On Thursday, December 28, Anne Rwigara, a prominent opposition figure in Rwanda, passed away suddenly at her California home.
It was reported that the 41-year-old woman passed away due to numerous organ failures following gastric issues.
But given that Anne’s kid was healthy when she died, her mother found her daughter’s death shocking.
“She was not sick. It’s just a matter of days. It’s just a mystery,” her mother, Adeline Rwigara stated while grieving at the unfortunate demise.
Anne Rwigara’s tragic demise adds another sombre chapter to the Rwigara family’s journey. It all began when Anne’s sister, Diane Rwigara, announced her bid for the presidency against Rwanda’s incumbent, Paul Kagame, in May 2017.
However, Diane faced disqualification by Rwanda’s Electoral body, alleging that the numerous signatures she submitted to support her candidacy were counterfeit. Subsequently, Anne and her mother, Adeline Rwigara, were incarcerated for a year on charges of tax evasion and electoral malpractices.
The Rwanda Revenue Authority claimed the family owed $6.7 million in taxes, leading to the closure of their business and freezing of their bank accounts.
The government took a drastic step by auctioning off the Rwigara’s tobacco company, their last remaining asset. In October 2018, the Rwandan High Court acquitted Diane and Adeline of all charges after a year-long legal battle. Despite this, the family had endured immense hardships.
A year later, Anne Rwigara went missing, only to be confirmed arrested by the Rwandan police five days later, alongside her mother and sister. This situation unfolded despite earlier denials from the police about their custody.
The Rwigara family’s journey reflects a series of politically charged events, marked by legal battles, imprisonment, and the loss of their business.
