Infighting within the Rwanda National Congress (RNC) continues to intensify. Members remain divided over the disappearance of Ben Rutabana and the alleged involvement of certain figures in the organisation.
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Disappearance of Ben Rutabana
One faction claims Rutabana vanished after disputes with Kayumba Nyamwasa. They argue that individuals who raised such allegations were expelled or sidelined. Another faction insists his disappearance stemmed from personal issues unrelated to RNC.
Serge Ndayizeye, who works with an RNC-affiliated YouTube channel, said Rutabana’s disappearance was linked to personal matters. He suggested Rutabana may have had disagreements with some leaders.
Jean Paul Turayishimye, a former RNC spokesperson, strongly disagreed. He argued that personal disputes alone could not explain Rutabana’s disappearance. According to him, Rutabana’s problems were political, tied to disagreements with RNC’s leadership and direction.
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Timeline of Events
Rutabana, RNC’s Commissioner for Resource Mobilization, disappeared during a trip to Uganda that began on September 5, 2019.
On October 2, 2019, a letter addressed to RNC Coordinator Jérôme Nayigiziki surfaced. It was signed by several individuals, including Tabitha Mugenzi, William Mugenzi, Jason Muhayimana, Simeon Ndwaniye, Vidah Ndwaniye, Louis Rugambage, Diane Rutabana, Emérance Sikubwabo, and Max Sikubwabo.
The letter stated Rutabana left Brussels on September 4 aboard an Emirates Airlines flight to Entebbe, Uganda, with a stopover in Dubai. He arrived at Entebbe International Airport on September 5. He remained in contact with his wife until September 8, after which communication ceased. He was expected to return to Belgium on September 19 but never arrived.
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Allegations Against Kayumba Nyamwasa
Turayishimye recounted that Rutabana feared certain RNC figures before his trip. He alleged that Kayumba Nyamwasa received a call in Uganda warning that Rutabana was on a list of people who could be arrested. Kayumba reportedly warned Rutabana, who replied, “I’m going. I’m French.”
After arriving in Entebbe, Rutabana faced questions about a Yellow Fever certificate. He allegedly paid a €20 bribe to proceed. Later, he found no arrest documents existed, raising suspicion about Kayumba’s warning. Rutabana confronted Kayumba, then returned safely to Belgium. On a later trip, however, he disappeared. Turayishimye suspects Kayumba’s involvement.
Internal Divisions
Turayishimye said a committee was formed to prepare RNC’s position after Rutabana’s disappearance. Disagreements quickly emerged. Some members wanted to distance the organization from Rutabana, portraying him as acting alone. Turayishimye refused to join.
Benoît Umuhoza, RNC’s Provincial Coordinator in France, confirmed divisions deepened. Some members pushed for Rutabana’s expulsion, while others opposed. Eventually, RNC expelled him, leaving many dissatisfied. Umuhoza alleged that other members had also disappeared after disputes.
Financial Conflicts
Turayishimye said his own troubles began when he oversaw RNC’s finances. He claimed tensions escalated once significant funds flowed into the organization. Rutabana insisted funds be used strictly for official purposes, rejecting informal practices.
Rutabana later traveled to Uganda independently, maintaining contacts and controlling financial resources.
Counterclaims and Mistrust
Serge Ndayizeye dismissed allegations against Kayumba, calling them unfounded. He claimed some members pressured him to abandon his support for Kayumba. Umuhoza, however, said mistrust spread widely. He recalled being silenced during meetings when he questioned Rutabana’s case.
Turayishimye argued the disappearance will continue to haunt RNC. Seven years later, no answers have emerged.
Ethnic Tensions Enter the Debate
Recordings circulated alleging Rutabana harbored hostility toward Hutus. Some claimed he admitted such views. These recordings were used to suggest his disappearance was not a major loss.
Umuhoza said leadership positions in France increasingly divided along ethnic lines. He alleged favoritism and discrimination had become entrenched.
A Climate of Suspicion
Former members and current officials continue to trade accusations. Observers compare the situation to a tale of a man who feared a chicken after imagining himself as a caterpillar. Likewise, RNC remains trapped in suspicion, with members doubting one another and unable to escape distrust.
