GENERAL UPDATE
On 30th June 2026, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted the outcome of Rwanda’s universal periodic review where the Rwandan government supported 87% of all recommendations received illustrating willingness to implement the said recommendations. Nonetheless, Rwanda continues to repress independent critics, journalists and political opposition. It further continues to be criticised for its military support to, and control over, the M23 armed group which is linked to serious human rights abuses and violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). On 14th May 2026, reports emerged of killings, sexual violence, and abductions allegedly committed by M23 fighters and Rwandan forces following their takeover of Uvira in Eastern DRC.
Further, on 26th June 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo instituted proceedings against Rwanda before the International Court of Justice over the long running conflict in the eastern part of the country attributable to Rwanda. DRC alleges that Rwanda bears international responsibility for a range of violations committed over the past three decades and is seeking the Court's adjudication on the matter in accordance with international law.
Expression
Authorities have continued to pursue a crackdown heavily targeting digital commentators and YouTube-based critics who report on public service failures or platform opposition parties.
In May 2026, Aimable Karasira, a Rwandan academic and outspoken government critic, died under highly questionable circumstances on the day of his scheduled prison release. Karasira had been detained since 2021 for using his digital platform to speak out against government narratives regarding historical events and abuses. He released a video on his YouTube channel about the loss of his relatives during the country’s 1994 genocide and to the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front in its aftermath. Prior to his arrest, he feared for his life as he received threats and pressure to stop publishing his opinions. As previously documented on the Monitor, Karasira was tortured and denied medical care during his detention.
Two journalists, Augustin Nsanzimana, a cameraman and editor, and Emmanuel Niyonshuti, a broadcast journalist affiliated with the YouTube channel Imbarutso ya Demokarasi were detained for reporting on Kwa Kabuga or the Kigali Transit Center, a secret and unofficial detention facility where authorities hold people deemed “undesirable”. The facility holds street vendors, sex workers, homeless people and beggars who are beaten and arbitrarily detained for making the city ‘look dirty'.
During a 26th May 2026 court hearing, the prosecution accused them of “publishing rumors” that may incite fear.”