The trial of opposition figure Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza and her co-defendants continued on Monday, September 21, 2026, before the High Court in Kigali, with the prosecution beginning its detailed presentation of the charges against them.
The prosecution has been given four days to explain its case to the court, with Monday’s proceedings focusing on the charge of forming or joining a criminal organisation.
During the hearing, prosecutors began outlining how they allege the offence was committed and the circumstances surrounding the activities cited in the indictment.
Ingabire and eight co-defendants are facing several charges in a case that has been before the High Court since preliminary proceedings began earlier this year.
The charges include forming or joining a criminal organisation, conspiring to commit offences against the government, inciting unrest or disorder, resisting lawful authority, organising or participating in unlawful demonstrations, and spreading false information or harmful propaganda, according to previous court reporting.
The substantive hearing had initially been scheduled to begin in September after the court granted the defence additional time to prepare its submissions and consult with co-defendants.
The proceedings resumed after the High Court rejected a request by Ingabire and her lawyers challenging the composition of the panel of judges. The court ruled that the trial should continue and imposed a Rwf500,000 civil fine on three defence lawyers over the application, according to reports on the earlier proceedings.
The prosecution’s four-day presentation is expected to address the allegations against Ingabire and her co-accused before the case moves to the next stages of the trial.
Ingabire, who founded DALFA-Umurinzi, has previously denied involvement in organising activities alleged by the prosecution. The case remains ongoing, and the allegations have yet to be determined by the court.
