By Our Reporter
Rwandan ex-general Frank Rusagara dies in prison after 11 years behind bars. His arrest and sentencing sparked global human rights concerns.
Retired Brigadier General Frank Rusagara, a prominent figure in Rwanda’s military history, passed away in prison on March 24, 2025, after serving nearly 11 years of a 20-year sentence.
Born in 1955, Rusagara held several senior positions within the Rwandan Defense Forces, including Secretary General of the Defense Ministry and military attaché in the United Kingdom.
He was arrested on August 18, 2014, and in 2016, the Military High Court of Kanombe convicted him of inciting insurrection and tarnishing the government’s image, sentencing him to 20 years in prison.
During his trial, prosecutors alleged that Rusagara had described Rwanda as a “police state and a banana republic” and referred to President Paul Kagame as a “dictator.”
In December 2019, the Court of Appeal in Kigali upheld his conviction but reduced his sentence to 15 years.
Rusagara’s arrest and imprisonment drew international attention, with human rights organizations expressing concern over the suppression of dissent in Rwanda. Human Rights Watch reported that his trial was marred by allegations of torture and witness tampering.
His death marks a significant moment in Rwanda’s political and military narrative, highlighting ongoing discussions about freedom of expression and political dissent within the country.
