In the case of prominent Ingabire Umuhoza Victoire, which is being heard by the High Court in Kigali, the issue of her alleged involvement in military activities aimed at overthrowing the government has continued to be a point of contention between her and the Prosecution.
Ingabire is facing seven charges, all related to an alleged plan to overthrow the current government through the use of weapons, violence, or bloodshed.
On 21 September 2026, the Prosecution told the court that Ingabire was involved in an attack carried out by RUD Urunana in Kinigi Sector, Musanze District, in October 2019, in which 15 people were killed.
RUD Urunana is an armed group that originated from FDLR and was at the time led by Musabyimana Juvenal, also known as “Gen Africa Jean Michel.”During the attack, many of the fighters were captured.
In an effort to establish the role Ingabire may have played in the attack, the Prosecution questioned some of the captured fighters, including Habumukiza Théoneste.
On 21 September 2026, the Prosecution explained that during questioning, Habumukiza said that Major Nshimiyimana Cassien, from the CRAP faction affiliated with FDLR, had told them to meet Ingabire’s forces in Rwanda and work together.
The Prosecution read Habumukiza’s testimony to the court, which stated: “The commander of CRAP, Major Nshimiyimana Cassien, told us that the leader of FDU-Inkingi, Ingabire Victoire’s party, was inside the country, and that we would meet them in Cyanika and Kadatemwa.”
Habumukiza was questioned about cooperation between P5 and RUD Urunana and said: “First, Major Nshimiyimana Cassien told us that Brig. Gen. Jean Michel had already announced that he had joined forces with Ingabire Victoire’s FDU-Inkingi, and that FDU-Inkingi was the platform for P5 activities here in Rwanda.”
On 28 September, Ingabire said that she was among those who took the lead in issuing a statement condemning the RUD Urunana attack, arguing that this demonstrated that she had no involvement in it.
Ingabire said that after her release in September 2018, following a presidential pardon, she decided to exercise caution, stressing that she could not disregard the pardon and become involved in an attack that resulted in the deaths of Rwandans.
Regarding the fighters who were captured during the attack in Rwanda, Ingabire said that the Prosecution had not presented any evidence showing her involvement with the RUD Urunana fighters, including whether she had given them instructions or when she might have done so.
Referring to Habumukiza’s testimony, Ingabire said: “If you read his statement, he says, ‘They told us to go and attack Rwanda, and in Rwanda we would find Ingabire Victoire’s forces.’ President, does the Prosecution really claim that I have forces in Rwanda, other than making false accusations?”
Ingabire maintains that she pursues peaceful politics and seeks solutions through dialogue. She also said that, as a mother and a Christian, she could not make a decision to shed blood.
On 1 October 2026, the High Court is scheduled to continue hearing Ingabire Victoire’s defence.