Analysis - The rise and scattering of an elite family, not on account of their ethnicity, but despite it, exemplifies the tragedy of authoritarianism in Rwanda.
The rise and scattering of an elite family, not on account of their ethnicity, but despite it, exemplifies the tragedy of authoritarianism in Rwanda .
I call this family Byabagamba because that was the name of the father of the siblings at he heart of this story. Looking at their positions in the post-1994 military and civilian establishment, this was a modern 'aristocracy'. But it also linked up with the genuine precolonial aristocracy. Byabagamba's grandfather was chief Nzigiye, a trusted advisor in king Rwabugiri's court during the second half of the 19th century.
Rosemary Museminali was sacked in 2009. Blacklisted and unable to find a job in Rwanda, she joined UNAIDS in 2011, and has lived in Geneva ever since. Her brother-in-law David Himbara abruptly left the country in 2010 and exiled himself, initially in South Africa. In 2011, Mary Baine lost her position at the RRA to become the permanent secretary at the Foreign Ministry.
The latest victim in this saga was John Museminali, Rosemary's husband. He was arrested in 2020, suspected of involvement in the alleged prison escape attempt of Tom Byabagamba. He was released after a couple of weeks on condition that he reported monthly to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau. Museminali fled to Geneva where he joined his wife. Several other family members are in exile elsewhere in Africa, Europe and North America.
News Politics Economy Trade Business Sports Current Events Travel Rwanda East Africa Governance Central Africa
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rwanda: Five Things to Know As Rwanda Pilots Robotics in CurriculumThe government has launched a pilot phase for integrating robotics into the national curriculum.
Read more »
Rwanda: Kagame Talks Rwanda's Development, Hope for the Future in Young PeopleInterview - President Paul Kagame discussed Rwanda's socio-economic transformation journey, highlighting efforts in creating an enabling business environment, electrification progress, rule of law, and promoting gender equality.
Read more »
Rwanda: Ishimwe Eyes First Win At Rwanda Open M25Rwanda's top seed Claude Ishimwe had a moment to forget at the 2023 Rwanda Open M25 with a poor performance in which he lost to Indian Dev Prajwal in the first round in straight sets 6-0, 6-0.
Read more »
Rwanda: 5 Things to Know About Rwanda-Singapore Ai 'Playbook'In a move that seeks to help shape the global AI discourse, Rwanda and Singapore introduced the world's first AI Playbook for Small States, at the United Nations Summit of the Future earlier this week in New York City.
Read more »
Rwanda: How Is Rwanda Faring in Fight Against Mpox?Two months after Rwanda confirmed its first cases of mpox, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) continues to intensify prevention and treatment efforts nationwide.
Read more »
Rwanda: U19 Women's T20 WC Qualifier - Uganda Set Up Zimbabwe Semifinal After Rwanda WinWednesday, September 25
Read more »