RLR V.1 - 2026

RLR V.1 - 2026

- Source: Amategeko - Section: Rwanda law reports - Date: 2026-01-30 - Collection: Supreme Court

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i Re NSABIMANA i

REPUBLIC OF RWANDA

SUPREME COURT P.o. Box. 2197 KIGALI www.judiciary.gov.rw ICYEGERANYO CY’IBYEMEZO

RWANDA LAW REPORTS BY’INKIKO Icyegeranyo V. 1 - 2026 Mutarama, 2026 Law Reports V. 1 - 2026 January, 2026

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RWANDA LAW REPORTS Law Reports V. 1 - 2026 January, 2026 Icyegeranyo V. 1 - 2026 Mutarama, 2026

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ISHAKIRO

ABAGIZE KOMITE Y’UBWANDITSI ...................................iii I. ITSINDA RY’ABANYAMATEGEKO BATEGUYE IMANZA................................................................................iii II. KOMITE YEMEZA IMANZA ......................................... iv IRIBURIRO .............................................................................. vii IBIKUBIYE MURI IKI CYEGERANYO................................. ix AMATEGEKO YASHINGIWEHO .......................................... xi IMANZA ZIFASHISHIJWE ................................................... xiv AMAGAMBO MPINE ........................................................... xvii Re NSABIMANA ....................................................................... 1 Re IBAMBE.............................................................................. 21 UBUSHINJACYAHA v. NIZEYIMANA................................ 53 MUGANGA v. HOPITAL LA CROIX DU SUD .................... 65 RADIANT INSURANCE COMPANY LTD v TUYIGANE .. 87 NZAYIKORERA N’ABANDI v SANLAM AG PLc ............ 111 SANLAM ASSURANCES GENERALES Plc v NDAYISABA ................................................................................................. 139 ECOBANK RWANDA PLC v. RUSEKAMPUNZI N’UNDI ................................................................................................. 159 PLATEFORME COMPANY RWANDA LTD v. MUHITTIN ISILDAK................................................................................. 181

ISHAKIRO v vii vii ix xiii xv xvii xxi xxv

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UWINEZA N’ABANDI v POSADA PLUS LTD.................. 193 UBUSHINJACYAHA v MUNYAKAZI N’ABANDI ........... 217 UBUSHINJACYAHA v MUTIGANDA N’ABANDI ........... 249 UBUSHINJACYAHA v. SULULU MARUGIRA N’UNDI . 297

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ABAGIZE KOMITE Y’UBWANDITSI

I.

ITSINDA RY’ABANYAMATEGEKO

BATEGUYE

IMANZA

KAGABO U. Stephanie

KAVUTSE M. Claude

KUBWIMANA Jean Claude

MUJABI K. Naphtal

NZAYISENGA Daniel

UWINKINDI Angelique

UWIMANA Jean Marie Vianney

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II. KOMITE YEMEZA IMANZA

Prof. Dr. NGAGI M. Alphonse Perezida wa Komite, Umucamanza mu Rukiko rw’Ubujurire Dr. MUHIRE G. Yves Visi Perezida wa Komite, Umwarimu muri Kaminuza y’u Rwanda MUREREREHE Saouda Umwanditsi wa Komite, Umugenzuzi w’inkiko KALIHANGABO Isabelle Umucamanza mu Rukiko rw’Ikirenga RUKUNDAKUVUGA F. Regis Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire KALIWABO Charles Umucamanza mu Rukiko rw’Ubujurire Dr. KARIMUNDA M. Aimé Umuyobozi Mukuru wa

ILPD HABARUREMA Jean Pierre Perezida w’Urukiko Rukuru NKURUNZIZA Valens Umugenzuzi Mukuru w’inkiko UMUZAYIRE B: Bibiane Visi Perezida wa Komisiyo y`u Rwanda ishinzwe Ivugururwa ry`Amategeko KIBUKA Jean Luc Umucamanza mu Rukiko ix

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KOMITE YEMEZA IMANZA

Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi Lt Col KALIBU Phanuel Umucamanza mu Rukiko Rukuru rwa Gisirikale NINAHAZWA Roselyne Umushinjacyaha ku rwego rw’Igihugu Dr. BIDERI Diogène Umushinjacyaha ku rwego rw’Igihugu KABIBI Specioza Intumwa ya Leta UWIMANA Christine Umucamanza mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye GIRANEZA Clémentine Umucamanza mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye UMUTESI Vestine Umucamanza mu Rukiko rw’Ubucuruzi MUKAMANA Valentine Umucamanza mu Rukiko rw’Ibanze Dr ZIKAMWABAHARI Jean de Dieu Umwalimu muri University of Kigali KAMALI Jean Damascene Umwalimu muri ULK

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KARAKE Canisius Umwalimu muri UNILAK RWAMASIRABO Olivier Avoka mu Rugaga rw’Abavoka BAGABO Faustin Avoka mu Rugaga rw’Abavoka

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IRIBURIRO Basomyi bacu, Tunejejwe no kubagezaho Icyegeranyo cy’Ibyemezo by’Inkiko, Volime 1 [2026]. Nk’uko mubizi, tubahitiramo imanza zikubiyemo bimwe mu bisubizo by’ibibazo muhura nabyo kenshi, haba mu mirimo yanyu ndetse no mu buzima bwa buri munsi. Muri iyi nomero murasangamo imanza icumi (13) zikurikira: imanza ebyiri (2) zerekeranye n’ibirego bisaba kwemeza ko Itegeko rinyuranye n’Itegeko Nshinga, urubanza rumwe (1) rw’umurimo, imanza eshatu (3) z’imbonezamubano, imanza eshatu (3) z’ubucuruzi, imanza eshatu (3) z’inshinjayaha n’urubanza rumwe (1) rwerekeranye n’imiburanishirize y’imanza. Iki cyegeranyo kiboneka no ku rubuga rwa murandasi: https://amategeko.gov.rw

MUKANTAGANZWA Domitilla Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga akaba na Perezida w’Inama Nkuru y’Ubucamanza

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IBIKUBIYE MURI IKI CYEGERANYO Iki Cyegeranyo gikubiyemo imanza zaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga.

INYITO Imanza ziri muri iyi volime zikoreshwa muri ubu buryo: [2026] 1 RLR

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AMATEGEKO YASHINGIWEHO a. Amategeko akoreshwa ubu Itegeko Nshinga rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda ryo mu 2003 ryavuguruwe kugeza ubu, ingingo ya 13 n’iya 38. Itegeko Ngenga N⁰ 04/2012/OL ryo ku wa 15/06/2012 rikuraho Inkiko Gacaca, rikanagena uburyo bwo gukemura ibibazo byari mu bubasha bwazo Itangazo Mpuzamahanga ryerekeye uburenganzira bwa muntu ryo mu 1948 u Rwanda rwashyizeho umukono ku wa 18 Nzeri 1962, ingingo ya 19. Amasezerano mpuzamahanga yerekeye uburenganzira mu by’imbonezamubano no mu bya politiki (ICCPR) u Rwanda rwashyizeho umukono mu wa 1975, ingingo ya 19. Amasezerano Nyafurika y’Uburenganzira bwa Muntu n’ubw’Abaturage yo ku wa 27 Kamena 1981, ingingo ya 9. Itegeko N° 062/2024 ryo ku wa 20/06/2024 rigenga ibimenyetso, ingingo ya 4; 48, 53 n’iya 81. Itegeko Nº 059/2023 ryo ku wa 4/12/2023 rihindura Itegeko Nº 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/8/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange, ingingo ya 2 Itegeko Nº 027/2019 ryo ku wa 19/09/2019 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’inshinjabyaha, ingingo ya 197 Itegeko N° 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange, ingingo ya 26 20,60,61,62,107,121, 60,165,163 170, 180 n’iya 233. xvii

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Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryerekeye gukumira no guhana ibyaha bikoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga, ingingo ya 39. Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi, ingingo ya 111, 188, 231, n’iya 232. Itegeko Nº 46/2018 ryo ku wa 13/08/2018 ryekeye kurwanya iterabwoba, ingingo ya 18 Itegeko N°10/2012 ryo kuwa 02/05/2012 rigena imitunganyirize y’imijyi n’imyubakire mu Rwanda, ingingo ya 41. Itegeko N° 13/2010 ryo ku wa 07/5/2010 rihindura kandi ryuzuza Itegeko N°10/2009 ryo ku wa 14/5/2009 ryerekeye ubugwate ku mutungo utimukanwa ingingo ya 2 n’iya 3 Iteka rya Perezida N° 31/01 ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 rishyiraho uburyo bwo kwishyura indishyi ku bubabare bw’umubiri buturutse ku mpanuka zitewe n’ibinyabiziga, ingingo ya 19. Itegeko-Teka Nº32/75 ryo kuwa 07/08/1975 ryerekeye ubwishingire butegetswe ku buryozwe butewe n’ibigenzwa ku butaka bifite moteri, ingingo ya 4 n’iya 11. Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru N° 001/2020/ORG yo ku wa 12/05/2020 agenga ibyerekeye gucunga, gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara no kwegukana ingwate, ingingo ya 1,2, 24,26,27, 28, n’iya 29 b. Amategeko yakuweho ariko yakoreshwaga igihe ikibazo cyavukaga Itegeko Ngenga N⁰ 08/96 ryo ku wa 30 Kanama 1996 rigena imitunganyirize y'ikurikirana ry'ibyaha bigize icyaha

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cy'itsembabwoko n'itsembatsemba cyangwa ibyaha byibasiye inyokomuntu byakozwe kuva tariki ya 1 Ukwakira 1990, ingingo ya 2 Itegeko Ngenga N⁰ 40/2000 ryo ku wa 26/1/2001 rigena imitunganyirize y’ikurikirana ry’ibyaha bigize icyaha cy’itsembabwoko n’itsembatsemba cyangwa ibyaha byibasiye inyokomuntu byakozwe hagati y’itariki ya mbere Ukwakira 1990 n’iya 31 Ukuboza 1994, ingingo ya 51 n’iya 52 Itegeko Ngenga N⁰ 16/2004 ryo ku wa 19/6/2004 rigena imiterere, ububasha n’imikorere by’Inkiko Gacaca zishinzwe gukurikirana no gucira imanza abakoze ibyaha bya jenoside n’ibindi byaha byibasiye inyokomuntu byakozwe kuva tariki ya 1 Ukwakira 1990, ingigo ya 51 Itegeko No 06/2003 ryo ku wa 22/03/2003 rihindura kandi ryuzuza Itegeko-Teka ryo ku wa 22/08/1994 rigena ubwiteganyirize bw'abakozi, ingingo ya 13.

AMATEGEKO YASHINGIWEHO

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IMANZA ZIFASHISHIJWE

Urubanza Re Murangwa Edward, RS/INCONST/SPEC 00001/ 2019/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 29/11/2019. Urubanza Ngendahayo Kabuye, RS/INCONST/SPEC 00004/2021/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 10/02/2023. Urubanza Re Kamanzi Anaclet, RS/Inconst/SPEC 00002/2022/SC rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 31/03/2023. Urubanza Re Bimenyimana André, RS/Inconst/Pen 0001/13/CS rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 04/10/2013. Urubanza Re Byansi, RS/INCONST/SPEC 00003/2021/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 25/03/2022. Urubanza Re Mugisha, RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2018/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 24/04/2019. Urubanza Hategekimana v

HYTON Ltd RS/INJUST/RC00007/2022/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukikorw’Ikirenga ku wa 14/04/2023. Urubanza Gahire v Mukarushakiro, RS/INJUST/RC00008/2019/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 12/11/2021. Urubanza Umujyi wa Kigali v Ndakengerwa, RS/REV/INJUST/RAD00005/2018/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 15/03/2019. xxi

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Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Mpitabakana, RPA 0129/10/CS rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 7/3/2014. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Nteziryayo, RPA 0249/13/CS rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 25/11/2016. Urubanza RADIANT Insurance Company v Murekatete RS/INJUST/RC 00004/2023/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 2/04/2024. Urubanza Prime Insurance Company Ltd v Uwimanimpaye RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 02/12/2022. Urubanza Radiant Insurance Company Ltd v Mukaneza RS/INJUST/RC 00007/2023/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 05/04/2024. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Nshimiyimana Alexis n’abandi, RPAA 0059/08/CS rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 19/11/2010. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Kaburere Gérard, RP 00001/2022/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire, ku wa 6/07/2023. Urubanza BALTON CP v NEW CENTURY DEVELOPMENT Ltd, RCOMAA 00040/2022/CA; rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 23/09/2022. Urubanza, Ubushinjacyaha v Maj (Rtd) Mudathiru n’abandi, RPA 00047/2021/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 14/03/2024. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Abayisenga Venant n’abandi, RPA 00016/2020/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 22/03/2024.

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Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Lt Mutabazi Joël n’abandi, RPA 00012/2019/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 22/11/2019. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Habineza, RPA 00029/2022/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire, ku wa 23/02/2024. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Abayisenga n’abandi RPA 00016/2020/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 22/03/2024. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Murindahabi,

RPAA 00293/2021/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 15/07/2022. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Nsabimana Callixte RPA 00060/2021/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 04/04/2022; Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Munyanshoza Eric, RPAA 00086/2022/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 24/03/2023. The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Lohe Issa Konate v. Burukina Faso rwaciwe ku wa 05/12/2014. OKUTA, Jacqueline Okuta & another v. Attorney General & 2 others, Kenya High Court [2017], e KLR. [G.R. No 256700. April 25, 2023] People of the Philippines, petitioner, vs. Jomerito S. Soliman, Respondent.

IMANZA ZIFASHISHIJWE

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AMAGAMBO MPINE 1. Itegeko Nshinga – Kureshya imbere y’amategeko – Irengayobora – Nubwo ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga ishyiraho ihame ryo kureshya imbere y’amategeko, hari ubwo Leta itandukanya abantu cyangwa ikabashyira mu byiciro, kandi ntibyitwe ivangura, iyo ibikoze ifite impamvu zumvikana kandi zishingiye ku ntego ifite ireme. Re NSABIMANA; RS/INCONST/SPEC 00002/2025/SC 1 Ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru – Ni uburenganzira butagomba kuvogerwa, ariko bukaba butagomba kubangamira ubundi burenganzira burimo ubw’umwenegihugu bwo kugira icyubahiro n’agaciro. Re IBAMBE; RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2024/SC 21 Uburenganzira bwa muntu n’ubwisanzure – Imikoreshereze y’ikoranabuhanga – Kuba Umushingamategeko yarifuje gushyiraho Itegeko No 60/2018 ryo kuwa 22/08/2018 ryerekeye gukumira no guhana ibyaha bikoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga, yari agamije kurengera by’umwihariko uburenganzira bwa muntu mu mikoreshereze y’ikoranabuhanga, kandi akaba ariyo mpamvu, mu ngingo yaryo ya 39 ihana icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha, ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa. Re IBAMBE; RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2024/SC 21 xxv

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2. Amategeko agenga imiburanishirize y’imanza nshinjabyaha – Gusubirishamo ingingo nshya – Kugira ngo urubanza rusubirishwemo ingingo nshya hashingiwe ku kuba urubanza rusubirishwamo rwaraciwe hashingiwe ku buhamya bwaje kugaragara cyangwa kwemezwa ko ari ubuhimbano bigomba kugaragazwa n’icyemezo cy’urukiko cyemeje ko ubuhamya bwatanzwe mbere bugashingirwaho mu icibwa ry’urubanza rusubirishwamo ingingo nshya ari ibinyoma kandi ko ubwo buhamya ari bwo bwonyine bwashingiweho mu guhamya usubirishamo urubanza icyaha.

UBUSHINJACYAHA v. NIZEYIMANA; RS/REV/RP 00002/2024/CA 53 3. Amategeko agenga imanza z’umurimo – Amasezerano y’umurimo – Isubikwa ry’amasezerano y’umurimo – Kuba umukozi afunzwe by’agateganyo n’urwego rubifitiye ububasha mu gihe kitarenze amezi atandatu, ntabashe kubimenyesha umukoresha we, ariko akabimumenyesha akimara gufungurwa, ntibifatwa nk’ikosa rikomeye ryo guta akazi, ahubwo ni impamvu yumvikana ituma amasezerano y’umurimo asubikwa by’agateganyo. MUGANGA v. HOPITAL LA CROIX DU SUD; RS/INJUST/RSOC00002/2021/CA 65 Impanuka – Impanuka y’akazi – Impanuka y’akazi ni ikintu cyangwa ibintu bigwirira umuntu mu gihe kizwi kubera akazi cyangwa mu gihe cy’akazi, bikamuviramo ibyago ku mubiri hatitawe ku gihe ibyo byago byagaragariye

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NZAYIKORERA N’ABANDI v SANLAM AG PLc; RS/INJUST/RC 00008/2024/SC 111 Guteganyiriza umukozi - Umukozi wese, n’iyo yaba uw’igihe gito agomba guteganyirizwa mu bwiteganyirize bw’abakozi. NZAYIKORERA N’ABANDI v SANLAM AG PLc; RS/INJUST/RC 00008/2024/SC 111 Impanuka z’akazi – Itegeko rikoreshwa ku mpanuka z’akazi - Ibirebana n’impanuka z’akazi bigengwa n’amategeko agenga ubwiteganyirize bw’abakozi. NZAYIKORERA N’ABANDI v SANLAM AG PLc; RS/INJUST/RC 00008/2024/SC 111 Ubwishingizi – Abakozi bo mu mirimo y’ubwubatsi - Abakozi bo mu mirimo y’ubwubatsi n’iyindi isa nka yo bagomba gufatirwa ubwishingizi bwihariye mu rwego rwo kubarinda. NZAYIKORERA N’ABANDI v SANLAM AG PLc; RS/INJUST/RC 00008/2024/SC 111 Impanuka y’akazi – Ishingiro ry’indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka y’akazi - Ibigenerwa uwakoze impanuka y’akazi ntibishingira ku ihame ry’uburyozwe ahubwo hakurikizwa ibigenga ubwiteganyirize bw’abakozi bifasha uwahohotewe kubona ubuvuzi n’izindi ndishyi. NZAYIKORERA N’ABANDI v SANLAM AG PLc; RS/INJUST/RC 00008/2024/SC 111 4.Amategeko agenga imanza z’imbonezamubano – Amasezerano y’ubwishingizi – Indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka - Indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi - Kugira ngo usaba indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe

AMAGAMBO MPINE

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mu kazi ashobore kuzigenerwa, agomba kugaragaza ko hari akazi yari afite ako ari ko kose, ndetse n’ingaruka impanuka yamugizeho yatumye agatakaza, agahindura, agakora mu buryo buvunanye cyangwa ko yaba atagishoboye kuzamurwa mu ntera. SANLAM ASSURANCES GENERALES Plc v NDAYISABA; RS/INJUST/RC 00006/2024/SC 139 Amasezerano y’ubwishingizi – Indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi - Ibimenyetso - Bimwe mu bimenyetso bigaragaza ko usaba indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe yari afite akazi ni ubuhamya bw’ubuyobozi bw’inzego z’ibanze bw’aho yari atuye bwakwemeza ko yari afite akazi, ubw’abo yaba yarakoreye cyangwa yarakoranye nabo, igipande yahemberwagaho cyangwa momo yakiriragaho ibihembo cyangwa ikindi kimenyetso cyose yabona cyabyemeza. SANLAM ASSURANCES GENERALES Plc v NDAYISABA; RS/INJUST/RC 00006/2024/SC 139 Amasezerano y’ubwishingizi – Uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwishingiwe (action récursoire/recovery action) – Uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwishingiwe ntibushobora kubaho igihe uwishingiwe agaragaje ko ibyago byabaye byatejwe n’undi utari we ubwe, kandi ko byabaye atabizi cyangwa uwabikoze yarenze ku mabwiriza ye. RADIANT INSURANCE COMPANY LTD v TUYIGANE; RS/INJUST/RC 00004/2024/SC 87 Amasezerano y’ubwishingizi – Uburenganzira bwo gusimbura uwishingiwe mu gukurikirana abandi

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batumye umwishingizi yishyura (action subrogatoire/subrogatoty action) – Umwishingizi nyuma y’uko yishyuye uwishingiwe wahohotewe afite uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwateje impanuka mu kigwi cy’uwishingiwe, akabikora mu mbibi z’ibyo yishyuye. RADIANT INSURANCE COMPANY LTD v TUYIGANE; RS/INJUST/RC 00004/2024/SC 87 5. Amategeko agenga imanza z’inshinjabyaha – Ibyaha bikorwa hakoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga – Icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa – Ibigize icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa. Re. IBAMBE; RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2024/SC 21 Icyaha cy’iterabwoba – Imitwe cyangwa amashyirahamwe ashamikiye ku mutwe w’iterabwoba – Mu gihe bigaragaye ko umutwe wamaze kwemezwa nk’umutwe w’iterabwoba wari usanzwe ugizwe n’indi mitwe cyangwa amashyirahamwe bifite intego imwe bituma n’iyo mitwe cyangwa amashyirahamwe awugize bihita bihinduka imitwe y’iterabwoba. UBUSHINJACYAHA v MUTIGANDA N’ABANDI; RPA 00103/2021/CA 251 Icyaha cy’iterabwoba – Ubwinjiracyaha – Ibikorwa bigize icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba ni ukwinjira mu mutwe w’iterabwoba, ukwemera kuwinjiramo cyangwa gutangira kuwugiramo uruhare cyangwa gukora ikintu cyose kiwongerera ubushobozi.

