A judge from Rwanda’s High Court in Kigali has ordered opposition politician Victoire Ingabire to appear in court for questioning in a case involving nine people accused of plotting to overthrow the government.

Ingabire was released from prison in 2018 through a presidential pardon from Paul Kagame after serving 8 years. She had been convicted on charges including forming an armed group, which she has always denied.

Now, her name is being mentioned again in the ongoing trial of the nine individuals. Prosecutors claim these individuals were in communication with Ingabire, who leads the unregistered opposition party DALFA-Umurinzi. They say she provided them with money and training on how to remove the government without using weapons.

Judge Questions Why Ingabire Wasn't Charged

On Tuesday, the judge asked why Victoire Ingabire, seen as the possible mastermind, had not been summoned before now. In response, the state prosecutor said they are legally allowed to choose whom to prosecute and when.

The name Assumpta was also mentioned in court, another alleged organizer who has not been questioned or charged. Prosecutors claim they don't know her exact location but believe she is somewhere in Europe and say she will be pursued if found.

 Defense Lawyers Call Out Selective Justice

Defense lawyer Me Gatera Gashabana criticized the prosecution, saying it's unfair that authorities chose to arrest and charge "minor" actors while ignoring those they claim are the leaders behind the alleged plot.

Among the accused is journalist Théoneste Nsengimana, who was arrested in late 2021. He and others were reportedly detained after participating in an online training session which prosecutors claim was meant to teach how to oppose the government without weapons.

The prosecution insists all the arrested individuals are DALFA-Umurinzi members, and that the party organized the session. However, one of the accused, Sylvain Sibomana, denies being a member and denies that the training was linked to the party at all.

 The “Ingabire Day” Controversy

Another charge centers around preparations for "Ingabire Day", an annual October event where supporters of Victoire Ingabire mark the anniversary of her arrest. Prosecutors claim the accused were organizing this event, using it as a political mobilization platform.

Journalist Nsengimana denies planning the event. He says he would have attended it as a journalist, not as an organizer.

Will Victoire Appear in Person?

The trial will continue Thursday. Although the judge has ordered Victoire Ingabire to appear, it is still unclear whether she will actually attend. If she does, it won’t be as a suspect — at least not yet. But the prosecution says she or others could be charged in the future if necessary.

Kagame’s Remarks Raise Concern

Last year, Ingabire’s international legal team expressed concern after President Paul Kagame made remarks many believe were directed at her, though he didn’t name her directly.

Speaking on national TV and radio, Kagame said:

Ingabire’s lawyers say this speech created serious fears for her safety and felt like a direct threat.