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November 03 - 09, 2014

Media Monitoring Report for Rwanda
Posted on November 9, 2014
1. International media used as instrument for regime change in Rwanda
Private but pro-government newspapers

New Times, 3rd November 2014
“‘Are Rwandan exiles and the international media in cahoots?” by Lonzen Rugira

  • According to the author, Rwandans inside the country are much more united than their compatriots outside. This is a result of limited access to objective information about the state and progress in their homeland. Also, their main source of information are exiled elites and the international media which are dependent on their stories. The journalists are not bothered that exiles and political opponents are likely to hold hostile views about their home country. 
  • The international media are used as instruments of their governments to influence development particularly in their former colonies. The interest of exiled elites and foreign governments is the same - regime change in Rwanda.
  • The target is the Rwandan leader, President Paul Kagame. The objective is to tarnish his image in the hope of eroding his support not only among ordinary citizens in and outside the country but also to pressure powerful international actors to abandon him.
2. Kizito Mihigo pleaded guilty to all charges
Private pro-government newspapers

New Times, 7th November 2014
„Kizito Mihigo pleads guilty to terrorism, murder charges“ by Edwin Musoni

  • Popular singer Kizito Mihigo pleaded guilty to all charges levelled against him in a terrorism trial before the High Court, including terrorism and murder charges. "I plead guilty to all charges like I did from the day I was arrested and I ask for forgiveness," Kizito told the court.
  • The Prosecution described his crimes in detail: „In Whatsapp and Skype conversations between Mihigo and Callixte Nsabimana, an RNC member, the two discussed plans of overthrowing the government by use of violence. Among those targeted for killing were the President, Gen. Jack Nziza, Deputy Commissioner-General of Police Dan Munyuza, Foreign Affairs minister Louise Mushikiwabo and Edouard Bamporiki, a Member of Parliament."
  • Kizito had allegedly agreed to mobilise youth in the country and form a group to be called "New Generation for Revolution" that would operate from Tanzania, while Kizito was to fly to Europe where he would make a declaration calling for an uprising in Rwanda.
  • "He had been promised a ministerial post and said he would put up a statue of Col. Patrick Karegeya (killed in South Africa) in the city centre when he takes office as Minister for Culture,“ said the Prosecutor.
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