AMAGAMBO MPINE

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Nta bwinjiracyaha bwo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba bubaho kuko gukora igikorwa kimwe mu bigize icyo cyaha ubwacyo icyaha kiba cyatsotsobwe. UBUSHINJACYAHA v MUTIGANDA N’ABANDI; RPA 00103/2021/CA 251 Icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro – Bifatwa nk’icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro, igihe uregwa yitwaje igikoresho gityaye cyangwa gitema gishobora kwica, gukomeretsa cyangwa gukubitishwa. UBUSHINJACYAHA v. SULULU MARUGIRA N’UNDI; RPAA 00248/2021/CA 299 Icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro – Kugirango uregwa ahamwe n’icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro, ntibisaba ko aba yazikoresheje cyangwa yari afite ubushake bwo kuzikoresha agirira abantu nabi, abakubita, abakomeretsa cyangwa ashaka kubica, kuba yari yitwaje ibyo bikoresho, byonyine birahagije kugira ngo ahamwe n’icyo cyaha. UBUSHINJACYAHA v. SULULU MARUGIRA N’UNDI; RPAA 00248/2021/CA 299 Umugambi wo gukora icyaha – Icyaha cyo gucura umugambi wo gukora icyaha kiba cyuzuye igihe cyose abantu 2 cg benshi basangiye igitecyerezo cyo gukora icyaha, bakaba bumva kimwe uko icyaha kiri bukorwe, kabone nubwo icyaha ubwacyo cyakorwa numwe muribo cg ntigikorwe. UBUSHINJACYAHA v MUTIGANDA N’ABANDI; RPA 00103/2021/CA 251

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Umugambi wo gukora icyaha – Icyaha cyo gucura umugambi wo gukora icyaha kiba cyuzuye igihe cyose abantu 2 cg benshi basangiye igitecyerezo cyo gukora icyaha, bakaba bumva kimwe uko icyaha kiri bukorwe, kabone nubwo icyaha ubwacyo cyakorwa numwe muribo cg ntigikorwe. UBUSHINJACYAHA v. MUNYAKAZI ET.AL; RS/INJUST/RP 00003/2023/SC 217 6. Amategeko agenga imanza z’ubucuruzi – Cyamunara – Igenagaciro ku mutungo ugurishwa mu cyamunara – Umutungo ugurishwa ugomba gukorerwa igenagaciro, rikozwe igihe cyo kuwugurisha, rikagaragaza agaciro kawo kari ku isoko kagenwe n’umugenagaciro wemewe. ECOBANK RWANDA PLC v. RUSEKAMPUNZI N’UNDI; RCOMAA 00058/2024/CA 159 Cyamunara – Inyandiko y’amabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara – Ibiyikubiyemo uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate ntakwiriye kubihindura uko yishakiye n’igihe ashakiye, atanamenyesheje ibyahindutse abo bireba. ECOBANK RWANDA PLC v. RUSEKAMPUNZI N’UNDI; RCOMAA 00058/2024/CA 159 7. Amategeko agenga ububasha bw’inkiko – Icyaha cya Jenoside – Inzego z’abakoze icyaha cya Jenoside – Ububasha bw’Inkiko bwo kuburanisha icyaha cya Jenoside – Abari mu nzego z’ubuyobozi mu rwego rw’Igihugu cyangwa urwa Perefegitura n’ibyitso byabo, n’abakoze ibyaha cyangwa ibikorwa by’ubufatanyacyaha bibashyira mu bacuze umugambi, abawuteguye, abawushishikarije abandi, abagenzuye n’abayoboye Jenoside cyangwa ibindi byaha byibasiye inyokomuntu,

AMAGAMBO MPINE

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hamwe n’ibyitso byabo, baburanishwa bwa mbere n’Inkiko Zisumbuye. – Naho Abasigaye bose baburanishwa bwa mbere n’Inkiko z’Ibanze. Re NSABIMANA; RS/INCONST/SPEC 00002/2025/SC 1 8. Amategeko agenga imiburanishirije y’imanza z’ubucuruzi – Ibihe by’ubujurire – Ibirego bisaba kwemeza umwenda ukomoka ku gikorwa cy’ubucuruzi no kwemeza ko ifatira ryakozwe rihinduka ifatirabwishyu biburanishwa mu buryo bw’ibirego byihutirwa kandi bikajuririrwa mu bihe byagenewe ibirego byihutirwa ni ukuvuga mu minsi itarenze itatu (3) y’akazi.

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xxxv Re NSABIMANA

IBIREGO BYIHARIYE

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xxxvi ICYEGERANYO CY’IBYEMEZO BY’INKIKO

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IBIREGO BISABA KWEMEZA

KO ITEGEKO RINYURANYE N’ITEGEKO NSHINGA

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Re NSABIMANA [Rwanda URUKIKO RW’IKIRENGA – RS/INCONST/SPEC 00002/2025/SC (Mukantaganzwa, P.J., Hitiyaremye, Mukamulisa, Kazungu na Kalihangabo J.) 17 Ukwakira 2025] Itegeko Nshinga – Ingingo y’itegeko inyuranye n’Itegeko Nshinga – Ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’Inkiko, ntabwo inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga rya Republika y’Urwanda kuko idasumbanya ababuranyi. Bityo, Ikibazo cyaba kuri iyo ngingo mu gihe yaba idafata kimwe abarezwe bwa mbere mu Rukiko rw’Ibanze, bamwe ikabemerera kujurira bwa kabiri mu Rukiko Rukuru, abandi ntibibemerere nyamara bari mu cyiciro kimwe, kandi siko bimeze. Itegeko Nshinga – Kureshya imbere y’Amategeko – Irengayobora Itegeko Nshinga – Nubwo ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga ishyiraho ihame ryo kureshya imbere y’amategeko, hari ubwo Leta itandukanya abantu cyangwa ikabashyira mu byiciro, kandi ntibyitwe ivangura, iyo ibikoze ifite impamvu zumvikana kandi zishingiye ku ntego ifite ireme. Amategeko agenga ububasha bw’inkiko – Icyaha cya Jenoside – Inzego z’abakoze icyaha cya Jenoside – Ububasha bw’Inkiko bwo kuburanisha icyaha cya Jenoside – Abari mu nzego z’ubuyobozi mu rwego rw’Igihugu cyangwa urwa Perefegitura n’ibyitso byabo, n’abakoze ibyaha cyangwa ibikorwa by’ubufatanyacyaha bibashyira mu bacuze umugambi, abawuteguye, abawushishikarije abandi, abagenzuye n’abayoboye Jenoside cyangwa ibindi byaha byibasiye inyokomuntu, hamwe n’ibyitso byabo, baburanishwa bwa mbere 1

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n’Inkiko Zisumbuye. Naho Abasigaye bose baburanishwa bwa mbere n’Inkiko z’Ibanze. Incamake y’ikibazo: Uru rubanza rwatangiye Nsabimana bakunze kwita Ntabarimfasha, aregera urukiko rw’Ikirenga, arusaba kwemeza ko ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko nk’uko ryahinduwe inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda. Nsabimana n’amwunganira basobanura ko ibikubiye mu ngingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N° 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018, bibangamiye uburenganzira bwe kandi ko binyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga. Babishingira ku mpamvu yuko umuburanyi warezwe bwa mbere mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye ashobora kujurira bwa kabiri mu Rukiko rw’Ubujurire hitawe ku gihano yahawe kingana nibura n’imyaka 15 nk’uko biteganywa mu ngingo ya 52 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, nyamara undi muburanyi warezwe bwa mbere mu Rukiko rw’Ibanze, rimwe na rimwe wanahawe amabwiriza yo gukora icyaha n’uregwa bwa mbere mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye, akaba atemerewe kujuririra bwa kabiri mu Rukiko Rukuru, hatitawe ku gihano yahawe, kabone nubwo cyaba kingana cyangwa kirenze imyaka 15. Bavuga ko ibyo, bigaragaza ko abo baburanyi bombi batareshya imbere y’amategeko. Basaba Urukiko rw’Ikirenga gusuzuma iyo ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko ryavuzwe haruguru, rukemeza ko yavanwaho cyangwa ko yahindurwa, ikongerwamo igika cyemerera Urukiko Rukuru kuburanisha ubujurire bwa kabiri ku manza zagenwemo igihano cy’igifungo kingana nibura n’imyaka 15 nk’uko byateganyijwe mu ngingo ya 52 y’itegeko ryavuzwe haruguru.

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uhagarariye Leta y’u Rwanda avuga ko ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko No 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 ntaho inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga kuko iha abantu bose bireba uburenganzira bungana ku bujurire bwa kabiri mu Rukiko Rukuru mu gihe habayeho amakosa y’imiburanishirize. Urukio mu rubanza RS/INCONST/SPEC 00002/2025/SC, rwemeje ko , ikirego cya Nsabimana nta shingiro gifite kuko kuba Urukiko rw’Ibanza n’Urukiko Rwisumbuye zitari ku rwego rumwe, n’inzego cyangwa ibyiciro by’abaregwa ibyaha bya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi ziburanisha bikaba bitandukanye, bituma ibivugwa na Nsabimana ko ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 igena ububasha bw’Inkiko, isumbanya ababuranyi, nta shingiro bikwiye guhabwa. Incamake y’icyemezo: 1. Ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’Inkiko, ntabwo inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga rya Republika y’Urwanda kuko idasumbanya ababuranyi. Bityo, Ikibazo cyaba kuri iyo ngingo mu gihe yaba idafata kimwe abarezwe bwa mbere mu Rukiko rw’Ibanze, bamwe ikabemerera kujurira bwa kabiri mu Rukiko Rukuru, abandi ntibibemerere nyamara bari mu cyiciro kimwe, kandi siko bimeze.

2. Nubwo ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga ishyiraho ihame ryo kureshya imbere y’amategeko, hari ubwo Leta itandukanya abantu cyangwa ikabashyira mu byiciro, kandi ntibyitwe ivangura, iyo ibikoze ifite impamvu zumvikana kandi zishingiye ku ntego ifite ireme. Bityo, kureshya imbere y’amategeko no kutavangura ntibivuga ko gutandukanya abantu ubwabyo mu bihe byose ari ivangura, ko ahubwo gutandukanya abantu cyangwa ibyiciro by’abantu bishobora kuba ngombwa bitewe n’ikigambiriwe.

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3. Abari mu nzego z’ubuyobozi mu rwego rw’Igihugu cyangwa urwa Perefegitura n’ibyitso byabo, n’abakoze ibyaha cyangwa ibikorwa by’ubufatanyacyaha bibashyira mu bacuze umugambi, abawuteguye, abawushishikarije abandi, abagenzuye n’abayoboye Jenoside cyangwa ibindi byaha byibasiye inyokomuntu, hamwe n’ibyitso byabo, baburanishwa bwa mbere n’Inkiko Zisumbuye. Naho Abasigaye bose baburanishwa bwa mbere n’Inkiko z’Ibanze.

4. Umushingamategeko yashyizeho icyiciro cyihariye cy’abaregwa ibyaha bya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi n’uburyo bw’imiburanishirize bwihariye ugereranyije n’icyiciro cy’abakurikiranyweho ibyaha bisanzwe, agamije guca umuco wo kudahana no kwihutisha imanza za Jenoside zashoboraga gutwara igihe kirekire cyane iyo ziburanishwa mu buryo busanzwe. Ikirego cyo kwemeza ko ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko nk’uko ryahinduwe, inyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda, nta shingiro gifite; Amategeko yashingiweho: Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko nkuko ryavuguruwe, Ingingo ya 26 Itegeko Ngenga N⁰ 08/96 ryo ku wa 30 Kanama 1996 rigena imitunganyirize y'ikurikirana ry'ibyaha bigize icyaha cy'itsembabwoko n'itsembatsemba cyangwa ibyaha byibasiye inyokomuntu byakozwe kuva tariki ya 1 Ukwakira 1990, ingingo ya 2 Itegeko Ngenga N⁰ 40/2000 ryo ku wa 26/1/2001 rigena imitunganyirize y’ikurikirana ry’ibyaha bigize icyaha

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cy’itsembabwoko n’itsembatsemba cyangwa ibyaha byibasiye inyokomuntu byakozwe hagati y’itariki ya mbere Ukwakira 1990 n’iya 31 Ukuboza 1994, ingingo ya 51,52 Itegeko Ngenga N⁰ 16/2004 ryo ku wa 19/6/2004 rigena imiterere, ububasha n’imikorere by’Inkiko Gacaca zishinzwe gukurikirana no gucira imanza abakoze ibyaha bya jenoside n’ibindi byaha byibasiye inyokomuntu byakozwe kuva tariki ya 1 Ukwakira 1990, ingigo ya 51 Itegeko Ngenga N⁰ 04/2012/OL ryo ku wa 15/06/2012 rikuraho Inkiko Gacaca, rikanagena uburyo bwo gukemura ibibazo byari mu bubasha bwazo Imanza zifashishijwe: Urubanza Re Murangwa Edward, RS/INCONST/SPEC 00001/ 2019/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 29/11/2019. Urubanza Ngendahayo Kabuye, RS/INCONST/SPEC 00004/2021/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 10/02/2023. Urubanza Re Kamanzi Anaclet, RS/Inconst/SPEC 00002/2022/SC rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 31/03/2023. Urubanza Re Bimenyimana André, RS/Inconst/Pen 0001/13/CS rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 04/10/2013.

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Urubanza. I. IMITERERE Y’URUBANZA [1] Nsabimana Ildephonse bakunze kwita Ntabarimfasha, “Nsabimana Ildephonse” muri uru rubanza, yatanze ikirego mu Rukiko rw’Ikirenga, arusaba kwemeza ko ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko1 nk’uko ryahinduwe inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda2 (“Itegeko Nshinga” muri uru rubanza), cyandikwa kuri RS/INCONST/SPEC 00002/2025/SC. [2] Nsabimana Ildephonse na Me Kwizera Bernard hamwe na Me Dushimire Jeannette bamwunganira basobanura ko ibikubiye mu ngingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N° 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rimaze kuvugwa bibangamiye uburenganzira bwe kandi ko binyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga. Ibyo babishingira ku mpamvu yuko umuburanyi warezwe bwa mbere mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye ashobora kujurira bwa kabiri mu Rukiko rw’Ubujurire hitawe ku gihano yahawe kingana nibura

1 Iteganya ko “Urukiko Rukuru ruburanisha mu bujurire bwa kabiri, imanza z’inshinjabyaha zaciwe mu bujurire bwa mbere n’Urukiko Rwisumbuye mu gihe izo manza: 1º zashingiye ku itegeko ritariho cyangwa zaciwe n’urukiko rutabifitiye ububasha; 2º zatanzwemo igihano kidateganyijwe n’amategeko; 3º zaciwe hashingiwe ku kimenyetso, inyandiko cyangwa imyanzuro byatanzwe nyuma yo gupfundikira iburanisha kandi hatabayeho gusubukura iburanisha; 4º zaciwe n’inteko itujuje umubare ugenwe; 5º zasomwe n’umucamanza utaraziburanishije; 6º zitaburanishijwe mu ruhame kandi nta muhezo wategetswe”. 2 Iyo ngingo iteganya ko “Abantu bose barareshya imbere y’amategeko. Amategeko abarengera ku buryo bungana”.

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n’imyaka 15 nk’uko biteganywa mu ngingo ya 52 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, nyamara undi muburanyi warezwe bwa mbere mu Rukiko rw’Ibanze, rimwe na rimwe wanahawe amabwiriza n’uregwa bwa mbere mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye, akaba atemerewe kujuririra bwa kabiri mu Rukiko Rukuru, hatitawe ku gihano yahawe, kabone nubwo cyaba kingana cyangwa kirenze imyaka 15. [3] Bavuga ko ibimaze gusobanurwa bigaragaza ko abo baburanyi bombi batareshya imbere y’amategeko, akaba ariyo mpamvu mu iburanisha ryo ku wa 10/06/2024 ryabereye mu Rukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwihariye ruburanisha ibyaha byo ku rwego mpuzamahanga n’ibyambuka imbibi, basabye kandi bemererwa n’urwo Rukiko ko iburanisha risubikwa, kugira ngo icyo kibazo bagishyikirize Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ngo rubanze rugisuzume kandi rugihe umurongo hashingiwe ku ngingo ya 72, igika cya 1 n’icya 2, y’Itegeko No 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru3. [4] Nsabimana Ildephonse n’abamwunganira bavuga ko basaba Urukiko rw’Ikirenga gusuzuma ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 yavuzwe haruguru, rukemeza ko yavanwaho cyangwa ko yahindurwa, ikongerwamo igika cyemerera Urukiko Rukuru kuburanisha ubujurire bwa kabiri ku manza zagenwemo igihano cy’igifungo kingana nibura n’imyaka 15 nk’uko byateganyijwe mu ngingo ya 52 y’itegeko ryavuzwe haruguru.

