Rwandan musician linked to rebels pleads guilty of treason
Rwandan musician Kizito Mihigo is escorted by police officials at Police Headquaters in Kacyiru on April 14, 2014. Police in Rwanda said they had arrested three people on charges of threatening state security, among them a radio journalist and Mihigo, a famous peace activist musician. PHOTO/Cyril Ndegeya
What you need to know:
- Mihigo, the singer, said last Thursday that he was so frustrated and manipulated by the Kigali regime and decided to join rebel groups for better packages and offers if their plans sailed through.
- The co-accused are Cassien Ntamuhanga, a journalist and director of a local radio station, Jean Paul Dukunzumuremyi, a demobilized soldier and Agnes Niyibizi, who allegedly helped transact the money for the planned grenade attacks on Kigali.
KIGALI,
A prominent Rwandan singer and composer appeared Monday before a Kigali local court with three other co-accused, facing charges of being connected with outlawed rebel groups.
Mihigo, the singer, said last Thursday that he was so frustrated and manipulated by the Kigali regime and decided to join rebel groups for better packages and offers if their plans sailed through.
The co-accused are Cassien Ntamuhanga, a journalist and director of a local radio station, Jean Paul Dukunzumuremyi, a demobilized soldier and Agnes Niyibizi, who allegedly helped transact the money for the planned grenade attacks on Kigali.
In a statement, police said that the three were involved in activities aimed at destabilizing the security of the country and were linked to Rwanda National Congress (RNC), an exiled opposition group, as well as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, largely blamed for the 1994 genocide.
The two groups have been blamed for a series of grenade attacks around the country that have killed and injured many.
Mihigo told court that his lawyer withdrew from the case a few hours before pre-trial. He pleaded guilty to treason charges and asked for time to get another lawyer.
However Ntamuhanga, Dukuzumuremyi and Niyibizi pleaded guilty to their charges and requested for three days to get lawyers.
Judge adjourned the case to Thursday.
Since 2010, Mihigo had been enjoying government support, with his organization Kizito Mihigo Foundation (KMP) receiving substantial support from the state. His reconciliation programs and songs were widespread and liked by many Rwandans.
