KIGALI - Prime Minister Bernard Makuza has lashed out at Victoire Ingabire, the leader of the yet-to-be-registered political party – FDU-Inkingi, for what he said is an attempt to disrespect Rwandans and the country’s laws.

The Prime Minister said that Ingabire’s rhetoric showed utter disrespect for Rwandans and what they have worked hard to achieve over the past 16 years.

"Wanting to disrespect Rwandans [saying] that they live in fear, or belittling what they have achieved, like Gacaca which Rwandans created on their own, as well as other policies meant to bring about unity and reconciliation, is something Rwandans cannot accept,” Makuza said. 

He accused Ingabire of trying to instil fear in people, strongly warning her against this path, especially the attempt to use ethnic card.

"Rwandans have long since done away with such fear and they cannot allow anyone to lead them into the politics of anarchy that takes them back while destroying what they have built”.

The PM made the remarks yesterday while briefing reporters outside his offices in Kimihurura, shortly after holding separate closed bilateral discussions with the new Ambassadors of DRC and Burundi.

He downplayed Ingabire’s recent summoning to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), saying that it was normal procedure.

The Premier stressed that with respect to the law, what was important was whether the people or institutions interrogating anyone have the legal authority to do so and are doing it within the confines of the country’s laws.

"I think that the institutions like the police have that right. If at all they did not do that, even Rwandans would question why those institutions do not carry out their duties yet they have that responsibility”.

Makuza stressed that Ingabire, or any other Rwandan, has the right to aspire to be a presidential candidate or any other post, but must not contravene the law.

"Rwanda is not a jungle where people do whatever they want. That is why there are laws – if you don’t respect the law, the law takes you to task,” the PM warned.

In his meeting with the Ambassadors Norbert Nkulu Mitumba Kilombo of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Remy Sinkazi of Burundi, the Premier said they discussed issues of bilateral interest.

He said that the talks centred on economic and political cooperation. 

"You very well know that those two countries are in the group of CEPGL which brings all of Rwanda, DRC and Burundi together. It has been re-launched and we are looking into how these activities can even be further advanced,” Makuza told reporters.

He noted that strengthening the already good relationship with the two neighbours was also discussed.

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