3 Iyo ngingo iteganya ko “Umuntu ku giti cye, ikigo cyangwa umuryango ufite ubuzimagatozi bashobora kuregera Urukiko rw’Ikirenga basaba kwemeza ko itegeko rinyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga iyo babifitemo inyungu”.

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[5] Me Cyubahiro Fiat uhagarariye Leta y’u Rwanda avuga ko ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko No 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 imaze kuvugwa ntaho inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga kuko iha abantu bose bireba uburenganzira bungana ku bujurire bwa kabiri mu Rukiko Rukuru mu gihe habayeho amakosa y’imiburanishirize. [6] Iburanisha ryabereye mu ruhame ku wa 15/09/2025, Nsabimana Ildephonse ahagarariwe na Me Kwizera Bernard hamwe na Me Dushimire Jeannette, naho Leta y’u Rwanda ihagarariwe na Me Cyubahiro Fiat. Urukiko rwabanje gusuzuma ikibazo cyo kumenya niba Nsabimana Ildephonse afite inyungu mu rubanza. Kumenya niba Nsabimana Ildephonse afite inyungu yo kurega muri uru rubanza [7] Urukiko rumaze kumva abahagarariye Nsabimana Ildephonse n’uhagarariye Leta bemeranya ko urega afite inyungu mu rubanza, mu cyemezo rwafatiye mu ntebe, rwemeje ko Nsabimana Ildephonse afite inyungu mu rubanza kuko ingingo y’itegeko aregera ireba abaturage muri rusange, ku buryo ishobora kugira ingaruka ku burenganzira bwabo, nawe arimo; iyi ikaba ari imwe mu mpamvu zemejwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga4, zishingirwaho mu gusuzuma ikibazo cy’inyungu y’uregera itegeko kuba rinyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga. [8] Ku birebana n’imizi y’urubanza, ababuranyi bagiye impaka ku kibazo cyo kumenya niba ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N° 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko

4 Urubanza rubanziriza urundi mu rubanza N⁰ RS/INCOST/SPEC 00001/2022/SC rwo ku wa 16/12/2022 haburana MURANGWA Edouard, p.10, igika cya 10.

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nk’uko ryahinduwe inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga. II. ISESENGURA RY’IKIBIBAZO

KIGIZE URUBANZA Kumenya niba ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko nk’uko ryahinduwe inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga [9] Me Kwizera Bernard hamwe na Me Dushimire Jeannette bahagarariye Nsabimana Ildephonse, bavuga ko impamvu yaregeye ko ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko nk’uko ryahinduwe inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga, ari uko ububasha bw’Urukiko Rukuru bwo kuburanisha imanza z’inshinjabyaha ku rwego rw’ubujurire bwa kabiri bushingiye kuri iyo ngingo ya 41, nyamara ikaba itarateganyije ko ababuraniye bwa mbere mu Rukiko rw’Ibanze bahanishijwe igifungo cy’imyaka 15 gusubiza hejuru, bafite uburenganzira bwo kujuririra bwa 2 mu Rukiko Rukuru nk’uko biteganyijwe mu ngingo ya 52 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rimaze kuvugwa haruguru5. [10] Bakomeza bavuga ko mu ngingo ya 26 y’Itegeko rimaze kuvugwa, hateganyijwe ko “Urukiko rw’Ibanze ruburanisha

5 Iyo ngingo iteganya ko ’’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rufite kandi ububasha bwo kuburanisha mu rwego rw’ubujurire bwa kabiri imanza zaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi n’Urukiko Rukuru rwa Gisirikare, iyo izo manza: ... 9° zagenwemo igifungo kingana nibura n’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15). Mu manza nshinjabyaha igihano cy’igifungo cyagenwe ni cyo cyonyine gishingirwaho mu kugena ububasha bw’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire …’’.

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ibyaha bihanishwa igifungo kitarengeje imyaka 5 uretse ibyahariwe izindi nkiko”, nyamara ko bigaragara ko Umushingamategeko yibagiwe ko mu bubasha bw’Urukiko rw’Ibanze, hashyizwemo n’ubwo kuburanisha ibyaha bya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi bihanishwa igifungo cy’imyaka 5 ndetse kikaba gishobora kugera no ku gifungo cya burundu. [11] Basobanura ko ibyaha bya Jenoside byagiye biregwa abahoze ari abayobozi, bijya gusa n’ibyarezwe abari abaturage basanzwe, ariko ko mu kubaregera inkiko, hashingirwa kuri qualité y’ubuyobozi, uregwa icyaha cya Jenoside waburanishijwe n’Urukiko rw’Ibanze akaba adafite amahirwe yo kuba yajurira ku nshuro ya kabiri, mu gihe abari ku rwego rw’abayobozi cyangwa abaregwa ibyaha bisanzwe baburanishijwe bwa mbere n’Urukiko Rwisumbuye6, bo bashobora kujurira kugera no mu Rukiko rw’Ubujurire. Basanga umuturage wo hasi wahamijwe ibyaha bya Jenoside asa n’uwakumiriwe ku mahirwe yo kuba yakwemererwa ubujurire bwa kabiri, kubera ko ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru idatanga uburenganzira bumwe ku baregwa bashyizwe mu byiciro bitandukanye, nyamara hari aho ibyaha abayobozi bakoze biba ari bimwe n’ibyakozwe n’abo ku rwego rwo hasi, ndetse ibihano bahabwa kenshi bikaba bidasumbana.

6 6 Ingingo ya 29 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko nkuko ryavuguruwe, iteganya ko “Inkiko Zisumbuye ziburanisha ku rwego rwa mbere ibyaha bikurikira: … 2° ibyaha bya jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi n’ibyaha byibasiye inyokomuntu byakozwe mu Rwanda hagati y’itariki ya mbere Ukwakira 1990 n’iya 31 Ukuboza1994 n’aba bakurikira: a) umuntu wakoze ibyaha cyangwa ibikorwa by’ubufatanyacyaha bimushyira mu bacuze umugambi, abawuteguye, abawushishikarije abandi, abagenzuye n’abayoboye jenoside cyangwa ibindi byaha byibasiye inyokomuntu, hamwe n’ibyitso bye; b) umuntu wari icyo gihe mu nzego z’ubuyobozi mu rwego rw’Igihugu cyangwa urwa Perefegitura n’ibyitso bye.

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[12] Me Kwizera Bernard hamwe na Me Dushimire Jeannette bavuga kandi ko mu rubanza RS/INCONST/SPEC00005/2022/SC rwaciwe ku wa 28/07/2023, haburana Ndayisabye Alexis, rwagarutsweho n’Intumwa ya Leta mu myanzuro ye, uwari uhagarariye Leta icyo gihe na we yemeraga ko mu ngingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, hagaragaramo ikibazo, ndetse akanemera ko byakosorwa, ariko akagaragaza ku rundi ruhande ko hashingiwe ku cyaregewe n’icyasabwe, kuvanaho iyo ngingo ntacyo byari kumarira urega, ari nayo mpamvu ikirego cyari cyatanzwe kitasuzumwe. Bongeraho ko uru rubanza rutandukanye n’urumaze kuvugwa haruguru, kuko nubwo ikiregerwa ari kimwe, uburyo bwo kwiregura atari bumwe, bitewe nuko icyaregewe muri uru rubanza ari uko ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru inyuranyije n’ingingo ya15 y’Itegeko Nshinga, kuko abantu bari mu cyiciro iki n’iki, bakwiriye kurengerwa mu buryo bumwe, hatitawe ku rukiko buri wese aburaniramo. [13] Basoza bavuga ko ubwo abantu bose bareshya imbere y’amategeko kandi akaba agomba kubarengera ku buryo bumwe nk’uko biteganywa n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga, basaba Urukiko rw’Ikirenga gusuzumana ubushishozi ikibazo Nsabimana Ildephonse yarushyikirije, rukagitangaho umurongo, cyane cyane ko rufite ububasha bwo gukuraho cyangwa guhindura ingingo z’amategeko iyo rusanze zinyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga n’andi mategeko. [14] Me Cyubahiro Fiat uhagarariye Leta y’u Rwanda, avuga ko ari byiza kubanza gusobanura itandukaniro ry’ibyaha bisanzwe (droit commun) n’ibyaha bya Jenoside yakorewe

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Abatutsi mu 1994, bifatwa nk’ibyaha byihariye (specific offences). Asobanura ko amateka y’imihanire y’ibi byaha yerekana ko kuva byatangira gukurikiranwa no guhanwa, byagiye bihabwa umwihariko, bikaba bitarigeze bikurikiranwa cyangwa ngo bihanwe mu buryo bumwe n’ibyaha bisanzwe (droit commun), ko kandi ibyo nta kibazo biteye. [15] Akomeza avuga ko akenshi ibyaha byihariye (specific offences) bihabwa umwihariko bigashyirirwaho n’amategeko yihariye abigenga. Asobanura ko imwe mu mpamvu byahawe umwihariko, ari ukuba bikenera kuburanishirizwa aho byakorewe, ukurikiranwe akagezwa imbere y’abaturage batuye ahakorewe icyaha, ko muri icyo gihe, guca urubanza n’ubwo bikorwa n’umucamanza, umuryango nyarwanda ugira icyo uvuga ku cyaha cyakozwe (justice de proximité), bityo umutwaro wo guca urwo rubanza ukagabanuka ku mucamanza kuko ubutabera buba bwatangiwe imbere y’abaturage banabigizemo uruhare. Avuga ko ibi bituma bitaba ngombwa ko habaho ubujurire bwa kabiri. [16] Me Cyubahiro Fiat avuga kandi ko kuba hatemerwa ubujurire bwa kabiri mu Rukiko Rukuru ku bantu baregwa ibyaha bya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi mu 1994 baburanishijwe bwa mbere mu Rukiko rw’Ibanze, bitafatwa nko kunyuranya n’Itegeko Nshinga, hagendewe ku igereranywa rikorwa hagati y’ibyo byaha n’ibyaha bisanzwe, ko rero bidakwiye ko umuntu agereranya ibyaha biri mu byiciro bitandukanye kandi biburanishwa n’inkiko zitari ku rwego rumwe, ngo abe yakwemeza ko abantu bafashwe mu buryo butangana imbere y’amategeko. [17] Ashingiye kuri ibyo bisobanuro, asanga ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga yarakoreshejwe n’urega mu mwanya utari

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uwayo cyangwa ayiha ibisobanuro bitari byo, kuko ntaho Itegeko rigena ububasha bw’inkiko ryafashe abantu bakurikiranyweho ibyaha bisanzwe n’abakurikiranyweho ibyaha bya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi mu 1994 mu buryo butandukanye, kubera ko, nk’uko yabisobanuye haruguru, ibyo byaha biri mu byiciro bitandukanye kandi bikaba biburanishwa n’inkiko zitari ku rwego rumwe. [18] Yongeraho ko abakurikiranyweho ibyaha bya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi mu 1994 baburanishwa n’Inkiko z’Ibanze ku rwego rwa mbere ari abatari abayobozi, naho abari abayobozi bakaba aribo baburanishwa ku rwego rwa mbere n’Inkiko Zisumbuye. [19] Me Cyubahiro Fiat avuga kandi ko ibyaha bya Jenoside byahawe umwihariko nk’uko byashimangiwe mu rubanza RS/INCONST/SPEC 00002/2022/SC rwaciwe ku wa 31/03/2023, haburana Kamanzi Anaclet wari waregeye gukuraho ingingo ya 197 y’Itegeko rigena imiburanishirize y’imanza z’inshinjabyaha. Avuga ko muri urwo rubanza, Urukiko rwasanze kuba abantu bashyirwa mu byiciro bitandukanye hagamijwe impamvu yemewe, bidakwiriye gufatwa nko kutareshyeshya abantu imbere y’amategeko. Asanga rero kuba ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 nk’uko ryahinduwe yaragennye ko ababuraniye mu Rukiko rw’Ibanze batemerewe ubujurire bwa 2, bitafatwa nko kutareshyeshya abaturage imbere y’amategeko ndetse ko bidasobanuye kubavangura. [20] Asobanura kandi ko ikibazo kijyanye no kumenya niba ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko rigena ububasha bw’inkiko inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga cyasuzumwe mu rubanza RS/INCONST/SPEC 00005/2022/SC rwaciwe ku wa

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28/07/2023, haburana Ndayisabye Alexis, Urukiko rw’Ikirenga rukaba rwaragifasheho icyemezo, ko rero icyo kibazo kitagombye kongera kugarurwa cyane cyane ko muri urwo rubanza, Ndayisabye Alexis yemeye ko ingingo ya 41 yavuzwe haruguru itanyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga, ko ahubwo hakosorwa imyandikire y’iyo ngingo gusa. [21] Asoza avuga ko Umushingamategeko atibeshye cyangwa se ngo abe yaribagiwe nk’uko urega abivuga, ahubwo yashatse gutandukanya ibyiciro by’abakoze ibyaha bya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi mu 1994, ko rero ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N° 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko nk’uko ryahinduwe, ntaho inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [22] Ikibazo gisuzumwa muri uru rubanza ni icyo kumenya niba ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko nk’uko ryahinduwe, inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga. [23] Nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru, urega avuga ko kuba abaregwa ibyaha bya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi baburanira bwa mbere mu Nkiko z’Ibanze, bakaba batemerewe kujurira bwa kabiri mu Rukuru Rukuru iyo bahanishijwe nibura igifungo cy’imyaka 15 nk’uko bigenda ku baburanira bwa mbere mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye bo bemerewe kujurira bwa kabiri mu Rukiko rw’Ubujurire ko binyuranye n’ihame ryo kureshya imbere y’amategeko riteganywa mu ngingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga.

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[24] Mu rubanza RS/SPEC/0001/16/CS rwaciwe ku wa 23/09/2016, haburana Akagera Business Group Ltd, uru Rukiko rwasobanuye ko ibikubiye mu ngingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga bivuga ko hatagomba kubaho ivangura rituma abantu batarengerwa mu buryo bumwe cyangwa kutagira uburenganzira aho bakwiye kubugira. Rwagaragaje ariko ko kureshya imbere y’amategeko no kutavangura bitavuga ko gutandukanya abantu ubwabyo mu bihe byose ari ivangura, ko ahubwo gutandukanya abantu cyangwa ibyiciro by’abantu bishobora kuba ngombwa bitewe n’ikigambiriwe, hari impamvu zumvikana zishingiye ku ntego ifite ireme. Umurongo wemejwe muri urwo rubanza washimangiwe mu manza zitandukanye zaciwe nyuma n’uru Rukiko7. [25] Ibyemejwe n’uru Rukiko mu manza zinyuranye, bigaragaza ko nubwo ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga ishyiraho ihame ryo kureshya imbere y’amategeko, hari ubwo Leta itandukanya abantu cyangwa ikabashyira mu byiciro, kandi ntibyitwe ivangura, iyo ibikoze ifite impamvu zumvikana kandi zishingiye ku ntego ifite ireme. [26] Ku bijyanye n’uru rubanza, nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru, Nsabimana Ildephonse ari mu cyiciro cy’abaregwa baburanira bwa mbere mu Rukiko rw’Ibanze8. Ubushinjacyaha

7 Ingero: Urubanza RS/INCONST/SPEC 00001/ 2019/SC, rwaciwe ku wa 29/11/2019, haburana Murangwa Edward, igika cya 34; n’urubanza RS/INCONST/SPEC 00004/2021/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 10/02/2023, haburana NGENDAHAYO Kabuye, igika cya 58. 8 Ingingo ya 26 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko nkuko ryavuguruwe, iteganya ko Inkiko z’Ibanze ziburanisha ibyaha bya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi n’ibyaha byibasiye inyokomuntu byakozwe mu Rwanda hagati y’itariki ya mbere Ukwakira 1990 n’iya 31 Ukuboza 1994 bikurikira: a) ibikorwa by’iyicarubozo; b) ubwicanyi; c)

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bwamureze mu Rukiko rw’Ibanze rwa Gisenyi ubufatanyacyaha muri Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi, urwo Rukiko rwemeza ko kimuhama, rumuhanisha igifungo cya burundu, ajuririye mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Rubavu, ruhamishaho igihano yahawe ku rwego rubanza. Yajuririye bwa kabiri mu Rukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwihariye ruburanisha ibyaha mpuzamahanga n’ibyaha byambuka imbibe, mu gihe ubujurire bwe bwari butarasuzumwa, arusaba ko iburanisha riba rihagaze kugira ngo atange ikirego muri uru Rukiko, asaba ko ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru yakurwaho kuko inyuranyije n’iya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga, cyangwa se

igahindurwa nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru. [27] Ku bijyanye n’ishyirwaho ry’ibyiciro by’abaregwa ibyaha bya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi mu 1994, Itegeko Ngenga N⁰ 08/96 ryo ku wa 30 Kanama 1996 rigena imitunganyirize y'ikurikirana ry'ibyaha bigize icyaha cy'itsembabwoko n'itsembatsemba cyangwa ibyaha byibasiye inyokomuntu byakozwe kuva tariki ya 1 Ukwakira 1990 ryashyize abaregwa mu nzego enye9. Nyuma y’uko hagiyeho Itegeko Ngenga N⁰ 40/2000 ryo ku wa 26/1/2001 rigena imitunganyirize y’ikurikirana ry’ibyaha bigize icyaha

ibikorwa byo gusambanya ku gahato cyangwa kwangiza imyanya ndangagitsina; d) ibikorwa by’ubushinyaguzi ku murambo; e) ibikorwa byo kugirira nabi abandi bikabije bikabaviramo gupfa; f) ibikorwa byo gukomeretsa umuntu cyangwa kumugirira nabi bikabije hagambiriwe kumwica kabone n’ubwo umugambi wo kwica utagezweho; g) ibindi byaha byakorewe abantu bitagambiriye kwica; h) ibindi byaha byakozwe n’umuntu wari mu nzego z’ubuyobozi ku rwego rwa superefegitura cyangwa urwa Komini, mu mashyaka ya politiki, mu gipolisi cya Komini cyangwa mu mitwe yitwara gisirikari, akaba yarakoze ibyo byaha cyangwa akoshya abandi kubikora hamwe n’ibyitso bye. 9Ingingo ya 2 y’iryo Tegeko Ngenga.

