FROM MISS RWANDA SCANDAL TO TODAY: HAVE WE LEARNED NOTHING?
As a woman, I find it deeply troubling that in 2026 we still struggle to recognize the reality of violence, exploitation, coercion, and human trafficking affecting women.
I find it deplorable and inhumane that when #IsimbiNoeline @NubianQueen2020 speaks about the trafficking and exploitation that some young Rwandan women may be facing, the response is not to investigate the allegations, but to judge her for being an adult content creator. A woman's profession should never determine whether her concerns deserve to be heard.
We have seen this before in Rwanda. The Miss Rwanda scandal exposed allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, ultimately leading to the suspension and banning of the organization. That case reminded us that powerful institutions can fail young women, and that dismissing allegations can have devastating consequences.
The duty of authorities is not to protect reputations or police morality, but to protect citizens, investigate credible claims, and ensure accountability. Justice should depend on facts, not on who speaks them.
@RIB_Rw@Rwandapolice@xtr_africa@NewTimesRwanda@bbcgahuza@ChimpReports@Umuryangonews@RwandaGender@hrw@jessicaosgh@KabagambeI@BebeCoolUG
#URGENT : 🇨🇩 Human Rights Watch says the Rwandan army, alongside M23 rebels, committed killings, rapes, and enforced disappearances during their occupation of Uvira in eastern DRC between late 2025 and early 2026.
According to the report, at least 53 people were summarily executed, eight women and girls were raped, and 12 others were forcibly disappeared during the takeover of the city. HRW says civilians fleeing the violence were shot at, while fighters carried out door-to-door operations targeting men and boys accused of opposing them.
The rights group says the abuses occurred during a month-long occupation of Uvira before the rebels later withdrew under growing international pressure, including U.S. sanctions targeting the Rwanda Defence Force and senior military officials over alleged support for M23.
Despite mediation efforts, fighting and instability continue across eastern Congo, with M23 and RDF elements still active in parts of the region.
Here is the Rwandan population that @PaulKagame and the ruling party will never let you see, because they imprison the poor so that foreigners visiting #Rwanda can’t see them, and they also manipulate poverty statistics.
🚨 Fundamental human rights are once again being violated in Rwanda.
On May 1, 2026, Augustin Nsanzimana and Emmanuel Niyonshuti, contributors to the YouTube channel Imbarutso ya Demokarasi, were abducted.
Following public pressure to disclose their whereabouts, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau @RIB_Rw announced that they had been arrested on allegations of spreading “false information” online.
This is yet another case where dissenting voices and independent commentary are labeled as “rumors” in order to silence legitimate public debate and undermine democratic principles.
🔸Exercising fundamental rights; such as sharing information, expressing opinions, and critiquing governance; is increasingly criminalized in Rwanda.
This detention once again reflects a troubling and persistent pattern of shrinking civic space.
In my recent conversation with Jeffrey Smith, we examined how, under the authoritarian regime of Paul Kagame, Rwanda operates through narrative dominance, surveillance, and preemptive repression; leaving little to no room for independent voices.
🎥 https://t.co/LCVl2QT265
🔸For years, human rights activists and organizations have called on Rwandan authorities @Rwanda_Justice, @RwandaGov to:
• Respect fundamental rights
• End the criminalization of online expression
• Repeal or reform vague laws used to suppress dissent
The continued use of such laws raises serious concerns about the rule of law and the protection of civil liberties in Rwanda.
🔸Authorities must:
• Guarantee their safety
• Ensure immediate access to legal counsel and family
• Uphold due process and fair trial rights
Silencing voices will not erase the truth; it will only increase public awareness and deepen concerns about authoritarian governance under @PaulKagame.
@RIB_Rw@RwandaGov@Rwandapolice@hrw@amnesty@bbcgahuza@IGIHE@UrugwiroVillage@Dr_JNsengiyumva@eugirashebuja1@HRF@BBCAfrica@LarryMadowo@amnesty