Presidential candidate is arrested in Rwanda
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rwanda's main opposition leader was arrested under the country's controversial genocide laws yesterday. Victoire Ingabire is the leading challenger to Rwanda's long-serving President Paul Kagame in elections due in August.
An accountant who until recently lived in Europe, Ms Ingabire has been questioned several times since she returned and declared she would run for president. The government says the laws are designed to prevent a repeat of the 1994 genocide but rights groups say they are used to harass political opponents and other critics.
Mr Kagame, who has been in power since the genocide, has become increasingly intolerant of his critics and is accused of seeking to strengthen his already tight control of the country ahead of voting.
The former guerrilla leader has been accused of using international guilt over the 1994 killings to silence critics and establish an authoritarian state. Earlier this week there was a reshuffle among senior figures in the army followed by the arrest of two generals on charges of corruption and immoral conduct.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments