The Repression Game: Unveiling Rwanda’s Global Playbook of Silence

Rwanda: Global Playbook of Abuse to Silence Critics

Violent Attacks, Misuse of Law Enforcement, Surveillance, Harassment, Relatives Targeted

October 10, 2023

Rwandan authorities and their proxies are employing a range of tactics to suppress criticism and dissent from Rwandans living abroad, according to a report released by Human Rights Watch. The report, titled “Join Us or Die”: Rwanda’s Extraterritorial Repression, details the various methods of repression being utilized by the Rwandan government and its associates, including violence, judicial mechanisms, surveillance, harassment, and the targeting of relatives.

A Global Ecosystem of Repression

The report paints a disturbing picture of a systematic and widespread effort to silence critics and intimidate potential dissenters. Rwandans living abroad, even those residing thousands of miles away from Rwanda, are forced to self-censor, refrain from engaging in political activism, and live in fear of being attacked or having their relatives targeted in Rwanda.

The tactics deployed by the Rwandan authorities are multifaceted and often used in combination to wear down individuals who oppose the government or refuse to support it. Human Rights Watch interviewed over 150 people across the globe who have been targeted by the Rwandan government and its proxies. The report documents numerous cases of violence, including killings and enforced disappearances, as well as surveillance, misuse of law enforcement, online harassment, and the abuse of relatives in Rwanda.

Impunity and Consequences

Human Rights Watch highlights the consequences of three decades of impunity for the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). The Rwandan government, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, has made significant strides in rebuilding the country and improving its image on the international stage. However, these gains have not been matched with equal progress in civil and political rights.

The government has criminalized the creation of a “hostile international opinion” and uses this offense to target and intimidate critics and journalists within Rwanda. As Rwanda‘s global prominence has grown, with its participation in multilateral institutions and peacekeeping operations, the international community has failed to adequately address the country’s human rights violations.

Vicious Control and Violations of Rights

The report also exposes the targeting of relatives as a particularly cruel form of control, demonstrating the extent to which the repression extends beyond high-profile cases of violence and disappearances. The Rwandan government’s actions violate a range of human rights, including the right to life, physical security and liberty, freedom from torture, freedom of movement, privacy, freedom of expression and association, and the right to a fair trial.

Editorial: The International Community’s Responsibility

The report by Human Rights Watch sheds light on the alarming tactics employed by the Rwandan government to suppress criticism and silence dissent from Rwandans living abroad. The global ecosystem of repression described in the report is a significant cause for concern and demands action from the international community.

It is disheartening to see that Rwanda‘s partners, including leading multilateral institutions, have failed to recognize and address the widespread human rights violations committed by the Rwandan authorities. The country’s growing prominence on the international stage should not overshadow the urgent need to hold the government accountable for its actions.

While Rwanda has made notable progress in rebuilding after the 1994 genocide, the international community must not turn a blind eye to the erosion of civil and political rights within the country. The pursuit of economic development and a positive international image should not come at the expense of basic human rights.

Governments and international organizations should not be complicit in the Rwandan government’s campaign of repression. They must demand an end to these violations, hold the Rwandan authorities accountable, and provide support and protection to Rwandans living abroad who are at risk.

Advice: Protecting Rwandans Living Abroad

Raising awareness and providing support

The international community should prioritize raising awareness about the human rights violations faced by Rwandans living abroad. Human Rights organizations, media outlets, and civil society groups should dedicate resources to shed light on these issues and ensure the stories of those affected are heard.

Furthermore, individuals and organizations must provide support to those who face repression from the Rwandan government. This can include legal assistance, advocacy, and creating networks of solidarity to protect and support at-risk individuals.

Putting pressure on the Rwandan government

The international community, including governments, multilateral institutions, and human rights organizations, must put pressure on the Rwandan government to cease its campaign of repression and respect the rights of its citizens. This can be done through public statements, diplomatic pressure, and the imposition of targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for human rights abuses.

Ensuring accountability

Accountability is vital to end the culture of impunity that has allowed the Rwandan government to perpetrate human rights violations. Establishing an independent and impartial mechanism to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the repression is essential. The International Criminal Court should also closely monitor the situation and be prepared to intervene if necessary.

Additionally, the international community should support the establishment of safe channels for reporting and documenting human rights abuses, both within Rwanda and for Rwandans living abroad. This will provide crucial evidence for future accountability measures.

Safeguarding the rights of Rwandans abroad

Efforts must be made to ensure the safety and well-being of Rwandans living abroad who are at risk of harassment, violence, and other forms of repression. Host countries should provide adequate protection and support, including legal pathways to residency and protection from extradition requests based on political motivations.

Finally, multinational corporations and international investors should conduct due diligence to ensure they are not inadvertently aiding or benefiting from human rights abuses perpetrated by the Rwandan government. They should uphold rigorous human rights standards and use their influence to pressure the government to respect the rights of its citizens.

Rwanda‘s global playbook of abuse to silence critics is a grave violation of human rights and deserves urgent attention. The international community has a responsibility to stand up for the rights of Rwandans and demand an end to the repression.

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