy@3Ooctober@LantosFndn@4freerussia_org@McCainInstitute@TheRWCHR@WLCongress@freedomhouse
Une pensée fraternelle et confraternelle à Moussa Kaka, un des plus brillants journalistes nigériens de sa génération, dont la disparition un soir du 29 août en plein cœur de Niamey entre désormais dans son troisième mois. Ne l’oublions pas.
UCT student and outgoing SRC vice-president, Maboletso Letsoalo, has been selected for the 2027 SACS Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford.
As an MSc candidate specialising in Computational Health Informatics, she is investigating how data and technology could improve the diagnosis and prevention of disease.
Read more: https://t.co/jTMIO9rFDM
@UCTHealthSci
J’ai rencontré la Dre Marie-France Shogogo lors de ma visite à #Beni. Jeune médecin, elle avait choisi de consacrer sa vie à sauver celle des autres. Hier, nous l’avons perdue à cause d’Ebola.
C’est profondément douloureux et révoltant de continuer à perdre de jeunes professionnels de santé qui risquent leur vie pour sauver celle des autres.
Nous devons protéger ceux qui nous protègent. Nous le devons à la mémoire de la Dre Shogogo, à sa famille et à tous les agents de santé en première ligne. Nous devons tout mettre en œuvre pour mettre fin à cette épidémie.
Que son âme repose en paix.
@KatharinaWesse2 Die bei Matthes&Seitz freuen sich also nicht über unsere Bootycalls oder expliziten Bilder? Statt die ewigen Prof naughty Student*in Rollenspiele, leckerer Lektor*in will nochmal über Nachwort diskutieren...
He asked me to share this on my social media pages. He is based in Johannesburg. You are most welcome to share and repost as well. It will take a few seconds of your time and a few megabytes of your data but it could change his entire life 😉
MISSING CHILD – SUNTON AREA 🚨
A young girl went missing on Monday at around 4:00 PM after walking out of the plot in the Sunton area. The case has been reported at Sunton Police Station.
She is mildly autistic and may have difficulty expressing herself or communicating with strangers.
If you have seen her or have any information about her whereabouts, please contact her mum, Bilha Wanjiku Magua, on 0703 858947, report to Sunton Police Station or any other police station.
Please RETWEET widely to help reunite her with her family. Every share counts. 🙏💔
@MarytheSpinner@LakotaMan1 The grandfather came from a poor region. They declined receiving him. The Palatines are known as sociable, generous hosts and cheerful.
The sister of Alex Pretti who was murdered by ICE says that if you want to honor Alex please go out and vote. Vote for Alex,Vote for Justice for his family,Vote for all the victims of ICE and Vote for your community and neighbors.