Rwandan opposition politician Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, leader of the Dalfa-Umurinzi party, has distanced herself from members of her party who are accused of plotting to overthrow the Rwandan government.
The High Council of the Judiciary had summoned Ingabire to appear and provide clarifications in the ongoing trial involving nine defendants.
In previous hearings, prosecutors repeatedly mentioned Ingabire’s name, claiming she played a significant role in organizing training sessions allegedly aimed at overthrowing the government without the use of arms, which the accused are said to have attended. This was the reason behind summoning her to testify.
On Thursday, while appearing before the court, Ingabire acknowledged that she knew all the accused individuals. However, she insisted that neither she nor her political party had ever organized such trainings for the purpose alleged.
She emphasized that her party had no involvement in those activities, adding that Dalfa-Umurinzi is not a legally registered party, and all her efforts to have it registered have failed.
She stated:
“That party could not have done anything since it is not legally recognized.”
Ingabire also told the court that after realizing how difficult it was to get her party registered, she asked the interim committee she had appointed to stop all activities related to recruiting members.
Prosecutors have linked the alleged trainings to an annual event called “Ingabire Day”, celebrated by some Rwandans in the diaspora who support the politician.
In court today, Ingabire clarified that the said trainings and Ingabire Day have no connection whatsoever. She explained that the event is organized by Rwandans abroad, and although she is often requested to send a message, she plays no role in its organization.
After hearing her testimony, the judges stated that they would deliberate privately to decide whether the information provided is sufficient for the court to proceed.
