However, simply reviewing the names quoted in this bogus investigation, reveals a list primarily made up of classic genocide deniers, children and grandchildren of perpetrators, along wth their friends and supporters of all kinds, especially concentrated in Belgium and France but present across Europe and beyond.

Residents of Brussels seem to be among the most frightened by these supposedly fictitious poisonings.

The timing of this article is telling. It coincides with the recent trial of Dr. Eugene Rwamucyo and just before the trial of Charles Onana, both figures with connections to groups seeking to belittle Rwanda’s tragic history.

It represents an expression of fear. The parties involved are expressing their fear of being prosecuted, monitored, and potentially even killed at any moment through strategies allegedly devised by the Rwandan government, particularly poisonings.

These accusations, which have been rehashed time and again, are now reappearing in recycled form—through poisoned handshakes and clothes soaked in poison, instead of the previously alleged “utuzi twa Munyuza.”

Their real fear isn’t poison itself, but rather being identified, judged, and condemned for the crimes committed during the Genocide against the Tutsis. In their minds, the real title of this investigation could well be, “Who’s Next After Rwamucyo and Onana?”

This has triggered a variety of defensive mechanisms, both psychological and strategic, which ultimately produced this investigation based on biased claims meant to manipulate facts and distort the truth to alleviate a conscience troubled by deep-seated guilt.

A Fear of justice and accountability

When individuals involved in past atrocities witness stringent sentences handed down, as in Rwamucyo’s case, a wave of anxiety spreads among those connected to these crimes, either directly or through family ties. This often leads to a collective defensive response, an effort to sway public opinion, mask their actions, and distract from potential legal consequences.

Rettman’s article amplifies the voices of genocide deniers, children of perpetrators, and extended networks of supporters, including well-known individuals like Judi Rever, David Himbara, and Denyse Zaneza.

Zaneza’s father, Marcel Sebatware Nzabona, awaits arrest for crimes he committed in Rwanda while running a cement factory in Bugarama (formerly Cyangugu).

The family of Paul Rusesabagina alternates between stories of espionage—sometimes claiming they are spied on through their phones, other times that they are followed by unknown people wherever they go, and now it is poison.

Members of Jambo ASBL (a group comprising children born to extremist Rwandan exiles accused of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi), like Natacha Abingeneye, the daughter of Juvénal Uwiringiyimana, a former minister under Habyarimana’s regime, are also involved.

Abingeneye appears very close to Charles Onana, promoting his book sales, raising funds for his trial, and urging genocide deniers to show up in large numbers to support Onana during his trial, as observed on certain YouTube channels.

Also present is one of Kabuga Félicien’s sons, Donatien Nshima Kabuga, who was recently seen at Onana’s trial to show his support. Others, such as Placide Kayumba, the mastermind behind Jambo ASBL and a main supporter of FDU Inkingi, are linked to Rwamucyo.

Kayumba’s father, Dominique Ntawukuriryayo, a friend of Rwamucyo and former sub-prefect in Gisagara during the genocide, was convicted in 2010 for the extermination of Tutsis on the hill of Kabuye. He is serving his sentence in Arusha.

There are many more friends and Western patrons, including Ambassador Johan Swinnen (former Belgian ambassador to Rwanda and to the DRC), Peter Verlinden, Filip Reyntjens, and other prominent Belgian politicians linked to parties such as CDH or Vlaams Belang.

By magnifying these unsubstantiated claims, they attempt to create distractions and sow doubt.

Spreading rumors to shift public opinion

By stirring up panic among their networks, they may be seeking to delay justice.

Spreading rumors (poisoning, in this case) can manipulate public opinion, shape perceptions, and sometimes mislead people of goodwill who know little about the subject or younger generations who are still learning about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

These rumors might exaggerate the treatment they face, accuse authorities of a “witch hunt,” and portray themselves as victims of injustice, when in reality, it’s the opposite.

Victimization strategy

By portraying themselves as victims, they seek to gain public sympathy and transform perceptions of their actions. They attempt to lessen their responsibility and appear as targets of an unjust system, potentially appealing to some sections of public opinion.

Damaging Rwanda’s image and its success story

We should also note that this so-called investigation was released at a time when Rwanda has been in the spotlight, with our President shaking hands with world leaders at the Francophonie summit in Paris and the Commonwealth meeting in Samoa.

This investigation seeks to distort Rwanda’s true image and tarnish its success story by discrediting Rwanda’s tangible achievements both nationally and internationally.

In short, the severity of a sentence can serve as a warning signal for certain collaborators, prompting them to act out of fear of future repercussions.

This includes attempting to manipulate public discourse to obstruct justice and protect themselves, hence the invention of rumors that underpin this baseless report.

Rather than focusing on fabricated threats, it is time to let justice take its rightful course.

Abingeneye appears very close to Charles Onana. He has been promoting his book sales and raising funds for his trial.

Cameroonian Charles Onana is accused of denial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Kayumba Placide is the leader of the FDU party, which collaborates with the FDLR.

Carine Kanimba, the daughter of Paul Rusesabagina is among individuals cited in the report. Convicted of terrorism charges, Rusesabagina was released on presidential clemency in 2023.

Rettman's article amplifies the voices of genocide deniers and extended networks of supporters, including well-known individuals like Judi Rever.

Some young Jambo ASBL members are showing their support for Charles Onana.