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U.S. Speaks Out Against Human Rights Threats in Rwanda

U.S. Speaks Out Against Human Rights Threats in Rwanda

Written by Nicholas Kotch  | From Business Day Live

The U.S. has signalled to Rwanda’s hardline government that there is a limit to its support, particularly when human rights are deemed to be under threat.

The U.S. state department rebuked Rwanda on Wednesday for holding people incommunicado and threatening journalists.

“The U.S. is deeply concerned by the arrest and disappearance of dozens of Rwandan citizens in Rwanda over the past two months,” spokeswoman Marie Harf said.

The U.S. called on President Paul Kagame’s government to respect international human rights law and freedom of expression. Kigali replied that in all instances, police and security agencies had acted lawfully.

“Accused individuals are entitled to, and receive, due process — suggestions otherwise, including claims of ‘disappearances’, are false,” said Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo.

The U.S. has been the central African country’s principal supporter since a 1994 genocide in which up to 800,000 people, mainly from the Tutsi minority, were killed.

Mr Kagame and the previously exiled Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) have held power since taking it after ending the violence.

Read more at Business Day Live