Rwandan Opposition Launches Coalition to Challenge Kagame

The Rwandan Opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (ROC) issues this declaration following strategic consultations and end-of-year meetings held in the context of the New Year 2026.

At the initiative of His Excellency Padri Thomas NAHIMANA, key political actors from the Rwandan opposition met to assess the prevailing political and geopolitical climate in Rwanda and the wider African Great Lakes region.

I. DIAGNOSIS OF THE NATIONAL CRISIS

The meeting highlighted the deepening crisis afflicting the Rwandan people as a result of the dictatorial governance of the RPF-Inkotanyi regime, led by General Paul Kagame. The ROC reaffirms that this regime has thrived on three pillars: lies, terror, and nepotism, with additional harm caused by its exploitation of Congolese resources and regional destabilization strategies.

II. CALL FOR REGIME CHANGE

Participants unanimously agreed that peace and security in Rwanda and the Great Lakes region are unattainable so long as power remains concentrated in the hands of Paul Kagame and his inner circle. Therefore, they resolved that bold, coordinated, and strategic actions must be taken to achieve the democratic change sought by Rwandans and regional populations.

III. KEY RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED

The following resolutions were adopted:

Establishment of the Coalition:

• Creation of a unified Rwandan Opposition Coalition, bringing together all who oppose the RPF regime, both inside Rwanda and in the diaspora.

Engagement of Opposition Groups:

• A call for sincere dialogue among all opposition parties and movements to strengthen unity under the ROC umbrella.

Diplomatic Outreach:

• An appeal to friendly nations to recognize and support the ROC in its peaceful struggle for change and justice in Rwanda.

  
  

IV. FORMATION OF THE RWANDAN OPPOSITION COALITION (ROC)

After extensive consultations:

• One hundred (100) political actors from all 30 districts of Rwanda, across ethnic, religious, generational, and ideological lines, have come together to formally establish the Rwandan Opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (ROC).

• These committed individuals include both domestic and exiled leaders, unified in their vision for a democratic Rwanda free from authoritarianism.

• The ROC will contest the 2029 presidential and parliamentary elections.

• Padri Thomas Nahimana has been unanimously nominated as ROC’s Presidential Candidate for the 2029 elections.

V. INTERNATIONAL APPEAL

The ROC expresses gratitude to nations that uphold democratic values and calls on:

• All donor governments should immediately suspend aid to the repressive RPF regime.

• The international community should impose economic sanctions and an arms embargo on the Kagame administration.

• Global institutions to issue arrest warrants against individuals responsible for mass atrocities and war crimes committed in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

VI. A CALL TO THE RWANDAN PEOPLE

The ROC invites all citizens of goodwill, both in Rwanda and abroad, to rally behind this historic effort for democratic transformation. The Coalition pledges to:

• Open political space,

• Release political prisoners,

• Guarantee equal opportunity,

• Facilitate the return of refugees, and

• End Rwanda’s military aggression against the DRC, replacing it with peace-driven regional development.

VII. FINAL DECLARATION

With unwavering faith in divine justice and the resilience of the Rwandan people, the ROC remains confident that victory belongs to the peacemakers, and that genuine democracy and reconciliation are within reach for Rwanda, the DRC, and the entire Great Lakes region.

For Media Inquiries:

Contact: Ms. Claire Marie Urusaro

Spokesperson

Rwandan Opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (ROC)