Senator Frank Habineza has said that political opposition in Rwanda should not be viewed as conflict or an attempt to undermine the country’s progress, but rather as a platform for constructive ideas aimed at solving national challenges.
Habineza made the remarks on April 13, 2026, during a commemoration event marking the 32nd anniversary of politicians who were killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The event, which also marked the end of the national mourning week, took place at the Rebero Genocide Memorial in Kigali, where the remains of 21 politicians who were killed for opposing discrimination that led to the genocide are laid to rest.
Habineza emphasized that Rwanda currently has 11 legally recognized political parties, each with its own ideology and perspectives. Despite their differences, he said these parties collaborate within the country’s governance structures while maintaining their independence.
“All 11 political parties are represented in Parliament and other national leadership institutions,” he said. “It should be clear that when we meet and exchange ideas about issues affecting the country, it does not mean that each political party loses its independence.”
He explained that this independence also allows political parties to hold differing views, commonly referred to as opposition. However, he stressed that such differences should not translate into hostility or attempts to destroy the country’s achievements over the past three decades.
“Disagreeing with the government in Rwanda does not mean fighting or destroying what Rwandans have achieved in the 32 years since the genocide,” Habineza noted. “Our opposition is about providing ideas and seeking solutions to existing challenges while remembering the painful history Rwanda has gone through.”
Habineza further stated that political competition must always respect the core principles that promote unity among Rwandans.
He also criticized individuals who claim to be politicians while living outside Rwanda, accusing some of spreading misinformation about the country’s governance. According to him, such actions should not be tolerated.
“We support our leadership headed by the President of the Republic,” he said. “We will not allow anyone to push the country backwards under any pretext.”
Speaking about the ongoing commemoration period, Habineza also addressed Rwandans living abroad, including those who fled as refugees and others linked to armed groups such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda(FDRL).
He reiterated that Rwanda’s policy is that no citizen should remain in exile permanently.
“The policy of Rwanda is that no Rwandan should remain stranded in exile,” he said. “We call on Rwandans still in the forests of Congo and elsewhere in the world to distance themselves from those holding them hostage and preventing them from returning home because of crimes committed in the past, including the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. If they return to Rwanda, there will be peace.”
Habineza concluded by stressing that Rwanda has chosen a form of politics that builds the nation, promotes inclusion, and values all Rwandans.