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cy’itsembabwoko n’itsembatsemba cyangwa ibyaha byibasiye inyokomuntu byakozwe hagati y’itariki ya mbere Ukwakira 1990 n’iya 31 Ukuboza 1994, inzego z’abaregwa zakomeje kuba enye10 ariko ziravugurwa11. Hakurikiyeho Itegeko Ngenga N⁰ 16/2004 ryo ku wa 19/6/2004 rigena imiterere, ububasha n’imikorere by’Inkiko Gacaca zishinzwe gukurikirana no gucira imanza abakoze ibyaha bya jenoside n’ibindi byaha byibasiye inyokomuntu byakozwe kuva tariki ya 1 Ukwakira 1990, naryo rishyira abaregwa mu nzego, ariko ziravugururwa12. [28] By’umwihariko ku birebana n’Inkiko Gacaca, mu rubanza rwa KAMANZI Anaclet,13 rwanashimangiye ibyemejwe mu rundi rubanza rwa BIMENYIMANA André14, uru Rukiko rwasobanuye ko ubwo Umushingamategeko yashyiragaho icyiciro cyihariye cy’abaregwa ibyaha bya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi n’uburyo bw’imiburanishirize bwihariye ugereranyije n’icyiciro cy’abakurikiranyweho ibyaha bisanzwe, mu byo yari agamije harimo guca umuco wo kudahana no kwihutisha imanza

10Ingingo ya 51 n’iya 52 z’iryo Tegeko Ngenga. 11Raporo y’ibikorwa by’Inkiko Gacaca in https://justice-survivors.com, 2012, p.42: “Ku bijyanye n’inzego z’abaregwa, iri Tegeko ryagumanye inzego z’abaregwa uko zari zimeze ariko rishyira mu bubasha bw’Inkiko Gacaca inzego eshatu kuko urwa mbere rwagumye mu bubasha bw’Inkiko zisanzwe. Ku baregwa bo mu rwego rwa mbere, abayobozi ku rwego rwa Selire na Segiteri iri Tegeko ryateganyije ko bazajya bashyirwa mu rwego hashingiwe ku byaha bakurikiranyweho aho gushingira ku nshingano z’ubuyobozi bari bafite. Ryateganyije kandi icyaha cyo gusambanya ku gahato kitari giteganyijwe mu itegeko rya 1996…”. 12 Ingingo ya 51: inzego z’abaregwa zabaye eshatu. 13 Urubanza N⁰ RS/Inconst/SPEC 00002/2022/SC rwaciwe ku wa 31/03/2023, igika cya 48. 14 Urubanza N⁰ RS/Inconst/Pen 0001/13/CS rwaciwe ku wa 04/10/2013, igika cya 17.

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za Jenoside zashoboraga gutwara igihe kirekire cyane iyo ziburanishwa mu buryo busanzwe. [29] Nk’uko byagaragajwe haruguru, kugira ngo Umushingamategeko agere ku ntego yari agamije, muri icyo cyiciro cy’abaregwa ibyaha bya Jenoside, yaremyemo ibindi byiciro cyangwa inzego, hakurikijwe uruhare uregwa yagize n’urwego rw’ubuyobozi yarimo mu gihe icyaha cyakorwaga. [30] Aho Inkiko Gacaca ziviriyeho15, imanza zose ziregwamo abakoze ibyaha bya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi zagiye mu bubasha bw’inkiko zisanzwe. Muri urwo rwego, abari mu nzego z’ubuyobozi mu rwego rw’Igihugu cyangwa urwa Perefegitura n’ibyitso byabo, n’abakoze ibyaha cyangwa ibikorwa by’ubufatanyacyaha bibashyira mu bacuze umugambi, abawuteguye, abawushishikarije abandi, abagenzuye n’abayoboye Jenoside cyangwa ibindi byaha byibasiye inyokomuntu, hamwe n’ibyitso byabo, baburanishwa n’Inkiko Zisumbuye nk’uko biteganywa mu ngingo ya 29 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 ryamaze kuvugwa. Abasigaye bose baburanishwa n’Inkiko z’Ibanze hashingiwe ku ngingo ya 26 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 yavuzwe haruguru. [31] Urukiko rurasanga, kuba Inkiko zimaze kuvugwa zitari ku rwego rumwe, n’inzego cyangwa ibyiciro by’abaregwa ibyaha bya Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi ziburanisha bikaba bitandukanye, bituma ibivugwa na Nsabimana Ildephonse n’abamwunganira ko ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku

15 Zavanyweho n’Itegeko Ngenga N⁰ 04/2012/OL ryo ku wa 15/06/2012 rikuraho Inkiko Gacaca, rikanagena uburyo bwo gukemura ibibazo byari mu bubasha bwazo.

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wa 02/06/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, isumbanya ababuranyi, nta shingiro bikwiye guhabwa. Ikibazo cyaba kuri iyo ngingo mu gihe yaba idafata kimwe abarezwe bwa mbere mu Rukiko rw’Ibanze, bamwe ikabemerera kujurira bwa kabiri mu Rukiko Rukuru, abandi ntibabyemererwe nyamara bari mu cyiciro kimwe, kandi siko bimeze muri uru rubaza. [32] Hashingiwe ku bisobanuro byose byatanzwe haruguru, Urukiko rurasanga ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko nk’uko ryahinduwe, itanyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga. III. ICYEMEZO CY’URUKIKO [33] Rwemeje ko ikirego cyatanzwe na Nsabimana Ildephonse bakunze kwita Ntabarimfasha, gisaba kwemeza ko ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko nk’uko ryahinduwe, inyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda, nta shingiro gifite ; [34] Rwemeje ko ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N⁰ 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko nk’uko ryahinduwe, itanyuranyije n’ingingo ya 15 y’Itegeko Nshinga rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda.

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Re IBAMBE [Rwanda URUKIKO RW’IKIRENGA – RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2024/SC (Mukantaganzwa, P.J., Hitiyaremye, Cyanzayire, Muhumuza na Kazungu, J.) 05 Kamena 2025] Itegeko Nshinga – Ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru – Ni uburenganzira butagomba kuvogerwa, ariko bukaba butagomba kubangamira ubundi burenganzira burimo ubw’umwenegihugu bwo kugira icyubahiro n’agaciro. Itegeko Nshinga – Uburenganzira bwa muntu n’ubwisanzure – Imikoreshereze y’ikoranabuhanga – Kuba Umushingamategeko yarifuje gushyiraho Itegeko No 60/2018 ryo kuwa 22/08/2018 ryerekeye gukumira no guhana ibyaha bikoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga, yari agamije kurengera by’umwihariko uburenganzira bwa muntu mu mikoreshereze y’ikoranabuhanga, kandi akaba ariyo mpamvu, mu ngingo yaryo ya 39 ihana icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha, ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa. Amategeko agenga ikoranabuhanga – Ibyaha bikorwa hakoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga – Icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa – Icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa ni icyaha kigizwe no: kubaho kw’igikorwa cyo gutangaza amakuru; kuba uwatangaje amakuru y’ibihuha yari azi neza ko atari ukuri; kuba icyo gikorwa cyakozwe hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa 21

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urusobe rwa mudasobwa; kuba amakuru y’ibihuha yatangajwe ashobora guteza ubwoba, imvururu cyangwa ihohotera muri rubanda, cyangwa ashobora gutuma atakarizwa icyizere. Incamake y’ikibazo: Ibambe yatanze ikirego mu Rukiko rw’Ikirenga, arusaba kwemeza ko ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryerekeye gukumira no guhana ibyaha bikoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga, itegenya ko …umuntu wese, ubizi, wifashishije mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa agatangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere, aba akoze icyaha; inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga, iteganya ko ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru, ubwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru bwemewe kandi bwubahirizwa na Leta, ariko ko ubwisanzure bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru butagomba kubangamira ituze rusange rya rubanda n’imyifatire mbonezabupfura, kurengera urubyiruko n’abana n’uburenganzira bw’umwenegihugu bwo kugira icyubahiro n’agaciro, ndetse n’ubwo kutagira uwivanga mu mibereho ye bwite n’iy’umuryango we, kandi ko uko ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru, ubwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru bukoreshwa n’iyubahirizwa ryabwo biteganywa n’amategeko. Asobanura ko iyo ngingo ya 39 ibangamiye ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru kuko ikoreshwa mu guhana mu buryo bw’inshinjabyaha abanyarwanda cyane cyane abanyamakuru, kubera akazi kabo ko gutangaza amakuru umunsi ku munsi. Urega avuga ko kuba ingingo ya 39 ifata igikorwa cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere nk’icyaha, ari ukubangamira ubwisanzure bwo kugaragaza

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ibitekerezo buteganywa n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga; kandi bikanagaragara nk’aho ari uguhana icyaha cyo gusebanya mu buryo bw’impanabyaha, nyamara Urukiko rw’Ikirenga rwaremeje ko binyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga; bityo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere bikaba byagombye gukurikiranwa mu buryo bw’imbonezamubano kugira ngo abantu batananirwa gutanga ibitekerezo byabo batinya ko iri tegeko ryabafungisha. Urega avuga kandi ko gufata igikorwa cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere nk’icyaha bibangamiye ubwisanzure bwo gutanga ibitekerezo kuko ikigamijwe ari ukurengera izina ry’umuntu ku giti cye aho kuba inyungu rusange, kubera ko nta ngaruka zigaragara byagira kuri sosiyeti cyangwa kuri rubanda muri rusange; ko bipyinagaza uburenganzira bwo gutanga ibitekerezo no kwisanzura mu kugaragaza ibitekerezo abantu bafite. Asoza avuga ko gutangaza amakuru ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere ari igisobanuro cyo gusebanya mu ruhame; kubihana nk’icyaha bikaba bivuguruza umurongo Leta y’u Rwanda yafashe wo gukura gusebanya mu ruhame ku rutonde rw’ibyaha, kikaba cyari giteganyijwe mu ngingo ya 233 y’Itegeko N° 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange. Uhagarariye Leta y’u Rwanda muri uru rubanza avuga ko iyo ngingo ya 39 Urega asabira kuvanwaho ntaho inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga, ahubwo ko ibiteganyijwe muri iyo ngingo bishyira mu bikorwa ibiteganywa n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga, kuko ikumira ndetse igahana ukora icyaha cyo gutangaza abizi, yifashishije mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa, amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora guteza ubwoba, imvururu cyangwa ihohotera muri rubanda, cyangwa yatuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere.

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Uhagarariye Leta y’u Rwanda asobanura ko ingingo ya 233 y’Itegeko riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange nk’uko ryahinduwe yahanaga icyaha cyakorewe umuyobozi cyangwa abayobozi gusa, mu gihe ingingo ya 39 isabirwa kuvanwaho iteganya icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ku muntu wese, n’ingaruka zacyo zigizwe no guteza ubwoba, imvururu, ihohotera muri rubanda cyangwa gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere. Akomeza avuga ko iyi ngingo itabuza abaturarwanda muri rusange n’abanyamakuru by’umwihariko, ubwisanzure bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo; ko ahubwo ibasaba kwitwararika mu byo batangaza kuko nta muntu ufite ubwisanzure bwo gutangaza abizi amakuru y’ibihuha yagira ingaruka mbi zigaragazwa n’iyo ngingo. Bityo, akaba abona ko mu gihe ibyo Urega asaba byaba byemejwe iyo ngingo ikavanwaho, ubwo uburenganzira bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru bwaba bwemewe gukoreshwa mu buryo bubangamira ituze rusange rya rubanda, imyifatire mbonezabupfura, kurengera urubyiruko n’abana, uburenganzira bw’umwenegihugu bwo kugira icyubahiro n’agaciro n’ubwo kutagira uwivanga mu mibereho ye bwite n’iy’umuryango we. Bityo, akaba asoza avuga ko Leta y’u Rwanda isaba Urukiko rw'Ikirenga kwemeza ko ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru itanyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga kandi ko ikirego cy’Urega nta shingiro gifite. Incamake y’icyemezo: 1. Ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru ni uburenganzira butagomba kuvogerwa, ariko bukaba butagomba kubangamira ubundi burenganzira burimo ubw’umwenegihugu bwo kugira icyubahiro n’agaciro.

2. Icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa

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urusobe rwa mudasobwa ni icyaha kigizwe no: kubaho kw’igikorwa cyo gutangaza amakuru, kuba uwatangaje amakuru y’ibihuha yari azi neza ko atari ukuri, kuba icyo gikorwa cyakozwe hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa; kuba amakuru y’ibihuha yatangajwe ashobora guteza ubwoba, imvururu cyangwa ihohotera muri rubanda, cyangwa ashobora gutuma atakarizwa icyizere.

3. Kuba Umushingamategeko yarifuje gushyiraho Itegeko No 60/2018 ryo kuwa 22/08/2018 ryerekeye gukumira no guhana ibyaha bikoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga, yari agamije kurengera by’umwihariko uburenganzira bwa muntu mu mikoreshereze y’ikoranabuhanga, kandi akaba ariyo mpamvu, mu ngingo yaryo ya 39 ihana icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha, ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa Ikirego gisaba kwemeza ko ingingo y’Itegeko inyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda, nta shingiro gifite. Amategeko yashingiweho: Itegeko Nshinga rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda ryo mu 2003 ryavuguruwe kugeza ubu, ingingo ya 13 n’iya 38. Itangazo Mpuzamahanga ryerekeye uburenganzira bwa muntu ryo mu 1948 u Rwanda rwashyizeho umukono ku wa 18 Nzeri 1962, ingingo ya 19. Amasezerano mpuzamahanga yerekeye uburenganzira mu by’imbonezamubano no mu bya politiki (ICCPR) u Rwanda rwashyizeho umukono mu wa 1975, ingingo ya 19.

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Amasezerano Nyafurika y’Uburenganzira bwa Muntu n’ubw’Abaturage yo ku wa 27 Kamena 1981, ingingo ya 9. Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryerekeye gukumira no guhana ibyaha bikoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga, ingingo ya 39. Itegeko N° 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange, ingingo ya 233. Itegeko ryo mu gihugu cya Kenya rigenga ikoreshwa nabi rya mudasobwa n’ibyaha bikorerwa kuri murandasi ryo ku wa 31/12/2022, ingingo ya 23. Imanza zifashishijwe: Urubanza Re Byansi, RS/INCONST/SPEC 00003/2021/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 25/03/2022. UrubanzaRe Mugisha, RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2018/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 24/04/2019. The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Lohe Issa Konate v. Burukina Faso rwaciwe ku wa 05/12/2014. OKUTA, Jacqueline Okuta & another v. Attorney General & 2 others, Kenya High Court [2017], eKLR. [G.R. No 256700. April 25, 2023] People of the Philippines, petitioner, vs. Jomerito S. Soliman, Respondent. Inyandiko z’abahanga zifashishijwe: Sunstein, Cass R. Liars: Falsehoods and free speech in an age of deception. Oxford University Press, 2021, page 46, 95, 171 & 172.

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Urubanza I. IMITERERE Y’URUBANZA [1] Ibambe Jean Paul yatanze ikirego mu Rukiko rw’Ikirenga, arusaba kwemeza ko ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryerekeye gukumira no guhana ibyaha bikoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda, Itegeko Nshinga muri uru rubanza. [2] Asobanura ko impamvu yatanze iki kirego ari uko ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru ibangamiye ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru kuko ikoreshwa mu guhana mu buryo bw’inshinjabyaha abanyarwanda cyane cyane abanyamakuru, kubera akazi kabo ko gutangaza amakuru umunsi ku munsi; bityo ko yavanwaho mu rwego rwo kubahiriza ibiteganywa n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga. [3] Uhagarariye Leta y’u Rwanda avuga ko ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru ntaho inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga, ahubwo ko ibiteganyijwe muri iyo ngingo bishyira mu bikorwa ibiteganywa n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga. [4] Iburanisha ryabereye mu ruhame ku wa 05/05/2025, Ibambe Jean Paul yunganiwe na Me Gakunzi Valerie na Me Mukashema Marie Louise, naho Leta y’u Rwanda ihagarariwe na Me Habumuremyi Prosper. Muri iryo buranisha, Urukiko

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rwabanje gusuzuma ikibazo kirebana n’inyungu Ibambe Jean Paul afite mu rubanza. - Ku bijyanye n’inyungu Ibambe Jean Paul afite muri uru rubanza [5] Urukiko rumaze kumva impande zombi zemeranya ko urega afite inyungu mu rubanza, mu cyemezo cyafatiwe mu ntebe, rwemeje ko mu rwego rwo guteza imbere amategeko no kurengera uburenganzira bw’abarebwa n’iri tegeko, Ibambe Jean Paul afite inyungu kuko ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru aregera ireba abaturage bose muri rusange. Iyi ikaba ari imwe mu mpamvu zemejwe n’Urukiko, zishingirwaho mu gusuzuma ikibazo cy’inyungu cy’uregera itegeko kuba rinyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga1. [6] Ku birebana n’imizi y’urubanza, ababuranyi bagiye impaka ku kibazo kirebana no kumenya niba ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga.

1Urubanza rubanziriza urundi rwaciwe ku wa 16/12/2022, mu rubanza RS/INCONST/SPEC00001/2022, haburana Murangwa Edward, §17, p.10.

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II. IKIBAZO KIGIZE URUBANZA N’ISESENGURWA RYACYO i. Kumenya niba ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryerekeye gukumira no guhana ibyaha bikoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda [7] Ibambe Jean Paul n’abamwunganira bavuga ko ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru iteganya ko umuntu wese, ubizi, wifashishije mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa agatangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora guteza ubwoba, imvururu cyangwa ihohotera muri rubanda cyangwa ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere, aba akoze icyaha kandi ko iyo abihamijwe n’urukiko, ahanishwa igifungo kitari munsi y’imyaka itatu (3) ariko kitarenze imyaka itanu (5) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda atari munsi ya miliyoni imwe (1.000.000Frw) ariko atarenze miliyoni eshatu (3.000.000Frw), inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga, iteganya ko ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru, ubwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru bwemewe kandi bwubahirizwa na Leta, ariko ko ubwisanzure bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru butagomba kubangamira ituze rusange rya rubanda n’imyifatire mbonezabupfura, kurengera urubyiruko n’abana n’uburenganzira bw’umwenegihugu bwo kugira icyubahiro n’agaciro n’ubwo kutagira uwivanga mu mibereho ye bwite n’iy’umuryango we ; kandi ko, uko ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru, ubwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru bukoreshwa n’iyubahirizwa ryabwo biteganywa n’amategeko.

