By Marc Matabaro
The Netherlands has officially refused to accredit Alfred Gasana, former Minister of Interior and Director General of Internal Security at the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), as Rwanda’s ambassador. This decision, made after six months of deliberations following his appointment in June 2024, reflects significant concerns about Gasana’s controversial past, including his role in crackdowns and extrajudicial executions, as well as potential threats he posed to critics of Kagame’s regime in Europe.
Gasana’s designation had raised alarm within the Rwandan diaspora residing in the Netherlands and neighboring countries. Credible allegations surfaced, claiming that one of his missions was to target and assassinate Samuel Baker Byansi, an exiled journalist known for his involvement in the Rwanda Classified investigation project. This project exposed repressive practices and human rights abuses by Kagame’s regime. The rejection of Gasana is seen as an important step toward protecting Rwandan exiles and safeguarding freedom of expression against Kigali’s continued efforts to silence its critics abroad.
In response, Kigali appointed Lambert Dushimimana, former governor of Rwanda’s Western Province, as the new candidate for the ambassadorial role in the Netherlands. Although this appointment is recent, concerns remain about whether Dushimimana and his team might continue the intimidation and targeted assassination practices attributed to Kagame’s regime. Observers are calling for constant vigilance to ensure the safety of activists, journalists, and opponents living in Europe.
President Paul Kagame also announced a cabinet reshuffle and key appointments on December 20, 2024. Nelly Mukazayire was appointed Minister of Sports, succeeding Richard Nyirishema, who had held the position since August 2024. Mukazayire, previously the Permanent Secretary of the same ministry, takes the helm amid broader restructuring efforts.
Other significant appointments include:
- Rwego Ngarambe, promoted to Secretary of State for Sports after serving as Director General of Sports Development at the Ministry of Sports.
- Godfrey Kabera, former Head of Planning and Research at the Ministry of Finance (MINECOFIN), now Secretary of State for Finance.
- Francis Gatare, ex-Director General of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), appointed Special Advisor to the Presidency.
- Festus Bizimana was named ambassador to Senegal, while Parfait Busabizwa will represent Rwanda in the Republic of Congo, and Olivier Kayumba in the Central African Republic.
- Major General Joseph Nzabamwita, formerly head of the NISS and recently a security advisor to President Kagame, was appointed ambassador to Russia.
- Vincent Karega, previously expelled from the DRC and rejected by Belgium, was named Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region.
Jean Claude Musabyimana, former Minister of Local Government, was appointed Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission, while François Régis Uwayezu, known for his role in Rwandan football, was named Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports. Brave Ngabo, previously Executive Secretary of the National Youth Council, was named Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Arts Development, and Ariane Zingiro now heads Planning and Research at MINECOFIN.
The rejection of Gasana by the Netherlands reflects growing awareness of the dangers posed by Kagame’s regime’s activities abroad. Allegations that Kigali uses its embassies as tools of repression and control over its opponents are increasingly worrisome. As Lambert Dushimimana assumes his duties, Dutch authorities and the international community are urged to remain vigilant in preventing threats against exiles, activists, and journalists living outside Rwanda.
Therwandan
