RWANDA: Diane Rwigara dares Kagame again

In 2017, Diane Rwigara announced she would run against Kagame and what followed immediately was her nudes leaking. She was arrested with her family, barred from running and their property auctioned.

RWANDA: Diane Rwigara dares Kagame again
Ms Diane Shima Rwigara set to run against Rwanda's president Paul Kagame ( courtesy Photo).

By MOSES OLET EMOR

Ms Diane Shima Rwigara who contested against President Paul Kagame in 2017 has once again declared her intention to challenge for presidency in the July 14 presidential election. 

In 2017, Diane Rwigara announced she would run against Kagame and what followed immediately was her nudes leaking. She was arrested with her family, barred from running and their property auctioned.

Ms. Rwigara after her arrest in 2017.

She was 37 then, and what followed her announcement put her political ambition at rest, at least for a moment. She looks not ready to back down this time.

"A new chapter for Rwanda begins now".... "Together we will make history! Join me as I run for president", Ms Rwigara announced on her X, formerly Twitter. 

Rwanda goes to the general elections on July 14, with Kagame seeking to extend his stay on the top job to three decades.

Mr. Kagame has won every election since 2003, winning the last one by over 98 per, though critics claim the elections have never been free and fair. 

Who is Ms Rwigara?

Diane Shima Rwigara is a Rwandan businesswoman and accountant who stood as an independent candidate in the 2017 Rwandan presidential election.

Ms. Diane Rwigara with her mother Adeline Rwigara in prison uniforms during their trial. 

Rwigara was charged on 23 September 2017, alongside her mother and four other defendants, with "inciting insurrection" among other counts, but was acquitted along with her mother on 6 December 2018.