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[8] Basobanura ko kuba ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru ifata igikorwa cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere nk’icyaha, ari ukubangamira ubwisanzure bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo buteganywa n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga; kandi bikanagaragara nk’aho ari uguhana icyaha cyo gusebanya mu buryo bw’impanabyaha,nyamara mu gika cya 65 cy’urubanza RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2018/SC rwaciwe ku wa 24/04/2019 haburana Mugisha Richard, Urukiko rw’Ikirenga rwaremeje ko guhana icyaha cyo gusebanya binyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga; bityo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere bikaba byagombye gukurikiranwa mu buryo bw’imbonezamubano kugira ngo abantu batananirwa gutanga ibitekerezo byabo batinya ko iri tegeko ryabafungisha. [9] Basobanura nanone ko gufata igikorwa cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere nk’icyaha bibangamiye ubwisanzure bwo gutanga ibitekerezo kuko ikigamijwe ari ukurengera izina ry’umuntu ku giti cye aho kuba inyungu rusange kubera ko nta ngaruka zigaragara byagira kuri sosiyeti cyangwa kuri rubanda muri rusange; bakavuga ko bipyinagaza uburenganzira bwo gutanga ibitekerezo no kwisanzura mu kugaragaza ibitekerezo abantu bafite. [10] Basobanura kandi ko gutangaza amakuru ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere ari igisobanuro cyo gusebanya mu ruhame; kubihana nk’icyaha bikaba bivuguruza umurongo Leta y’u Rwanda yafashe wo gukura gusebanya mu ruhame ku rutonde rw’ibyaha nk’uko bigaragara muri Politiki y’Itangazamakuru yo mu 2011 kugira ngo kijye gikurikiranwa mu buryo bw’imbonezamubano mu rwego rwo kwirinda kuniga

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uburenganzira bwo gutanga ibitekerezo harimo n’ubw’itangazamakuru. [11] Bagaragaza ko ingingo ya 19 y’Itangazo Mpuzamahanga ryerekeye uburenganzira bwa muntu ryo mu 1948 u Rwanda rwemeye kuba kimwe mu bihugu birihuriyeho ku wa 18 Nzeri 1962; hamwe n’ingingo ya 19 y’Amasezerano mpuzamahanga yerekeye uburenganzira mu by’imbonezamubano no mu bya politiki (ICCPR) u Rwanda rwashyizeho umukono mu 1975, ziteganya uburenganzira busesuye bwo gutanga ibitekerezo; nubwo ubwo burenganzira butarunduye nk’uko bisobanurwa mu nyandiko y’Akanama ka Loni gashinzwe uburenganzira bwa muntu “General Comment 34”, ariko ko mu rwego rwo kubaka sosiyete igendera ku mahame ya demokarasi, izo ngingo zisobanura neza uko uburenganzira bwo gutanga ibitekerezo bugomba kubahirizwa. Bavuga ko iyo uhuje ibisobanuro bitangwa, usanga guhana mu buryo bw’inshinjabyaha umuntu watangaje amakuru y’ibihuha yatumye umuntu atakarizwa icyizere ari uburyo bukabije bwo kuniga ubwisanzure bwo gutanga ibitekerezo. [12] Bagaragaza nanone ko mu kwezi kwa Mutarama 2021, ubwo u Rwanda rwahabwaga ibyifuzonama mu isuzuma mpuzamahanga ngarukagihe (Universal Periodic Review-UPR) rya 3 ku Burenganzira bwa Muntu, rwemeye gushyira mu bikorwa imyanzuro (Recommendations) rwahawe n’ibindi bihugu irimo uwo guhindura amategeko kugira ngo uburenganzira bwo gutanga ibitekerezo burusheho kubahirizwa mu Gihugu; batanga urugero rw’umwanzuro watanzwe n’Igihugu cy’Ubutaliyani, usaba kuvugurura ingingo z’amategeko zibangamira ubwisanzure bw’abantu bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo no kurema inama, kwishyira hamwe

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n’abandi, no kurinda abanyamakuru na ba nyir’ibitangazamakuru itotezwa no guterwa ubwoba2. Bavuga ko kuba u Rwanda rwaremeye kuzashyira mu bikorwa uyu mwanzuro kimwe n’iyindi, byafatwa nko kwemera ko ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/8/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru ibangamiye ubwisanzure bwo gutanga ibitekerezo nyamara buteganyijwe n’Itegeko Nshinga. [13] Bagaragaza kandi ko hari ibyemezo byafashwe n’izindi nkiko bigaragaza ko gusebanya bidakwiriye gufatwa nk’icyaha ndetse kugihana bikaba bibangamiye uburenganzira bwo gutanga ibitekerezo. Ingero batanze harimo Urukiko Nyafurika rw’Uburenganzira bwa Muntu “The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights”, mu rubanza rwa Lohe Issa Konate aburana na Burukina Faso rwaciwe ku wa 05/12/2014, rwagaragaje neza ko guhana icyaha cyo gusebanya biniga ubwisanzure bwo gutanga ibitekerezo; Urukiko Rukuru rwa Kenya mu rubanza rwitiriwe Okuta (Jacqueline Okuta & another v Attorney General & 2 others [2017] eKLR), rwemeje ko ingingo ya 194 y’Igitabo cy’amategeko mpanabyaha ihana icyaha cyo gusebanya mu ruhame inyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga rya Kenya kubera ko ibangamiye ubwisanzure bwo gutanga ibitekerezo; maze rwanzura ko guhana icyaha cyo gusebanya mu ruhame ugamije kurinda icyizere cy’umuntu mu buryo bwigaragaza birimo kurengera no kudashyira mu gaciro mu gihe icyubahiro cyangwa icyizere umuntu yatakarijwe hari ubundi buryo yakirengera binyuze mu nzira mbonezamubano.

2 Revise all the provisions that undermine freedom of expression as well as freedom of assembly and association and effectively protect journalists and media operators against harassment and intimidation.

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[14] Basoza basaba Urukiko rw’Ikirenga kwemeza ko ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, mu gace kayo k’igika cya mbere gateganya ko umuntu wese, ubizi, wifashishije mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa agatangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere, aba akoze icyaha, inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga no gutegeka ko kavanwaho. [15] Uhagarariye Leta y’u Rwanda agaragaza ko ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga iteganya ibintu bibiri by’ingenzi bikurikira: i. Ibuza gukoresha ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru, ubwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru mu buryo bubangamira ituze rusange rya rubanda n’imyifatire mbonezabupfura, kurengera urubyiruko n’abana, n’uburenganzira bw’umwenegihugu bwo kugira icyubahiro n’agaciro, ubwo kutagira uwivanga mu mibereho ye bwite n’iy’umuryango we; ii. Iteganya ko ikoreshwa n’iyubahirizwa by’ubwo bwisanzure biteganywa n’amategeko. [16] Asobanura ko ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru ishyira mu bikorwa ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga kuko ikumira ndetse igahana ukora icyaha cyo gutangaza abizi, yifashishije mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa, amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora guteza ubwoba, imvururu cyangwa ihohotera muri rubanda, cyangwa yatuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere. [17] Agaragaza ko Ibambe Jean Paul asaba ko ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru ivanwaho ashingiye ku cyemezo Urukiko rw’Ikirenga rwafashe

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mu rubanza RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2018/SC rwaciwe ku wa 24/04/2019 haburana Mugisha Richard, mu gika cyarwo cya 101, aho rwemeje ko ingingo ya 233 y’Itegeko N° 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga, ariko ko bidakwiye kuko izo ngingo zitandukaniye mu byo ziteganya. [18] Asobanura ko ingingo ya 233 y’Itegeko N° 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange yari igamije gukumira no guhana icyaha cyo gukoza isoni abayobozi bari mu kazi cyangwa biturutse ku kazi, hakoreshejwe amagambo, ibimenyetso, ibikangisho, inyandiko cyangwa ibishushanyo; naho ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru ikaba igamije gukumira no guhana icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa kandi uwayatangaje agambiriye guteza ubwoba, imvururu cyangwa ihohotera muri rubanda; cyangwa gutuma umuntu wayatanzweho atakarizwa icyizere. [19] Asobanura kandi ko ingingo ya 233 y’Itegeko riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange nk’uko ryahinduwe yahanaga icyaha cyakorewe umuyobozi cyangwa abayobozi gusa, mu gihe ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru iteganya icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ku muntu wese, n’ingaruka zacyo zigizwe no guteza ubwoba, imvururu, ihohotera muri rubanda cyangwa gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere. [20] Akomeza asobanura ko ingingo 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru itabuza abaturarwanda muri rusange n’abanyamakuru by’umwihariko, ubwisanzure bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo; ko ahubwo ibasaba kwitwararika mu byo

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batangaza kuko nta muntu ufite ubwisanzure bwo gutangaza abizi amakuru y’ibihuha yagira ingaruka mbi zigaragazwa n’iyo ngingo; bityo ko kuba mu rubanza RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2018/SC rwaciwe ku wa 24/04/2019 haburana Mugisha Richard, Urukiko rw'Ikirenga rwaremeje ko ingingo ya 233 y’Itegeko riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange ivanwaho bitaba ishingiro ryo kuvanaho ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru kuko zitandukanye mu byo ziteganya, kandi kuyivanaho bikaba byaba bisobanuye ko ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru, ubwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru bwaba bwemewe gukoreshwa mu buryo bubangamira ituze rusange rya rubanda, imyifatire mbonezabupfura, kurengera urubyiruko n’abana, uburenganzira bw’umwenegihugu bwo kugira icyubahiro n’agaciro n’ubwo kutagira uwivanga mu mibereho ye bwite n’iy’umuryango we. [21] Asobanura nanone ko Leta y’u Rwanda isanga kuba hari inkiko z’ibindi bihugu zemeje ko gusebanya bidakwiriye gufatwa nk’icyaha, bidasobanuye ko ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru inyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga, kuko hari n’ibindi bihugu bifite amategeko ahana icyaha cyo gusebanya nka Canada igihanisha igifungo cy’imyaka itarenga itanu (Criminal Code of Canada: Section 300), Singapore igihanisha igifungo kitarenze imyaka ibiri (Penal code of Singapore: Article 500) n’Ububirigi bugihanisha igifungo kitarenze umwaka umwe (code pénal: article 444). [22] Asoza avuga ko Leta y’u Rwanda, ishingiye kuri ibi bisobanuro, isaba Urukiko rw'Ikirenga kwemeza ko ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe

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haruguru itanyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y'Itegeko Nshinga kandi ko ikirego cya Ibambe Jean Paul nta shingiro gifite.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [23] Ibambe Jean Paul avuga ko ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, agace kayo gasoza igika cya mbere, gateganya ibi bikurikira: …cyangwa ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere, kavanwaho kuko kanyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga iteganya ubwisanzure bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo. [24] Urukiko rurasanga n’ubwo Ibambe Jean Paul atanga ikirego yararegeye ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru yose, mu nama ntegurarubanza yo ku wa 06/02/2025, we n’abamwunganira bagaragaje ko agace basanga kanyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga ari agace k’igika cya mbere gateganya ko …umuntu wese, ubizi, wifashishije mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa agatangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere, aba akoze icyaha, bityo akaba ari ako gace kagomba gusuzumwa niba kanyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga. [25] Ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga iteganya ko ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru, ubwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru bwemewe kandi bwubahirizwa na Leta, ariko ko ubwisanzure bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru butagomba kubangamira ituze rusange rya rubanda n’imyifatire mbonezabupfura, kurengera urubyiruko n’abana n’uburenganzira bw’umwenegihugu bwo kugira icyubahiro n’agaciro, ndetse n’ubwo kutagira uwivanga mu

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mibereho ye bwite n’iy’umuryango we, kandi ko uko ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru, ubwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru bukoreshwa n’iyubahirizwa ryabwo biteganywa n’amategeko. [26] Ibiteganyijwe mu ngingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga byasobanuwe mu manza zinyuranye zaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga, zirimo urubanza RS/SPEC00001/2018/SC rwaciwe ku wa 24/04/2019, haburana Mugisha Richard. Muri urwo rubanza, Urukiko rwasobanuye ko ubwisanzure bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo bugizwe no gutanga ibitekerezo ntacyo umuntu yikanga, n’uburenganzira bwo gushaka, kubona no gukwirakwiza amakuru n’ibitekerezo aho ariho hose, kandi ko bitewe n’uko ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru, ubwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru bwemewe n’Itegeko Nshinga, icyo aricyo cyose harimo n’itegeko cyangwa ingingo yaryo, cyabubangamira kiba kinyuranyije naryo3. Uko ni nako rwabisobanuye mu rubanza RS/INCONST/SPEC00003/2021/SC rwaciwe ku wa 25/03/2022, haburana Byansi Samuel Baker4. [27] Ubwo burenganzira buteganyijwe mu ngingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga bunateganyijwe mu Masezerano Mpuzamahanga u Rwanda rwashyizeho umukono akurikira: a. Itangazo Mpuzamahanga ryerekeye Uburenganzira bwa Muntu mu ngingo yaryo ya 19 riteganya ko buri wese afite uburenganzira bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo bye ntacyo yikanga n’ubwo gushaka,

3Reba urubanza RS/SPEC00001/2018/SC rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 24/04/2019, haburana Mugisha Richard, igika cya 65. 4Reba urubanza RS/INCONST/SPEC00003/2021/SC rwaciwe ku wa 25/03/2022, haburana Byansi Samuel Baker, igika cya 36.

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kubona no gukwirakwiza amakuru akoresheje uburyo ubwo aribwo bwose5. b. Amasezerano Mpuzamahanga yerekeye Uburenganzira mu by’imbonezamubano no mu bya politiki mu ngingo yayo ya 196, igika cya 2 n’icya 3 ateganya ibi bikurikira: i. Umuntu wese afite uburenganzira bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo bye, ubwo burenganzira bukubiyemo ubwigenge mu gushakashaka, guhabwa no gusakaza amakuru n’ibitekerezo by’uburyo bwose hatitawe ku mipaka y’ibihugu, hakoreshejwe imvugo, inyandiko zisanzwe, inyandiko zanyuze mu icapiro, ubugeni cyangwa se ubundi buryo bwose yihitiyemo. ii. Ikoresha ry’uburenganzira buteganyijwe mu gika cya 2 cy’iyi ngingo rijyana n’ibyo

5 Universal declaration of human rights. (1948) UN General Assembly Resolution 302.2, article 19 states that: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers” 6 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights/Pacte International des droits civils et politiques, article 19, Al. 2 & 3 states that: “Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice. The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this Article carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary: a) for respect of the rights or reputations of others”.

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umuntu asabwa ndetse n’inshingano. Ku bw’iyo mpamvu, ikoreshwa ryabwo rishobora gushyirirwaho impamvu zibugabanya, ariko nazo zigomba kuba ziteganyijwe n’amategeko ku buryo bweruye kandi ari ngombwa kugira ngo uburenganzira cyangwa agaciro by’abandi byubahirizwe. c. Amasezerano Nyafurika y’Uburenganzira bwa Muntu n’ubw’Abaturage mu ngingo ya 97, igika cya 1 n’icya 2, ateganya ibi bikurikira: i. buri muntu afite uburenganzira bwo guhabwa amakuru. ii. Buri muntu afite uburenganzira bwo kugaragaza no gusakaza ibitekerezo bye, apfa kutarengera amategeko. [28] Urukiko rusanga, haba mu Itegeko Nshinga no mu Masezerano Mpuzamahanga yagaragajwe, ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru ari uburenganzira butagomba kuvogerwa, ariko hose harateganyijwe irengayobora rijyanye no kuba butagomba kubangamira ubundi burenganzira, burimo ubw’umwenegihugu bwo kugira icyubahiro n’agaciro. Byashimangiwe kandi n’Akanama k’Uburenganzira bwa Muntu k’Umuryango w’Abibumbye (UN Human Rights Committee) mu 2011, kasobanuye ko ubwisanzure bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo

7African (Banjul) Charter On Human and Peoples' Rights (Adopted 27 June 1981, OAU Doc.CAB/LEG/67/3 rev. 5, 21 I.L.M. 58 (1982), entered into force 21 October 1986): article 9, al. 1 & 2 states that: “Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law”.

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n’ubwo kubona amakuru butagomba kubangamira umutekano rusange w’igihugu n’uburenganzira bw’umwenegihugu bwo kugira icyubahiro n’agaciro8. [29] Mu byo Ibambe Jean Paul ashingiraho avuga ko agace k’igika cya mbere cy’ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru kanyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga, harimo urubanza RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2018/SC rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 24/04/2019 haburana Mugisha Richard, aho mu gika cyarwo cya 101, rwemeje ko ingingo ya 233 y’Itegeko N° 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange nk’uko ryahinduwe yateganyaga ko “umuntu wese ukoza isoni mu magambo, mu bimenyetso cyangwa ibikangisho, inyandiko cyangwa ibishushanyo, umwe mu bayobozi cyangwa abashinzwe umurimo rusange w’Igihugu bavugwaga muri iyo ngingo, aba akoze icyaha” inyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga kuko yari ibangamiye ubwisanzure bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo. [30] Mbere yo gusesengura ibyo uwatanze ikirego anenga ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, Urukiko rurasanga ari ngombwa kubanza gusobanura itandukaniro riri hagati y’icyaha cyo gukoza isoni bamwe mu bayobozi b’Igihugu n’abashinzwe umurimo rusange w’Igihugu n’icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora

8 General Comment No 34, adopted by the UN Human Rights Committee in 2011, in its article 9, paragraphe 3, Paragraph 3 expressly states that: “the exercise of the right to freedom of expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities. For this reason, two limitative areas of restrictions on the right are permitted, which may relate either to respect of the rights or reputations of others or to the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public) or of public health or morals”.

