The court ordered that Ingabire, founder of the unregistered political party DALFA-Umurinzi, be further investigated after judges found her earlier explanations in a related case involving her former associates insufficient.

The decision was issued on June 19, 2025, following the court’s dissatisfaction with her testimony regarding alleged training sessions attended by former DALFA-Umurinzi members.

According to the prosecution, the training sessions were part of efforts aimed at mobilizing the public against the government through coordinated campaigns.

Ingabire, however, told the court that the individuals involved in the case were former members of DALFA-Umurinzi, which is not legally registered in Rwanda. She also noted that journalist Nsengimana Théoneste, founder of Umubavu TV, was among those mentioned in the proceedings.

She further argued that the training sessions in question were not organized by her party and that she had no knowledge of them, although some defendants alleged that she financed internet access used during the activities.

After reviewing her statements, the court ruled that they were insufficient and found that the case file contained evidence requiring further investigation. The prosecution subsequently opened a formal investigation, leading to her arrest.

Detention and legal proceedings

The Kicukiro Primary Court ordered a 30-day preventive detention while her case file was being prepared for transfer to the High Court.

Ingabire later challenged the proceedings before the Supreme Court, arguing that Article 106 of the criminal procedure law, used to summon her, was unconstitutional.

This challenge temporarily stalled proceedings in the related case involving her co-accused, who had already completed their defense phase, as the court awaited a ruling due to the interconnected nature of the cases.

Supreme court ruling and trial continuation

On March 27, 2026, the Supreme Court of Rwanda ruled that Article 106 of the criminal procedure law is constitutional, dismissing Ingabire’s petition.

The ruling cleared the way for the High Court to proceed with the trial.

The case has now been scheduled to resume on June 15, 2026.

When proceedings resume, Ingabire Victoire is expected to respond to the charges against her, while the prosecution will present its arguments and sentencing requests. It will also address the defenses presented by co-accused individuals.

She faces multiple charges, including forming or leading a criminal group, inciting public unrest, undermining the existing government, spreading false information or propaganda intended to discredit the government internationally, disseminating rumors, conspiracy to commit offenses against state authority, and incitement to protest.

The charges relate to training sessions allegedly conducted for DALFA members in 2021, during which participants were reportedly trained by foreign instructors using the book “Blueprint for Revolution” by Serbian author Srdja Popovic.

The book outlines non-violent methods of political mobilization and resistance strategies.

According to prosecution claims, discussions during the sessions included local grievances such as land taxation, motorcycle taxi issues, and housing-related disputes, including the Kangondo relocation case.

Authorities allege that the training included a set of mobilization strategies referred to as “Operation Shira Ubwoba” (Remove Fear), “Operation Serwakira” (Tornado), and “Operation Umuturage Imbere” (Citizen First).

According to the prosecution, “Operation Shira Ubwoba” focused on informal traders, with the aim of mobilizing them by framing enforcement measures against them as unfair. It is further alleged that the strategy involved producing and circulating songs highlighting their living conditions as part of broader awareness efforts.

The prosecution also alleges that “Operation Serwakira” targeted communities affected by land disputes. This initiative reportedly involved the distribution of leaflets across the country, initially in blank form and later followed by printed messages expressing grievances related to taxation, violence, and disappearances.

In addition, authorities allege that “Operation Umuturage Imbere” was framed as a response to the ruling party’s slogan “citizen at the center.” It is said to have focused on issues such as land confiscation, taxation, and the treatment of informal traders, and allegedly included symbolic actions linked to the Kangondo relocation case, including coordinated demonstrations involving printed materials and clothing.