A former Rwandan presidential hopeful and women’s rights activist Diane Rwigara has been set free by President Paul Kagame.
The 37 year old accountant was arrested on September 24, 2017 after she was accused of incitement and fraud. Being one of Kagame’s fiercest critics, she was the only female bold enough to challenge his bid.
Rwigara launched her election bid three months ahead of the August 2017 vote but was disqualified on claims that she doctored the number of signatures needed to qualify and had submitted the names of dead people, allegations she denied.
Earlier on in the day, she alongside her Mother Adeline Rwigara were released on bail following an intense campaign by bloggers.
Diane Rwigara and Her Mother Adeline Rwigara have been released on bail. THE POWER OF YOUR VOICES. POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA. POWER OF ORGANIZING. I want to Congratulate @PaulKagame Rwandan President for listening to the voices calling for #FreeDianeRwigara. It is a win for EVERYONE
Wow, Welcome back home @ShimaRwigara and Momand thank you all the people who have participated in the #FreeDianeRwigara movement
On September 15, Kagame once again pardoned opposition leader Victoire Ingabire and singer Kizito Mihigo.
Ms Ingabire, leader of the unregistered FDU-Inkingiwas jailed in 2010 was serving a 15 year jail sentence but was released after serving 8 years. Mihigo was serving a 10 year jail sentence in 2015.
