Colonel Tom Byabagamba Passes Away in Rwandan Prison

Colonel Tom Byabagamba, once the head of Rwanda's presidential guard, has died in prison after spending a decade behind bars, according to his brother, David Himbara. He was 59 years old.

Byabagamba's death was confirmed by Himbara in a statement shared on X, though he did not provide details on the cause. Previously stripped of his rank, Byabagamba was imprisoned following his conviction for inciting insurrection and damaging the government's reputation.

His legal troubles began in 2014 when he was detained alongside Brig. Frank Rusagara. Both were sentenced in 2016, a verdict widely criticized as politically motivated. Although Byabagamba's sentence was later reduced from 21 to 15 years, his situation highlights ongoing concerns about repression under President Paul Kagame's regime. Many believe the government systematically targets dissenters, including former military officers who have fallen out of favor.

Source: www.independent.co.uk