NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI — Dozens of youths from Byumba, Rukomo and Kageyo Sectors of Gicumbi district on Tuesday took to the street in a peaceful protest against the arrest of Rwanda’s Director of State Protocol, Rose Kabuye.

Kabuye was arrested in the German City of Frankfurt on November 9 on allegations of playing a role in downing the plane in which former Rwandan President Juvenel Habyarimana died.

She was later transferred to France to face the charges and is currently on bail, awaiting trial.

The protest attracted Motorcycle and bicycle operators, students and district employees.

Carrying banners with anti France and Germany slogans, the protestors marched a ten kilometre journey from Byumba Taxi Park to the Rukomo Trading centre where they made speeches.

Addressing the protestors, the Executive Secretary of the District Youth Council, Vidiedon Kubwimana said the French authorities should release Kabuye unconditionally because ‘she has no criminal charges to answer before French courts, instead the French should prosecute their own citizens who took part in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis.’

Kubwimana further noted the accusations against Kabuye and eight other Rwandan top government officials are framed up charges meant to divert world attention from French officials who actively participated in the Genocide.

"Kabuye should be released immediately because she is among the patriotic Rwandans who stopped the 1994 Genocide that claimed the lives of many innocent Rwandans,” he said.

Stephen Nshimiye, the chairman of Gicumbi District Motorcyclists Association (CPTMG) said more youth protests shall continue in the district until Kabuye is set free.

"We shall continue carrying out these protests until the French government releases Kabuye,” said Nshimiye.

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