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gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere, hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa. [31] Icyaha cyo gukoza isoni bamwe mu bayobozi b’Igihugu n’abashinzwe umurimo rusange w’Igihugu, cyateganywaga n’ingingo ya 233 y’Itegeko N° 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange yakuweho n’urubanza RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2018/SC, cyari kigizwe n’ibikorwa byo gukoza isoni mu magambo, mu bimenyetso cyangwa ibikangisho, inyandiko cyangwa ibishushanyo, umwe mu bagize Inteko Ishinga Amategeko mu gihe akora umurimo yatorewe cyangwa biturutse kuri uwo murimo, umwe mu bagize Guverinoma, abashinzwe umutekano cyangwa undi wese ushinzwe umurimo rusange w’Igihugu mu gihe akora umurimo ashinzwe cyangwa ari wo biturutseho. [32] Icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha giteganywa n’ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, kigizwe n’ibikorwa byose byo gutangaza, umuntu abizi, amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora guteza ubwoba, imvururu cyangwa ihohotera muri rubanda cyangwa ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere; bigakorwa hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa. [33] Izo ngingo zirebewe hamwe, Urukiko rusanga icyaha cyo gukoza isoni abayobozi b’Igihugu n’abashinzwe umurimo rusange w’Igihugu n’icyaha gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa, bitandukaniye ku bigize buri cyaha mu buryo bukurikira:

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a. Icyaha cyo gukoza isoni abayobozi b’Igihugu n’abashinzwe umurimo rusange w’Igihugu cyari kigizwe n’ibi bikurikira: i. Kubaho kw’igikorwa cyo gukoza isoni; ii. Kuba icyo gikorwa cyakozwe mu magambo, mu bimenyetso cyangwa mu bikangisho, mu nyandiko cyangwa mu bishushanyo; iii. Kuba icyo gikorwa cyakorewe abagize Inteko Ishinga Amategeko, abagize Guverinoma, abashinzwe umutekano cyangwa undi wese ushinzwe umurimo rusange w’Igihugu, mu gihe bakora umurimo bashinzwe cyangwa ariwo biturutseho. b. Icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha cyo kigizwe n’ibi bikurikira: i. Kubaho kw’igikorwa cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha; ii. Kuba uwatangaje amakuru y’ibihuha yari azi neza ko atari ukuri; iii. Kuba icyo gikorwa cyakozwe hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa; iv. Kuba amakuru y’ibihuha yatangajwe ashobora guteza ubwoba, imvururu cyangwa ihohotera muri rubanda, cyangwa ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere. [34] Mu gusuzuma kandi itandukaniro riri hagati y’icyaha cyo gukoza isoni abayobozi b’Igihugu n’abashinzwe umurimo

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rusange w’Igihugu n’icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha, ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa, ni ngombwa kureba impamvu yatumye hashyirwaho Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru n’icyari kigamijwe. [35] Nk’uko bigaragara muri raporo y’inama ya Komisiyo y’Umutwe w’Abadepite ishinzwe Uburezi, Ikoranabuhanga, Umuco n’Urubyiruko yateranye ku wa 07 Gisurasi 2018 isuzuma umushinga w’Itegeko ryerekeye ibyaha bikoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga, Minisitiri ushinzwe Ikoranabuhanga n’Itumanaho yasobanuye ko impamvu hateguwe uwo mushinga9, ari ukubera ko uko Igihugu kigenda gitera imbere, ikoreshwa rya murandasi n’irindi koranabuhanga rigezweho rigenda ryiyongera, bigatuma uburyo bwo kugaba ibitero by’ikoranabuhanga nabwo buhinduka bushya. Yagaragaje kandi ko iterambere mu gukoresha urubuga rw’ikoranabuhanga ryatumye abakora ibyaha barwifashishije mu kwinjira mu makuru y’abandi biyongera, kwiba umutungo bwite mu by’ubwenge no kubona mu buryo butemewe, amakuru y’ibihugu yerekeye imari cyangwa politiki ndetse n’ibindi bikorwa bitemewe n’amategeko nabyo byiyongera. [36] Yasobanuye kandi ko kuba nta mbibi cyangwa imipaka y’ibihugu iba mu ikoranabuhanga, nta n’uburyo buhari bwihariye cyangwa buhuriweho bwo gucunga ibikorwaremezo by’ikoranabuhanga. Yongeyeho ko mu rwego rwo kugira ngo hafatwe ingamba zo kwirinda no guca intege abakora ibyo

9 Reba raporo y’Inama ya Komisiyo y’Umutwe w’Abadepite ishinzwe Uburezi, ikoranabuhanga, umuco n’urubyiruko yateranye ku wa 07 Gisurasi 2018 isuzuma Umushinga w’Itegeko ryerekeye ibyaha bikoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga, ku rupapuro rwa 2 n’urwa 3.

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bikorwa, hitabwa ku kurengera uburenganzira bwa muntu mu bijyanye n’imikoreshereze y’ikoranabuhanga, buri rwego rwishyiriraho ingamba zarwo zo kwicungira umutekano. [37] Abagize Komisiyo babajije impamvu ibyaha n’ibihano biteganyijwe muri uwo mushinga w’itegeko bitashyizwe mu Itegeko N° 24/2016 ryo ku wa 18/06/2016 rigenga Ikoranabuhanga mu Itangazabumenyi n’Itumanaho aho gutegura umushinga w’itegeko mushya; maze Minisitiri ushinzwe ikoranabuhanga n’itumanaho abasobanurira ko byatewe n’uko gukora ibyaha hifashishijwe ikoranabuhanga bigenda bifata intera idasanzwe, n’ibyaha bishya bikaba byiyongera cyane. Ikindi yasobanuye ni uko umuvuduko isi iriho mu gukoresha tekinoloji nshya, utuma ibyaha bikorwa hifashishijwe ikoranabuhanga byiyongera, ndetse n’ibyaha bisanzweho bigahindurirwa uburyo bikorwamo; bityo itegeko rishya rikaba rizafasha mu gukumira no gukurikirana ibyaha bikoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga10. [38] Abagize Komisiyo bagaragaje kandi ko muri uwo mushinga hagombaga kongerwamo ingingo nshya ya 39 ikubiyemo igitekerezo kijyanye no gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha kitagaragaraga neza mu ngingo yari iya 41; banagena uburyo iyo ngingo yandikwa11. [39] Hashingiwe ku bisobanuro bimaze gutangwa, Urukiko rurasanga Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru ryarashyizweho hagamijwe kurengera by’umwihariko uburenganzira bwa muntu mu mikoreshereze y’ikoranabuhanga; kandi akaba ariyo mpamvu yatumye rihana icyaha cyo gutangaza

10 Reba Raporo yo ku wa 07 Gisurasi 2018, ku rupapuro rwa 4. 11 Reba Raporo yo ku wa 07 Gisurasi 2018, ku rupapuro rwa 69.

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amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere, hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa. [40] Guhana icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere, hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa, si umwihariko w’u Rwanda kuko no mu Gihugu cya Kenya, Itegeko rigenga ikoreshwa nabi rya mudasobwa n’ibyaha bikorerwa kuri murandasi ryo ku wa 31/12/2022, mu ngingo yaryo ya 23, riteganya ko Umuntu wese uzi neza ko amakuru ari ay’ibinyoma, akayatangaza mu nyandiko, kuri radiyo, kuri televiziyo, mu buryo bwa mudasobwa cyangwa ubundi buryo bw’ikoranabuhanga, kandi ayo makuru ashobora guteza imvururu cyangwa urugomo mu baturage, cyangwa ashobora guharabika isura y’umuntu uwo ariwe wese, aba akoze icyaha, kandi iyo abihamijwe n’urukiko ahanishwa ihazabu itarengeje miliyoni eshanu z’amashilingi (5,000,000Ksh), cyangwa igifungo kitarengeje imyaka icumi (10), cyangwa ibyo bihano byombi icyarimwe12. [41] Mu rubanza rwa Leta ya Philippines iburana na Jemerito S. Soliman, Urukiko rw’Ikirenga rwa Philippines rwafashe umwanzuro ku bihano bigomba guhabwa abahamwe n’icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha bakoresheje ikoranabuhanga cyane cyane gusebanya; rutegeka ko icyaha cyo gusebanya hakoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga n’itumanaho kigomba guhanwa

12 The Computer Misuse andCcybercrimes Act, 2018, article 23 provides that “a person who knowingly publishes information that is false in print, broadcast, data or over a computer system, that is calculated or results in panic, chaos, or violence among citizens of the Republic, or which is likely to discredit the reputation of a person commits an offence and shall on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or both.”

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n’Itegeko rigenga ibyaha bikorwa hakoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga (Cybercrime Prevention Act), ugihamijwe akaba agomba guhabwa igihano kiri hejuru ugereranyije n’igiteganyijwe ku cyaha gisanzwe cyo gusebanya, bisobanuye ko itegeko ryahaye umwihariko udasanzwe icyaho cyo gusebanya hifashishijwe ikoranabuhanga13. [42] Icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa, kigarukwaho kandi n’Umuhanga mu mategeko Sunstein, Cass R aho avuga ko abatangaza amakuru y’ibihuha yagira ingaruka zikomeye, bagamije gutuma abantu runaka batakarizwa icyizere cyangwa yagira ingaruka ku mibereho yabo, babashinja ibinyoma, bakwiye guhabwa ibihano nshinjabyaha mu gihe ayo makuru bayatangaje bazi ko ari ibihuha cyangwa batabanje kugenzura ukuri kwayo. Ashimangira ko kugira ngo gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha byitwe icyaha ari ngombwa kugaragaza ibi bikurikira: a. Ibimenyetso byerekana ko ayo makuru ari ibihuha;

13 [G.R. No. 256700. April 25, 2023] People of the Philippines, Petitioner, vs. Jomerito s. soliman, respondent, “the Supreme Court of the Philippines has directly addressed criminal liability for online publication of false information in the context of online libel. The Court affirmed that online libel, libel committed through information and communication technologies is subject to criminal penalties under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, may impose either imprisonment or a fine as a penalty, aligning with the Revised Penal Code as amended. The penalty for online libel is one degree higher than for traditional libel, reflecting the seriousness with which the law treats the online dissemination of false and defamatory information”.

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b. Kugaragaza ingaruka zikomeye zatewe n’itangazwa ryayo14. [43] Akomeza avuga ko buri wese utangaza amakuru agenewe abantu batandukanye ku mbuga nkoranyambaga, agomba kuba asobanukiwe n’uburyo ahererekanywamo kuko ako kanya, ayo makuru arimo n’ibihuha, ashobora gukwirakwizwa mu bantu amagana, ibihumbi cyangwa miliyoni kubera gusa gukanda buto15. [44] Uyu muhanga avuga kandi ko ubushakashatsi bwagaragaje ko guhindura amakuru y’ibihuha yatangajwe ku bushake ku muntu, akenshi bidakuraho ingaruka ibyo bihuha byamugizeho, ahubwo bituma abayabonye n’abayumvise, bemera ibihuha byamutangajweho16. [45] Urukiko rurasanga ingero zimaze kugaragazwa haruguru zerekana ko mu rwego rwo kurinda icyubahiro cy’umuntu, ibihugu bitandukanye bihana icyaha cyo gutangaza amakuru

14 Sunstein, Cass R. Liars: Falsehoods and free speech in an age of deception. Oxford University Press, 2021, page 171 & 172, “For the most harmful and demonstrably false rumors, those destroying reputations and livelihoods through provably false claims about specific individual’s criminal sanctions may be appropriate when speakers know the information is false or act with reckless indifference to its falsity”. He emphasizes that this approach requires proof of actual malice and demonstrable serious harm, a high but appropriate bar for criminal punishment”. 15 Ibid., p. 95, “Any discussion of social fragmentation and online behavior requires an understanding of social cascades—above all because they become more likely when information, including false information, can be spread to hundreds, thousands, or even millions by the simple press of a button”. 16Ibid., pge 46, “Experimental studies show that corrections often fail to eliminate the effects of previously received misinformation...In fact, corrections sometimes increase people's commitments to false statements”.

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y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere hagamijwe kumwubaha, kumurinda no kumurengera17. [46] Hashingiwe ku bisobanuro bimaze gutangwa, Urukiko rurasanga ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko Nᵒ 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, itanyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga kuko gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa, bibangamiye uburenganzira bw’umwenegihugu bwo kugira icyubahiro n’agaciro. Bityo, ibivugwa na Ibambe Jean Paul ko guhana icyo cyaha ari ukubangamira ubwisanzure bw’itangazamakuru bwo kugaragaza ibitekerezo n’ubwo guhabwa amakuru bikaba nta shingiro bifite. III. ICYEMEZO CY’URUKIKO [47] Rwemeje ko ikirego cyatanzwe na Ibambe Jean Paul gisaba kwemeza ko agace k’ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryerekeye gukumira no guhana ibyaha bikoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga, gateganya “gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa”, kanyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda, nta shingiro gifite. [48] Rwemeje ko agace k’ingingo ya 39 y’Itegeko N° 60/2018 ryo ku wa 22/08/2018 ryerekeye gukumira no guhana ibyaha bikoreshejwe ikoranabuhanga, gateganya gutangaza amakuru y’ibihuha ashobora gutuma umuntu atakarizwa icyizere

17Reba ingingo ya 13 y’Itegeko Nshinga igira iti: umuntu ni umunyagitinyiro kandi ni indahungabanywa. Leta ifite inshingano yo kumwubaha, kumurinda no kumurengera.

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hifashishijwe mudasobwa cyangwa urusobe rwa mudasobwa, katanyuranyije n’ingingo ya 38 y’Itegeko Nshinga rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda.

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URUBANZA RWEREKERANYE N’IMIBURANISHIRIZE Y’IMANZA

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UBUSHINJACYAHA v. NIZEYIMANA [Rwanda URUKIKO RW’UBUJURIRE – RS/REV/RP 00002/2024/CA (Rugabirwa, P.J.,) 30 Mutarama 2025] Amategeko agenga imiburanishirize y’imanza nshinjabyaha – Gusubirishamo ingingo nshya – Kugira ngo urubanza rusubirishwemo ingingo nshya hashingiwe ku kuba urubanza rusubirishwamo rwaraciwe hashingiwe ku buhamya bwaje kugaragara cyangwa kwemezwa ko ari ubuhimbano bigomba kugaragazwa n’icyemezo cy’urukiko cyemeje ko ubuhamya bwatanzwe mbere bugashingirwaho mu icibwa ry’urubanza rusubirishwamo ingingo nshya ari ibinyoma kandi ko ubwo buhamya ari bwo bwonyine bwashingiweho mu guhamya usubirishamo urubanza icyaha. Incamake y’ikibazo: Uwitwa Nizeyimana Aslam yahamijwe n’Inkiko icyaha cyo kugurisha ibiyobyabwenge bihambaye bya heroyine (heroine); maze ahabwa igihano cy’igifungo cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15), nyuma yaho ajurira mu Rukiko rw’Ubujurire, narwo rwemeza ko ubujurire nta shingiro bufite. Nizeyimana Aslam yatanze ikirego asaba ko urubanza rusubirishamo ingingo nshya, avuga ko ikimenyetso gishya ashingiraho asubirishamo ingingo nshya urubanza RPAA 00267/2022/CA, ari ubuhamya bwatanzwe na Niyirema Mohamed bwakorewe imbere ya Noteri bwemeza ko atigeze acuruza ibiyobyabwenge bihambaye bya heroine, ahubwo ko yayinywaga, bityo akaba yarasabye ko urubanza rusubirishwamo ingingo nshya rukwiye kuvanwaho, hakemezwa ko atakoze icyaha cyo gucuruza heroyine, maze akagirwa umwere. 53

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Ubushinjacyaha buvuga ko ikirego cya Nizeyimana Aslam kitakwakirwa kuko ikimenyetso yita gishya kitavuguruza ibyashingiweho n’uru Rukiko mu icibwa ry’urubanza rusabirwa gusubirishwamo ingingo nshya. Incamake y’icyemezo: Kugira ngo urubanza rusubirishwemo ingingo nshya hashingiwe ku kuba urubanza rusubirishwamo rwaraciwe hashingiwe ku buhamya bwaje kugaragara cyangwa kwemezwa ko ari ibuhimbano bigomba kugaragazwa n’icyemezo cy’urukiko cyemeje ko ubuhamya bwatanzwe mbere bugashingirwaho mu icibwa ry’urubanza rusubirishwamo ingingo nshya ari ibinyoma kandi ko ubwo buhamya ari bwo bwonyine bwashingiweho mu guhamya usubirishamo urubanza icyaha. Ikirego gisaba gusubirishamo urubanza ingingo nshya nticyakiriwe. Amategeko yashingiweho: Itegeko Nº 027/2019 ryo ku wa 19/09/2019 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’inshinjabyaha, ingingo ya 197 Imanza zifashishijwe: Ubushinjacyaha v Kaburere Gérard, RP 00001/2022/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire, ku wa 6/07/2023.

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Urubanza I.IMITERERE Y’URUBANZA [1] Mu rubanza RPAA 00267/2022/CA rwaciwe kuwa 18/04/2023, uru Rukiko rwemeje ko ubujurire bwa Nizeyimana Aslam nta shingiro bufite, ko urubanza RPA 00348/2021/HC/KIG rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru ku wa 11/04/2022 rudahindutse, ko igihano cy’igifungo cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) 1yahanishijwe kubera icyaha cyo kugurisha ibiyobyabwenge bihambaye bya heroyine (heroine) kigumyeho. [2] Ku wa 15/06/2023, Nizeyimana Aslam yatanze ikirego muri uru Rukiko asaba gusubirishamo ingingo nshya urubanza rwavuzwe haruguru, icyo kirego cyandikwa kuri RS/REV/RP 00002/2024/CA, urubanza rwaburanishijwe mu ruhame ku wa 10/01/2025, Nizeyimana Aslam yunganiwe na Me Mukanzigiye Donatille, naho Ubushinjacyaha buhagarariwe na Ntawangundi Béatrice, Umushinjacyaha ku rwego rw’Igihugu. [3] Mu mwanzuro w’ubujurire no mu miburanire, Nizeyimana Aslam n’umwunganira bavuga ko ikimenyetso gishya ashingiraho asubirishamo ingingo nshya urubanza RPAA 00267/2022/CA, ari ubuhamya bwatanzwe na Niyirema Mohamed bwakorewe imbere ya Noteri ku wa 29/06/2023 bwemeza ko Nizeyimana Aslam atigeze acuruza ibiyobyabwenge bihambaye bya heroine nk’uko yabimushinje

1 Muri kopi y’urubanza rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru Nizeyimana Aslam yahanishijwe iigifungo cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) n’ihazabu ya 5 000 000 Frw.

