Former head of Rwanda’s presidential guard dies in prison, his brother says
Summary
Tom Byabagamba, a former commander of Rwanda’s presidential guard, died in prison after serving about 12 years. He was convicted of inciting insurrection and had a strained relationship with President Paul Kagame before his arrest.Key Facts
- Tom Byabagamba was once the commander of Rwanda’s presidential guard.
- He was removed from his position in 2010 without an official reason.
- Byabagamba was arrested in 2014 and sentenced by a military court for inciting insurrection and harming the government’s image.
- His prison sentence was reduced from 21 years to 15 years in 2019.
- Byabagamba died in prison at the age of 59; the cause of death has not been shared.
- Another officer, Brigadier Frank Rusagara, arrested with him, also died in prison.
- Human rights groups and critics argue the trial was unfair and part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Rwanda.
- President Paul Kagame is known for rebuilding Rwanda after the 1994 genocide but faces criticism for limiting political opposition and media freedom.
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