Victoire Ingabire, Rusesabagina, and Other Extremists from FDLR Might Be Behind These Outcries?
On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, U.S. Senators wrote a letter to Adam Silver, the Commissioner of the National Basketball Association (NBA), questioning the partnership between the NBA and the Rwandan government, accusing the latter of authoritarianism.
In the letter, a copy of which was obtained by Rwandatribune, the Senators accused the NBA of providing the Rwandan government with advice and support that helped build a $104 million basketball arena, establish a now-prominent basketball league in Africa, expand the BK Arena, and other commercial ventures.
The Senators expressed concerns that the Rwandan government does not respect human rights, citing that Victoire Ingabire was prevented from running for office, the lack of freedom of expression, and the alleged involvement of Rwanda in the M23 conflict.
A political analyst, who preferred to remain anonymous, noted that the NBA’s partnership with Rwanda has caused jealousy because the league has become a platform to showcase Rwanda’s positive image, which people like Ingabire do not support. The analyst commented, “Ingabire wants Rwanda to remain in a state like it was during the 1994 genocide.”
The analyst also mentioned President Paul Kagame’s ongoing forgiveness towards Victoire Ingabire, despite her numerous transgressions, hoping she would change her ways, but her behavior has only worsened. The analyst referred to the pardon granted to her and the 2020 attack by RUD URUNANA rebels that killed 24 civilians, alleging that these rebels were supported by Ingabire’s party, FDU INKINGI, of which she was the president.
The analyst believes that Senators Marsha Blackburn and Jeff Merkley were misled and influenced by extremists aiming to tarnish Rwanda’s image. He stated, “Many in Africa wish President Kagame could lead their countries because of how far he has taken Rwanda, and the recent elections demonstrated the state of democracy in Rwanda.”
He added, “Currently, you can see various political parties nominating candidates for the presidency and parliamentary positions. Observers praised the conduct of the previous elections, so these complaints are just the jealousy of self-proclaimed opposition members looking to exploit Westerners for their gain.” The analyst concluded by pointing out that FDU Inkingi’s Radio Inkingi was quick to broadcast these allegations, highlighting that these lies were fabricated by individuals associated with FDU, FDLR, and other extremist groups.
