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Rwanda rejects HRW’s allegations

By IGIHE
On 10 October 2023 at 05:37

The Government of Rwanda has strongly denounced a recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), accusing the organization of consistently presenting biased and unsubstantiated claims in its reports, including the latest one regarding alleged rights violations against Rwandans abroad.

The report, titled "Rwanda’s Repression Across Borders," is described by Rwanda as a continuation of HRW’s longstanding anti-Rwanda narrative spanning three decades.

Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo expressed firm disapproval through a tweet, labeling the report as entirely biased. The report alleges attacks and persecutions against those with dissenting views, which Rwanda disputes, claiming the opposite is true.

Makolo criticizes HRW’s consistent portrayal of Rwanda in a negative light, suggesting that the organization aims to denigrate the nation without reason. She defends Rwanda’s progress in improving living conditions and respecting human rights over nearly three decades, emphasizing the country’s commitment to its political vision.

"Any balanced assessment of Rwanda’s record in advancing the rights, well-being and dignity of Rwandans over the past 29 years would recognize remarkable, transformational progress. Rwanda will not be deterred from this work by bad-faith actors advancing a politicized agenda," Makolo tweeted.

HRW’s report relies on testimonies from over 150 Rwandan dissidents residing in various countries. It alleges secret Rwandan military operations in Mozambique since 2021, raising concerns among government opponents. However, the report lacks concrete evidence to support mistreatment claims or Rwandan government involvement in such actions.

One of the testimonies, by Joseph Mazimpaka, claims pursuit by Rwandan agents in Tanzania but lacks legal proof. However, contradictory information suggests Mazimpaka’s past involvement with genocidal forces (EX FAR) and his escape after participating in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

It is not the first time HRW has published biased reports about Rwanda. In 2017, HRW’s claims of state-caused deaths were debunked by Rwanda’s National Human Rights Commission as falsehoods meant to tarnish Rwanda’s reputation.

Rwandan Government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo has labelled latest HWR's report as entirely biased.

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