THE local Olympic Committee, RNOC has condemned Joseph Habineza’s recent decision to dissolve the body.

In yesterday’s press conference held at Top Tower hotel, the sacked RNOC boss Ignace Beraho said that the body regrets the recent happenings.

The veteran administrator argued that the sports ministry does not have any powers to suspend the Olympic Committee noting that the decision can only be taken through the body’s general assembly-RNOC’s supreme organ in conjunction with the International Olympics Committee (IOC).

"There is no convincing reason and explanation justifying the sports minister’s decision,” Beraho said.

Beraho further urged all stakeholders involved in the illegal suspension of the Olympic Committee to come out with strong reasons to justify their act because there are strong repercussions.

Until date, RNOC’s activities are at a standstill as their premises were locked down and are currently guarded by policemen. It is also said that RNOC’s Fina Bank account has been frozen.

Rwanda risks a ban from the International Olympic body, IOC if the Olympic Charter (constitution of IOC) is anything to go by. Revelations from the IOC suggests that failure on the part of the NOC to strictly observe the basic principles due to any external pressure or interference will regrettably expose the country’s NOC to protective measures and potential sanctions provided in the Olympic Charter, in particular under Rule 28.9.

And according to the rule, the IOC and the Executive Board may take any appropriate decision for the protection of the Olympic Movement in the country, including suspension of or withdrawal of recognition from such NOC if the constitution, law or other regulations in force or any act by any governmental or other body causes the activity of the NOC or the making or expression of its will to be hampered.

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