General Frank Rusagara Kanyambo passed away during the night of Sunday, March 23 to Monday, March 24, 2025, around 3 a.m., while in solitary confinement at the Military Prison in Kanombe. He had reportedly spent more than three years in complete isolation, under heavy surveillance. Military Police immediately transferred his body to the Kanombe Military Hospital morgue.
However, his family was only informed of his death on Tuesday, March 25. Since then, the release of his body has been delayed, reportedly awaiting instructions from high-level authorities. As of now, the funeral is expected to take place on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
The location of the burial remains uncertain. His family has expressed the wish for him to be buried in Gahini, Kayonza District, his birthplace and where his father Kanyambo is also buried. However, that location lies near President Kagame’s private land on Lake Muhazi, leading some to suspect the government may block the burial there for “security” or legal reasons. Rwandan law prohibits private burials outside public cemeteries unless special exemptions are granted — often denied in politically sensitive cases.
Burial at the military cemetery is also unlikely, as it would imply a restoration of his military honors — which were stripped when he was convicted.
The most probable scenario, according to several sources, is a discreet burial in a public cemetery, under close surveillance, possibly with few family members present and strict controls by state security services to prevent public gatherings or political symbolism.
It remains unknown whether his five children, who live in the UK, will be able or allowed to travel to Rwanda for the burial. General Rusagara, however, still has a large extended family in Rwanda, including his younger brother Rusanganwa.
Pro-government media such as Igihe have attributed his death to cancer, although no independent confirmation has been provided.
Therwandan
