Democracy is the Sole and True Alternative to Violence

Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza Advocate for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Rwanda

This event has passed.

Room 206, Ingraham Hall, 1155 Observatory Drive Madison, WI 53706
@ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
https://africa.wisc.edu/event/democracy-is-the-sole-and-true-alternative-to-violence/

Ms. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza is an advocate for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Rwanda as well as development for all. In 2010, she returned from exile in the Netherlands with the intention of registering her political party and running for the presidential elections later that year. However, she was arrested and subjected to a politically motivated judicial process, resulting in a 15-year prison sentence. In 2017, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights overturned her conviction, citing violations of her freedom of expression and right to adequate defense. Despite the court’s ruling, the Rwandan government has not acknowledged it. After spending eight years in prison, including five years in solitary confinement, Ms. Ingabire Umuhoza was released under presidential pardon in 2018. However, she remains restricted in her rights, including the ability to freely leave and return to Rwanda, preventing her from reuniting with her family in the Netherlands. Ms. Ingabire Umuhoza continues to advocate for governance reforms and peace in the Great Lakes region through inclusive dialogue between the Rwandan government and its opponents. In 2019, Ms Ingabire Umuhoza received the International Human Rights Award from Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos de España (APDHE). In 2024, she received the Liberal Internation Freedom Prize.