Mudathiru is one of 25 RNC combatants arrested recently in the Democratic Republic of Congo and arraigned in the Military Tribunal in Nyamirambo.

The group comprises of members from Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and one Tanzanian-born with Malawi nationality.

All the 25 suspects were charged with four counts, namely; being part of an unlawful military outfit, treason, forming an illegal military outfit, and conniving with foreign countries to destabilize Rwanda.

Mudathiru admitted charges this Friday as he and co-accused recently repatriated from DRC appeared in the Military Tribunal in Nyamirambo for hearing.
Mudathiru pleaded guilty of all the counts but explained that the rebel group’s plans were not executed.

“I apologize for that,” he said.

Mudathiru’s defense lawyer, Paola requested the beginning of the client’s trial in depth without remand period since the client pleaded guilty of counts cited by the prosecution.

Prosecution explained that court procedures must be determined by laws.
Other co-accused said they were promised job opportunities like driving, health care and mining among others to seduce them and later diveted into joining P5.

Retired army Major Habib Madhatiru, 53, is a former officer in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). He has been walking on crutches due to a leg injury he sustained at the time of his capture.

Prosecutors say Mudathiru was in charge of operations and training in Congo for the Rwanda National Congress (RNC), a rebel group founded by Kayumba Nyamwasa.

P5 is a coalition political parties against the government of Rwanda known as P5 including People’s Congress (AMAHORO-PC), Forces Démocratiques Unifées-Inkingi (FDU INKINGI), People’s Defence Pact-Imanzi (PDP-IMANZI), Socialist Party-Imberakuri (PS IMBERAKURI) and Rwanda National Congress (RNC) chaired by Kayumba.

Retired Major Habibu Mudathiru accused of joining P5 rebel outfit has pleaded guilty of charges against him and apologized