Partners in the struggle,

Fellow Rwandans,

 Yesterday the 26th of October 2010, the Chair of our Political Party UDF-INKINGI,

Mrs Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, was refused bail by the court. It is a very sad news to her family, her partners in the struggle for democracy and the rule of law and to all peace loving people. The court decision is yet another proof of lack of independence of the judiciary and clear evidence of the interference of the Executive arm of government in court decisions.

 As we have always pointed out, the regime of Paul Kagame has always been keen to trump up false charges against any critic of his government. The government is scared stiff by the popularity of the UDF-INKINGI leader among all the ethnic group of Rwanda. It is an open secret that the trial of the UDF-INKINGI chairperson is political and will remain.

We have no doubt in our mind that the courage, resilience and strength of character of our leader are still intact and will make her withstand all attempts to wear down her mental resolve and to back down from her political views.

 With regard to the court decision to keep her in prison, an appeal against the decision has been launched. With respect to the activities of the UDF Party following the arrest and detention of its leader, we invite you to maintain your resolve, not to lose heart but stand firm. We must keep our eyes on the prize: democracy, peace, freedom and equal opportunities for all the sons and daughters of Rwanda, irrespective of colour, creed and ethnic affiliation.

 The real support that we can give to Mrs Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza is to remain steadfast in upholding the values that are very dear to her and for which she is paying the sacrifice of being deprived of family life, her freedom, and of being subjected to torture and humiliation.

 What is happening represents a new challenge in our protracted struggle that we have launched for democracy. There cannot be retreat nor surrender. “Don’t fear” she used to tell us. Let the sacrifice that Mrs Ingabire has made be an inspiration to us all to have the courage and determination to maintain the struggle in order to uproot all forms of oppression, poverty, ignorance and injustice.

When united, victory is unstoppable.

 Brussels, 27th October 2010

Eugene Ndahayo

Chair of the UDF-INKINGI Support Committee