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mbere yitwa Ngabo Ahmed bwashingiweho ahamwa n’icyo cyaha, ko ahubwo yayinywaga, bityo ko urubanza rusubirishwamo ingingo nshya rukwiye kuvanwaho, hakemezwa ko atakoze icyaha cyo gucuruza heroyine, akagirwa umwere. [4] Naho uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko ikirego cya Nizeyimana Aslam kitakwakirwa kuko ikimenyetso yita ingingo nshya kitavuguruza ibyashingiweho n’uru Rukiko mu icibwa ry’urubanza rusabirwa gusubirishwamo ingingo nshya. [5] Urukiko ruhereye kuri izo mpaka, rurasanga ikibazo gikwiye gusuzumwa muri uru rubanza, ari icyo kumenya niba ubuhamya bukubiye mu nyandiko Niyirema Mohamed yakoreye imbere ya Noteri ku wa 29/06/2023, ari ikimenyetso gishya kandi kimara impaka gishobora gutuma urubanza

RPAA 00267/2022/CA rusubirishwamo ingingo nshya. II. ISESENGURA RY’IKIBAZO KIGIZE

URUBANZA i. Kumenya niba ubuhamya bwa Niyirema Mohamed bukubiye mu nyandiko yakoreye imbere ya Noteri ku wa 29/06/2023, ari ikimenyetso gishya kimara impaka gishobora gutuma urubanza

RPAA 00267/2022/CA rusubirishwamo ingingo nshya. [6] Nizeyimana Aslam n’umwunganira bavuga ko nyuma y’icibwa ry’urubanza RPAA 00267/2022/CA rwaciwe n’uru Rukiko ku wa 18/04/2023, rwamuhanishije (Nizeyimana Aslam) igifungo cy’imyaka 15 kubera ko yakoze icyaha cyo gucuruza ibiyobyabwenge bya heroyine (heroine) hashingiwe ku buhamya bw’ubuhimbano bwatanzwe na Ngabo Ahmed, yabonye

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ikimenyetso gishya ashingiraho asubirishamo urwo rubanza ingingo nshya kigizwe n’ubuhamya bwatanzwe na Niyirema Mohamed bwakorewe imbere ya Noteri ku wa 29/06/2023 bwemeza ko Nizeyimana Aslam atigeze acuruza ibiyobyabwenge bya heroyine, ko ahubwo yabinywaga nk’uko bose babikoreshaga. [7] Bavuga kandi ko impamvu Niyirema Mohamed yiyise Ngabo Ahmed akanashinja Nizeyimana Aslam ko acuruza ibiyobyabwenge bya heroyine, aruko abashinzwe umutekano bari bamwijeje ko nababwira abacuruza ibyo biyobyabwenge bamurekura, ariko ko batamurekuye, ko ahubwo bamutwaye IWAWA. Basobanura ko icyo kimenyetso ari gishya kubera ko Nizeyimana Aslam yakibonye atinze ku wa 29/06/2023 bitewe n’uko Niyirema Mohamed yari IWAWA, kandi ko atigeze aba mu rubanza asubirishamo ingingo nshya. [8] Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko ikirego cya Nizeyimana Aslam kitakwakirwa kubera ko ikimenyetso yita ingingo nshya kitujuje ibisabwa n’ingingo ya 197, igika cya 3°, y’Itegeko Nº 027/2019 ryo ku wa 19/09/2019 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’inshinjabyaha, kugira ngo cyitwe ingingo nshya ishobora gutuma urubanza

RPAA 00267/2022/CA rusubirwamo, kubera ko mu Bugenzacyaha, Ngabo Ahmed yamushinje ko acuruza ibiyobyabwenge bya heroyine, kandi ko igihe urwo rubanza rwacibwaga yari ahari, ko kuba yarahinduye amazina akitwa Niyirema Mohamed akanivuguruza avuga ko Nizeyimana Aslam atigeze acuruza urumogi, bitahabwa agaciro harebwe ireme ry’ubuhamya yatanze mbere, aho yamushinje icyaha cyo gucuruza heroyine. [9] Avuga kandi ko icyo kimenyetso Nizeyimana Aslam yita ingingo nshya kigizwe n’ubuhamya bwatanzwe na Niyirema

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Mohamed ku wa 29/06/2023, kitavuguruza ibindi bimenyetso byashingiweho ahamwa n’icyaha cyo gucuruza ibiyobyabwenge bya heroyine, kuko Nizeyimana Aslam atahamijwe icyo cyaha hashingiwe ku mvugo za Ngabo Ahmed gusa, ko ahubwo hanashingiwe ku mvugo za Mushinzimana Hassan yavugiye mu Bugenzacyaha, aho yasobanuye ko udupfunyika dutanu (5) Nizeyimana Aslam yafatanywe twari utwo kugurisha, kuko yavuze ko heroyine Nizeyimana Aslam yafatanwe ari we wari warayimuhaye.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [10] Ingingo ya 197, agace ka 4°, y’Itegeko Nº 027/2019 ryo ku wa 19/09/2019 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’inshinjabyaha, iteganya ko “Urubanza rushobora gusubirishwamo ingingo nshya kubera imwe mu mpamvu zikurikira: (…) 4° “iyo haciwe urubanza bashingiye ku mpapuro, ku buhamya cyangwa indahiro byaje kugaragara cyangwa kwemezwa n’urukiko ko ari ibihimbano nyuma y’icibwa ry’urwo rubanza”. [11] Mu rubanza RP 00001/2022/CA rwaciwe ku wa 6/07/2023, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Kaburere Gérard, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rwasobanuye ko rusanga ikimenyetso kigizwe n’inyandiko yakozwe na Nizigiyimana Aline ku wa 16/09/2022, Kaburere Gérard ashingiraho asaba ko urubanza RPA 00035/2020/CA rusubirwamo kitashingirwaho ngo ikirego cye cyo gusubirishamo urubanza cyakirwe, kubera ko icyo yagombaga kugaragaza ari icyemezo cy’Urukiko cyahamije ko ubuhamya bwatanzwe mbere na Nizigiyimana Aline ari ikinyoma, nk’uko bisabwa mu gace ka 4° k’ingingo ya 197 y’Itegeko N° 27/2019 ryavuzwe haruguru.

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[12] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga mu yandi magambo umurongo wavuzwe haruguru ugaragaza ko kugira ngo urubanza rusubirwemo ingingo nshya hashingiwe ku kuba urubanza rusubirishwamo rwaraciwe hashingiwe ku buhamya bwaje kugaragara cyangwa kwemezwa ko ari ibuhimbano bigomba kugaragazwa n’icyemezo cy’urukiko cyemeje ko ubuhamya bwatanzwe mbere bugashingirwaho mu icibwa ry’urubanza rusubirishwamo ingingo nshya ari ibinyoma kandi ko ubwo buhamya ari bwo bwonyine bwashingiweho mu guhamya usubirishamo urubanza icyaha. [13] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga ikimenyetso Nizeyimana Aslam yita gishya ashingiraho asubirishamo ingingo nshya urubanza RPAA 00267/2022/CA rwaciwe n’uru Rukiko ku wa 18/04/2023, ari ubuhamya bukubiye mu nyandiko Niyirema Mohamed yakoreye imbere ya Noteri ku wa 29/06/2023, aho yemeje ko Nizeyimana Aslam atigeze acuruza ibiyobyabwenge bya heroyine (heroine), ko ahubwo yabinywaga nk’uko bose bari basanzwe babikoresha. Nizeyimana Aslam akavuga ko ubwo buhamya ari ikimenyetso gishya, kuko yakibonye nyuma y’icibwa ry’urwo rubanza rusubirishwamo, kuko Niyirema Mohamed yari IWAWA, kandi ko ari kamarampaka, kuko buvuguruza ubuhamya bw’ubuhimbano yatanze mu Bugenzacyaha yitwa Ngabo Ahmed, aho yashinje Nizeyimana Aslam amubeshyera ko aguruza heroyine (heroine) kandi atari ukuri, ko ahubwo impamvu yamubeshyeye ari uko abashinzwe umutekano bari bamwijeje ko bamurekura anabereka abayicuruza. [14] Hashingiwe ku ngingo ya 197, agace ka 4°, y’Itegeko Nº 027/2019 ryo ku wa 19/09/2019 ryavuzwe haruguru, no mu murongo watanzwe n’uru Rukiko mu rubanza RP

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00001/2022/CA rwaciwe ku wa 6/07/2023 rwavuzwe haruguru, kuba nta cyemezo cy’Urukiko Nizeyimana Aslam yatanze kigaragaza ko ubuhamya bwatanzwe mbere mu Bugenzacyaha na Ngabo Ahmed ngo witwa Niyirema Mohamed, aho yashinje Nizeyimana Aslam ko acuruza ibiyobyabwenge bya heroyine (heroine), ari ikinyoma, nk’uko bisabwa mu gace ka 4° k’iyo ngingo, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga, ikirego gisubirashamo ingingo nshya urubanza RPAA 00267/2022/CA rwaciwe n’uru Rukiko ku wa 18/04/2023, cyatanzwe na Nizeyimana Aslam kitagomba kwakirwa ngo gisuzumwe, kuko kitujuje ibisabwa n’amategeko. III. ICYEMEZO CY’URUKIKO [15] Rwemeje ko ikirego cya Nizeyimana Aslam gisubirishamo urubanza RPAA 00267/2022/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 18/04/2023 ingingo nshya kitakiriwe ngo gisuzumwe, kuko cyatanzwe mu buryo budakurikije amategeko. [16] Rwemeje ko urubanza RPAA 00267/2022/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 18/04/2023 rugumanye agaciro karwo, ko igifungo cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) Nizeyimana Aslam yahanishijwe kigumyeho2. [17] Rutegetse ko amagarama y’urubanza aherera ku Isanduku ya Leta.

2 Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rwemeje ko urubanza RPA 00348/2021/HC/KIG rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru ku wa 11/04/2022 rudahindutse. Muri uru rubanza, Urukiko Rukuru rwahanishije Nizeyimana Aslam igifungo cy’imyaka 15 n’ihazabu ya 5 000 000 Frw.

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IMANZA ZACIWE MU MIZI

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63 Re NSABIMANA

URUBANZA RW’UMURIMO

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65 MUGANGA v. HOPITAL LA CROIX DU SUD

MUGANGA v. HOPITAL LA CROIX DU SUD [Rwanda URUKIKO RW’UBUJURIRE – RS/INJUST/RSOC00002/2021/CA (Munyangeri, P.J., Kamere na Rutazana, J.) 30 Ukuboza 2024] Amategeko agenga imanza z’umurimo – Amasezerano y’umurimo – Isubikwa ry’amasezerano y’umurimo – Kuba umukozi afunzwe by’agateganyo n’urwego rubifitiye ububasha mu gihe kitarenze amezi atandatu, ntabashe kubimenyesha umukoresha we, ariko akabimumenyesha akimara gufungurwa, ntibifatwa nk’ikosa rikomeye ryo guta akazi, ahubwo ni impamvu yumvikana ituma amasezerano y’umurimo asubikwa by’agateganyo. Incamake y’ikibazo: Muganga yari umuforomo muri Hôpital La Croix du Sud, bafitanye amasezerano y’igihe kitazwi yatangiye ku wa 01/10/2019. Yaje kwirukanwa kubera ikosa rikomeye ryo guta akazi, aho avuga ko yafunzwe na Police ubwo yitabaga “convocation” ya kane, biturutse k’umukoresha we (Hôpital La Croix du Sud) wamwimye uruhushya rwo kwitaba “convocation” zigera muri 3. Avuga ko yafunzwe ku wa 07/11/2014 maze umukoresha amwirukana ku wa 24/11/2014 kandi yari abizi ko impamvu yatumaga atajyaga ku kazi ari uko afunzwe. Hôpital La Croix du Sud yireguye ivuga ko Urega atirukanwe binyuranyije n’amategeko, kuko yirukanwe biturutse ku ikosa rikomeye ryo guta akazi, cyane ko ubwo yamwirukanaga itari izi ko afunzwe. 65

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Mu rubanza rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge, hemejwe ko ikirego cy’Urega gifite ishingiro kuri bimwe, ko yirukanwe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko, rutegeka Uregwa kumuha indishyi zitandukanye zijyanye n’uko kwirukanwa. Uregwa yajuririye mu Rukiko Rukuru avuga ko mu rubanza rujuririrwa Urukiko rwemeje ko Urega yirukanwe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko rushingiye ku miburanire ye gusa, nyamara yarirukanwe kubera ikosa rikomeye ryo guta akazi, kandi akaba atarabizi ko yari afunzwe. Urega yireguye ashimangira ko umukoresha we yamwirukanye azi neza ko afunzwe, kuko umwana we yabibwiye umuhesha w’inkiko wari umuzaniye iyo baruwa imwirukana mu kazi. Mu rubanza rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, hemejwe ko ubujurire bwa Hôpital La Croix du Sud bufite ishingiro, ko imikirize y’urubanza rwajuririwe ihindutse kuri byose, maze rutegeka Muganga kuyiha amafaranga y’ibyagiye kuri urwo rubanza. Urega yasabye ko icyo cyemezo gisubirwamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane arabyemererwa, Urukiko rw’Ikirenga rwemeza ko ruburanishwa n’uru Rukiko rw’Ubujurire, aho yarugaragarije ko akarengane ke gashingiye ku kuba Urukiko Rukuru rwarirengagije amategeko n’ibimenyetso, rukemeza ko yirukanwe ku kazi mu buryo bukurikije amategeko ngo kubera ko ubwo Uregwa yamwirukanaga ku mpamvu yo guta akazi, atari azi aho aherereye, kuba atarahawe indishyi yasabye zirimo izo kwirukanwa binyuranyije n’amategeko, iz’ikiruhuko cy’umwaka wa 2014 atahawe, izo kudahabwa icyemezo cy’imirimo yakoze, ndetse no kuba atarahawe indishyi z’ikurikirana rubanza n’igihembo cy’avoka.

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Urega asobanura ko yirukanwe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko kuko uwari umukoresha we yari abizi ko yafunzwe kubera kutitaba hamagara za Polisi zigera kuri eshatu k’ubwo kumwima uruhushya, maze bakaza kumureba ku kazi nk’aho yabuze. Avuga kandi ko akimara gufungurwa ubwe yabwiye umukoresha we ko atazaga ku kazi kubera ko yari afunzwe ndetse amwereka ikibihamya, ariko ko umukoresha atabihaye agaciro agakomeza kumufata nk’uwari warataye akazi. Muri uru rubanza rw’akarengane, Uregwa asobanura ko usibye kuvuga ko ngo yari azi neza ko afunzwe ariko akarenga akamwirukana, Urega nta bimenyetso bidashidikanywaho abigaragariza. Avuga kandi ko ibyo kuba yari afunzwe, yabimenye ari uko Urega agarutse ku kazi akabyivugira, ariko agasanga yaramaze kumwirukana. Incamake y’icyemezo: Kuba umukozi afunzwe by’agateganyo n’urwego rubifitiye ububasha mu gihe kitarenze amezi atandatu, ntabashe kubimenyesha umukoresha we, ariko akabimumenyesha akimara gufungurwa, ntibifatwa nk’ikosa rikomeye ryo guta akazi, ahubwo ni impamvu yumvikana ituma amasezerano y’umurimo asubikwa by’agateganyo. Ikirego gisaba gusubirishamo urubanzaku mpamvu z’akarengane, gifite ishingiro kuri bimwe. Amategeko yashingiweho: Itegeko No 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko, ingingo ya 55. Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano,

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iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi, ingingo ya 12 n’iya 111. Itegeko No 13/2009 ryo ku wa 27/05/2009 rigenga umurimo mu Rwanda, ingingo ya 25, 29, 32, 33 n’iya 60. Imanza zifashishijwe: RS/INJUST/RC00008/2019/SC, Gahire Athanase na Mukarushakiro Gloriose, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 12/11/2021. RS/REV/INJUST/RAD00005/2018/SC, Umujyi wa Kigali na Ndakengerwa Gasana Aimable, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 15/03/2019. Urubanza I. IMITERERE Y’URUBANZA [1] Muganga Eugénie yakoreye Hôpital La Croix du Sud kuva ku wa 01/10/2009 kugeza ku wa 24/11/2014 ubwo yirukanwaga ku kazi, akaba yari umuforomo ufite amasezerano y’igihe kitazwi. Avuga ko yaje kugira urubanza yagombaga kwitaba kuri Police, ahabwa “convocations” (hamagara) eshatu (3) ariko izo nshuro zose umukoresha we amwima uruhushya rwo kwitaba, kugeza ubwo ku wa 17/11/2014 yitabaga convocation ya kane (4), police igahita imufunga biturutse ku kuba ataritabye “convocations” 3 zabanje. [2] Asobanura ko ubuyobozi bwa Hôpital La Croix du Sud bukimara kumenya ko afunzwe, bwihutiye gusesa amasezerano y’akazi bari bafitanye, kuko nyuma y’ibyumweru bibiri (2) yafunguwe, agasanga iwe mu rugo ibaruwa yo ku wa 24/11/2014

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isesa ayo masezerano ku mpamvu y’uko ngo yataye akazi, nyamara ataragataye kuko icyo gihe yakimaze afunzwe ndetse n’umukoresha we abizi, ariyo mpamvu yaregeye Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge asaba indishyi zitandukanye zituruka kuri iryo yirukanwa. [3] Hôpital La Croix du Sud yireguye ivuga ko Muganga Eugénie atirukanwe binyuranyije n’amategeko, kuko yirukanwe biturutse ku ikosa rikomeye ryo guta akazi, cyane ko ubwo yirukanwaga Hôpital La Croix du Sud itari izi ko afunzwe. [4] Mu rubanza RSOC00318/2017/TGI/NYGE rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge ku wa 25/05/2018, urwo Rukiko, rushingiye ku ngingo ya 29, iya 32 n’iya 33 z’Itegeko No 13/2009 ryo ku wa 27/05/2009 rigenga umurimo mu Rwanda (itegeko ryariho ubwo Muganga Eugénie yirukanwaga), n’iya 12 y’Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi, rwemeje ko ikirego cya Muganga Eugénie gifite ishingiro kuri bimwe, ko Hôpital La Croix Du Sud iha Muganga Eugénie 2.326.780Frw akubiyemo indishyi zitandukanye, kandi ikamusubiza 50.000Frw y’ingwate y’igarama. [5] Hôpital La Croix du Sud yajuririye urwo rubanza mu Rukiko Rukuru, ivuga ko Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwemeje ko Muganga Eugénie yirukanwe binyuranyije n’amategeko, kuko yirukanwe ku mpamvu y’uko yataye akazi, nyamara yari afunzwe ndetse Hôpital La Croix du Sud ibizi, ariko ikarenga ikamwirukana ku kazi, ibyo rukaba rwarabishingiye ku miburanire ya Muganga Eugénie, aho yavuze ko ubwo Umuhesha w’Inkiko yageraga iwe amushyiriye inyandiko imumenyesha ikosa rikomeye yakoze ryo guta akazi n’inyandiko

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isesa amasezerano, umwana we yabwiye uwo muhesha w’inkiko ko nyina yafunzwe. [6] Ivuga ko mu gufata icyo cyemezo Urukiko rwirengagije ko nta kimenyetso kigaragaza ko Umuhesha w’Inkiko yabwiye Hôpital La Croix du Sud ko Muganga Eugénie afunzwe, ko rero Urukiko rutari rukwiye gushingira kuri iyo miburanire idafitiwe gihamya, ngo rwemeze ko Hôpital La Croix du Sud yirukanye Muganga Eugénie ibizi neza ko afunzwe, cyangwa ngo rwemeze ko atataye akazi, ko ahubwo rwari gushimangira imiburanirea yayo igaragaza ko Muganga Eugénie yirukanwe kubw’ikosa rikomeye ryo guta akazi, kuko yamaze iminsi irenga ibiri (2) atagera ku kazi kandi batazi aho ari, mu gihe amabwiriza ya Hôpital La Croix du Sud ateganya ko kumara iminsi ibiri utagera ku kazi kandi nta ruhushya bifatwa nk’ikosa rikomeye. [7] Mu kwiregura kwa Muganga Eugénie, yongeye gushimangira ko Hôpital La Croix du Sud yamwirukanye izi neza ko afunzwe, kuko umwana we yabibwiye umuhesha w’inkiko. [8] Mu rubanza RSOCA00157/2018/HC/KIG rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru ku wa 26/04/2019, urwo Rukiko rushingiye ku ngingo ya 25 n’iya 60 z’Itegeko No 13/2009 ryo ku wa 27/05/2009 ryavuzwe, n’iya 83 agace ka b n’iya 84 agace ka b z’amategeko agenga imikorere ya Hôpital la Croix du Sud, rwemeje ko ubujurire bwa Hôpital La Croix du Sud bufite ishingiro, ko imikirize y’urubanza rwajuririwe ihindutse kuri byose, ko Muganga Eugénie atirukanwe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko. Rutegeka Muganga Eugénie guha Hôpital La Croix du Sud 1.000.000Frw y’igihembo cy’avoka n’ikurikiranarubanza.

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[9] Muganga Eugénie yasabye ko urubanza RSOCA00157/2018/HC/KIG rusubirishwamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane, maze mu cyemezo nimero 231/CJ/2021 cyo ku wa 30/09/2023, Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga yemeza ko urwo rubanza rusubirwamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane, arwoherereza Urukiko rw’Ubujurire kugira ngo abe ari rwo ruzaruburanisha, ikirego cyandikwa kuri RS/INJUST/RSOC00002/2021/CA. [10] Urubanza rwaburanishijwe mu ruhame ku wa 04/12/2024, Muganga Eugénie yunganiwe na Me Niyibizi Diogène, naho Hôpital La Croix du Sud ihagarariwe na Me Muhozi Paulin, urubanza rurapfundikirwa isomwa ryarwo rishyirwa ku wa 20/12/2024, ariko ryimurirwa ku wa 30/12/2024. [11] Mu myanzuro no mu miburanire, Muganga Eugénie n’umwunganira bavuga ko mu rubanza rusubirishwamo habayemo akarengane gashingiye ku kuba Urukiko Rukuru rwarirengagije amategeko n’ibimenyetso rukemeza ko yirukanwe ku kazi mu buryo bukurikije amategeko ngo kubera ko ubwo Hôpital La Croix du Sud yamwirukanaga ku mpamvu yo guta akazi, itari izi aho aherereye, no kuba Urukiko Rukuru rutaramuhaye indishyi yasabye zirimo izo kwirukanwa binyuranyije n’amategeko, iz’ikiruhuko cy’umwaka wa 2014 atahawe, izo kudahabwa icyemezo cy’imirimo yakoze, ndetse no kuba atarahawe indishyi z’ikurikirana rubanza n’igihembo cy’avoka. Uburanira Hôpital La Croix du Sud avuga ko nta karengane kabaye kuri Muganga Eugénie kuko yabuze ku kazi kandi nta mpamvu yamenyekanishije, Hôpital La Croix du Sud ibonye ko ataza ku kazi, ku wa 24/11/2014 ifata icyemezo cyo gusesa amasezerano bari bafitanye, kandi ko igihe yirukanwaga umukoresha we atari yarigeze amenyeshwa ko yari afunzwe, bityo ko indishyi asaba ntazo akwiye, ko ahubwo Hôpital La

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Croix du Sud ariyo ikwiye guhabwa indishyi z’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cy’avoka. [12] Hashingiwe kuri izi mpaka, ibibazo Urukiko rusuzuma ni ibi bikurikira: - Kumenya niba Muganga Eugénie yarirukanwe binyuranyije n’amategeko, - Kumenya niba Muganga Eugénie yahabwa indishyi zitandukanye asaba zituruka ku iyirukanwa rinyuranyije n’amategeko, - Ibijyanye n’amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cy’avoka asabwa n’ababuranyi. II. ISESENGURA RY’IBIBAZO BIGIZE

URU RUBANZA 1. Kumenya niba Muganga Eugénie yarirukanwe binyuranyije n’amategeko [13] Muganga Eugénie n’umwunganira bavuga ko yirukanwe binyuranije n’amategeko kuko yirukanwe ku mpamvu yo kuba yarataye akazi, nyamara ataragataye, ahubwo yari afunzwe ndetse n’umukoresha we abizi neza ko afunzwe, kuko ubwo yimwaga impushya inshuro eshatu zose zo kujya kwitaba polisi, abapolisi bambaye imyambaro y’akazi kabo baje kumureba ku kazi nk’aho yabuze, ababwira ko ari bubitabe ku munsi ukurikiraho mu gitondo nasoza akazi, maze bucyeye ku wa 17/11/2014 yitabye ahita afungwa, bivuze ko ngo umukoresha we nawe yari azi neza aho aherereye.

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[14] Bavuga kandi ko umukozi witwa Antoinette wari wararanye izamu na Muganga Eugénie mu ijoro ribanziriza umunsi yitabiyeho agafungwa, nawe yavuganye n’abo bapolisi bari baje kumereba ndetse ko yagiye kumusura aho yari afungiye, akamubwira ko hamaze gukorwa inama (Staff meeting) maze Hôpital La Croix du Sud ikamutuma kureba niba koko afunzwe, bityo ko yandikiwe inyandiko zimwirukana zikazanwa mu rugo iwe n’umuhesha w’inkiko nyuma y’uko Hôpital La Croix du Sud yari yaramenye neza ko ataza ku kazi kubera ko afunzwe, kandi ko umwana umuhesha w’inkiko yasanze mu rugo iwe yamubwiye ko nyina afunzwe. Bavuga ko n’ubwo nta kigaragaza ko ayo makuru uwo mwana yayabwiye umuhesha w’inkiko, ariko mu bushishozi bw’Urukiko narwo rukwiye kubona ko bigoye ko umukozi yabura ku kazi, umukoresha ntamenye amakuru cyangwa ngo ayashakishe. [15] Bakomeza bavuga ko Muganga Eugénie akimara gufungurwa, nawe ubwe yabwiye umukoresha we ko atazaga ku kazi kubera ko yari afunzwe ndetse amwereka ikibiahamya, ariko ko umukoresha atabihaye agaciro agakomeza kumufata nk’uwari warataye akazi. [16] Bavuga ariko kandi ko n’ubwo Muganga Eugénie yirukanwe kandi yari afunze, ngo no kuba ibaruwa imwirukana igaragaza ko yanditswe ku wa 21/11/2014 bigaragaza ko icyo cyemezo cyafashwe hatarashira iminsi ibiri (2) iteganyijwe n’amabwiriza ya Hôpital La Croix du Sud kugira ngo umukozi afatwe ko yataye akazi, kuko ngo iminsi yo kuva ku wa 17 kugeza ku wa 21 Ugushyingo 2014 yari ayifiteho ikiruhuko (off), bakaba ngo batumva ukuntu umukozi yafashwe nk’uwataye akazi kandi yari anafite ikiruhuko muri iyo minsi yabanjirije ifatwa ry’icyemezo cyo gusesa amasezerano ye y’akazi. Mu iburanisha,

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Urukiko rubajije Me Niyibizi Diogène n’uwo yunganira niba ibyo kuba Muganga Eugénie yarirukanwe ari mu kiruhuko barigeze babiburanisha muri uru rubanza mu nkiko zabanje, basubiza ko batigeze babiburanisha. [17] Uburanira Hôpital La Croix du Sud avuga ko uretse gusa kuba Muganga Eugénie avuga ko umukoresha we yari azi neza ko afunzwe ariko akarenga akamwirukana, nta bimenyetso bidashidikanywaho abigaragariza, ko n’amakuru avuga ko umwana we yabwiye umuhesha w’inkiko uyu ntayo yigeze abwira Hôpital La Croix du Sud. Avuga ko ibyo kuba yari afunzwe Hôpital La Croix du Sud yabimenye ari uko Muganga Eugénie amaze gufungurwa, agasubira ku kazi akavuga ko yari afunzwe, ariko agasanga yaramaze kwirukanwa. [18] Avuga ko ku bijyanye no kuba Muganga Eugénie yarirukanwe binyuranyije n’amategeko kuko ngo yirukanwe ari mu kiruhuko (off), adakwiye kubiburanisha bwa mbere urubanza rugeze ku rwego rwo gusubirishwamo ku mpamvu z’akaregane, kuko ngo haba ku rwego rw’Umuvunyi ndetse no mu Nkiko zose zabanje ntaho yigeze abigaragaza ngo bisuzumwe.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA a. Ku bijyanye n’ingingo yo kuba Muganga Eugénie yarirukaniwe guta akazi mu gihe nyamara we avuga ko yari mu kiruhuko [19] Ingingo ya 55, 2o y’Itegeko No 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko iteganya impamvu zishobora gutuma urubanza rusubirishwamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane, harimo kuba mu icibwa ryarwo harirengagijwe amategeko cyangwa ibimenyetso bigaragarira buri wese. Ibi

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bivuze ko, mu gusobanura aho akarengane kabo gashingiye, ababuranyi berekana ibimenyetso cyangwa amategeko byagaragarijwe urukiko mu rubanza basaba ko rusubirishwamo rukabyirengagiza kandi byari kubagirira akamaro. Ibyo bikaba binasobanuye ko ibitaraburanyweho, ni ukuvuga ibyo umuburanyi atagaragarije umucamanza ngo amusabe kubisuzuma, adashobora kuvuga ko yabimurenganyijeho1. [20] Urukiko rurasanga mu rubanza rusabirwa gusubirwamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane, ikibazo kijyanye no kuba Muganga Eugénie yarirukanwe ari mu kiruhuko, kitarigeze kivugwaho n’ababuranyi, ibyo kandi bikaba bishimangirwa n’imiburanire y’impande zombi muri uru Rukiko, aho Hôpital La Croix du Sud ivuga ko Muganga Eugénie iyo mpamvu atigeze ayiburanisha mu Nkiko zabanje, Muganga Eugénie n’umwunganizi we nabo bakaba ariko babyemera. Bityo rero Muganga Eugénie akaba atavuga ko yagize akarengane ku kibazo atigeze asaba Urukiko gusuzuma hashingiwe ku ngingo ya 55 yavuzwe haruguru; kubera iyo mpamvu, iyo ngingo y’akarengane ikaba nta shingiro yahabwa. b. Ku bijyanye n’ingingo yo kuba Muganga Eugénie yarirukanwe kubera guta akazi mu gihe nyamara yari afunzwe. [21] Ingingo ya 25, 7o y’itegeko No 13/2009 ryo ku wa 27/05/2009 rigenga umurimo mu Rwanda (itegeko ryariho ubwo Muganga Eugénie yirukanwaga) iteganya ko Amasezerano y’akazi asubikwa iyo umukozi afunzwe by’agateganyo mu gihe kitarenze amezi atandatu (6).

1Ibyo byasobanuwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga mu rubanza RS/INJUST/RC00008/2019/SC waciwe ku wa 12/11/2021, haburana Gahire Athanase na Mukarushakiro Gloriose.

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[22] Ikibazo cyo kumenya niba umukozi yakwirukanwa kubera impamvu yo guta akazi kandi igihe umukoresha avuga ko yagatayemo yarakimaze afunzwe, ntabashe kubimenyesha umukoresha we ahubwo akabimumenyesha akimara gufungurwa, Urukiko rw’Ikirenga, rushingiye ku ngingo y’Itegeko yibukijwe haruguru, rwaragisesenguye runagitangaho umurongo mu rubanza RS/REV/INJUST/RAD00005/2018/SC rwaciwe ku wa 15/03/2019, haburana Umujyi wa Kigali na Ndakengerwa Gasana Aimable, cyane cyane aho mu gika cya 24 cy’urwo rubanza Urukiko rwasanze igihe cy’iminsi irindwi Ndakengerwa Gasana Aimable yabuze ku kazi (kuva ku wa 04/09/2015 kugera ku wa 11/09/2015) gihura n’igihe yamaze afunzwe n’Urwego rwa Polisi, kandi akaba yarahise abimenyesha ubuyobozi bumukuriye akimara kurekurwa, maze bituma rwanzura ko ikosa ryo guta akazi riri mu yo yari yirukaniwe ritamuhama, “kuko atari kubasha kujya ku kazi kandi afunzwe n’urwego rubifitiye ububasha”. [23] Dosiye igaragaza inyandikomvugo yo ku wa 17/11/2014 igaragaza ko guhera uwo munsi Muganga Eugénie yafungiwe kuri Police ya Remera, ibaruwa ya Hôpital La Croix du Sud yo ku wa 21/11/2014 igaragaza ko Muganga Eugénie yakoze ikosa rikomeye ryo guta akazi kuva ku wa 17/11/2014, ari naryo yirukaniwe ibaruwa ibimumenyesha umuhesha w’inkiko akayigeza mu rugo rwe adahari ku wa 24/11/2014. [24] Mu rubanza RSOCA00157/2018/HC/KIG rusubirishwamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane, Urukiko Rukuru rwasanze Hôpital La Croix du Sud idahakana ko mu gihe cyose Muganga Eugénie yabuze ku kazi yari afunzwe, ariko ko ikibazo ari uko yafashe icyemezo cyo gusesa amasezerano bari bafitanye itaramenyeshwa ko yari afunzwe, bityo mu gika cya 12 cy’urwo

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rubanza, Urukiko Rukuru rushingiye ku kuba Muganga Eugénie atagaragaza ikimenyetso cy’uko mu gihe yari afunzwe yamenyesheje umukoresha we ko impamvu yatumaga ataza ku kazi ari uko yari afunzwe, cyangwa se ikigaragaza ko atashoboraga kubona uwo atuma kubimenyesha umukoresha we, rwanzura ko umukoresha we yamwirukanye bikurikije amategeko kuko yamwirukanye ataramenyeshwa ko afunzwe. [25] Urukiko rurasanga, hatitawe ku buryo butandukanye bugibwaho impaka Muganga Eugénie avuga ko umukoresha we yaba yarabimenyeshejwe mu gihe yari agifunzwe, hakarebwa gusa kuba impamde zombi zemeranwa ko akimara gufungurwa Muganga Eugénie yahise ajya ku kazi akamenyesha umukoresha we ko yari yarabuze ku kazi kubera ko yari afunzwe, ibyabaye kuri Muganga Eugénie bisa neza neza nk’ibyabaye kuri Ndakengerwa Gasana Aimable mu rubanza rwavuzwe haruguru yaburanyemo n’Umujyi wa Kigali. [26] Urukiko rurasanga, kimwe no kuri Ndakengerwa Gasana Aimable, ikitagibwaho impaka ari uko igihe bivugwa ko Muganga Eugénie yataye akazi yakimaze afunzwe, ko kandi amaze gufungurwa yabimenyesheje umukoresha we Hôpital la Croix du Sud. Bityo nk’uko Urukiko rw’Ikirenga rutahamije Ndakengerwa Gasana Aimable ikosa yari yarirukaniwe n’umukoresha we ryo guta akazi mu gihe kingana n’icyo yamaze afunzwe kuko rwasanze gufungwa kwe ari impamvu itari gutuma abasha kumenyesha umukoresha we ibyamubayeho byo gufungwa, Urukiko rurasanga no ku bireba Muganga Eugénie muri uru rubanza Urukiko Rukuru rutaragombaga kumuhamya ikosa rikomeye ryo guta akazi yirukaniwe mu gihe nawe kutaboneka ku kazi kwe byatewe no kuba yari afunzwe, akabasha kubyimenyeshereza umukozi we ari uko amaze gufungurwa.

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[27] Urukiko rurasanga n’ubwo Hôpital La Croix du Sud ivuga ko yirukanye Muganga Eugénie itaramenya ko afunzwe, n’Urukiko Rukuru rukabishingiraho rwemeza ko yirukanwe mu buryo bukurikije amategeko kubera guta akazi, ubwo yamaraga kumenyesha umukoresha we ko yari afunzwe by’agateganyo hari ibyaha akurikiranweho n’urwego rubifitiye ububasha, iyi kandi ikaba ari impamvu y’isubikwa ry’amasezerano y’akazi nk’uko biteganywa n’ingingo y’itegeko yibukijwe haruguru, ntabwo uyu mukoresha yari akwiye gukomeza kumufata nk’aho yataye akazi kandi yari amaze kumenya ko yari afunzwe. Bityo rero kuba yarakomeje kumufata muri ubwo buryo, aho gukurikiza amategeko akurikizwa iyo umuntu yari afunzwe muri ubwo buryo, ahubwo igakomeza gutsimbaraba ku cyemezo yafashe cyo kumwirukana kubw’ikosa rikomeye ryo guta akazi, Urukiko rurasanga bigaragara ko Muganga Eugénie yirukanwe binyuranije n’amategeko hashingiwe ku murongo wavuzwe haruguru watanzwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku kibazo gisa n’iki, bityo aka kakaba ari akarengane kabaye mu rubanza rusubirishwamo.

2. Kumenya niba Muganga Eugénie yahabwa indishyi zitandukanye asaba zituruka ku iyirukanwa rinyuranyije n’amategeko. [28] Uburanira Muganga Eugénie avuga ko, kuba uyu yarirukanwe binyuranyije n’amategeko abisabira indishyi zingana n’umushahara we w’amezi atandatu (6), agasobanura ko yahembwaga 285.000Frw buri kwezi, bivuze ko indishyi asaba zingana na 1.710.000Frw (285.000Frw x 6 mois). [29] Avuga kandi ko umwaka wa 2014 Muganga Eugénie yirukanwemo atigeze ahabwa ikiruhuko kijyanye nawo yemererwa n’amategeko, bityo ko abisabira indishyi zingana

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n’umushara we w’ukwezi kumwe wa 285.000Frw. Asobanura ko n’ubwo Hôpital La Croix du Sud yashyize muri dosiye inyandiko ya “decompte final” ndetse na “Cheque” bigamije kugaragaza ko ayo mafanga yayahawe, iyo cheque Muganga Eugénie ntayo yigeze ashyikirizwa, ndetse n’ayo mafaranga akaba ntayo yabonye kuri compte ye, ko Hôpital La Croix du Sud ikwiye kugaragaza ikimenyetso gihamya ko ayo mafaranga yaba yaramugezeho koko, ko baramutse bagaragaje nka historique ya Bank aho ayo mafaranga yaba yaravuye kuri Hôpital La Croix du Sud agahabwa Muganga Eugénie byakwemerwa hatiriwe habaho ipfundurwa ry’urubanza rigamije kuvuga kuri icyo kimenyetso. [30] Mu myanzuro ye kandi uburanira Muganga Eugénie yavugaga ko anasaba indishyi zo kuba atarahawe na Hôpital La Croix du Sud icyemezo cy’imirimo yakoze. [31] Uburanira Hôpital la Croix du Sud, avuga ko indishyi zo kwirukanwa binyuranije n’amategeko, nta nshingiro zifite, kuko Muganga Eugénie yirukanwe kubw’ikosa rikomeye yakoze ryo guta akazi. [32] Avuga ko indishyi zijyanye n’ikiruhuko cy’umwaka wa 2014 nta nshingiro zifite, kuko Muganga Eugénie yazihawe nk’uko bigaragara muri decompte final ye ndetse na sheki yishyuwe biri muri dosiye muri IECMS. Yongeraho ko ku bijyanye n’ayo mafaranga yumvaga nta kibazo kigihari kuko mu nkiko zabanje Muganga Eugénie atigeze aburana agaragaza ko atayahawe. [33] Akavuga ko ibirebana n’indishyi zo kudahabwa icyemezo cy’imirimo yakoze ari ingingo nshya itagomba

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gusuzumwa bwa mbere mu rubanza ku rwego rwo gusubirishamo urubanza ku mpamvu z’akarengane.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA a. Ku bijyanye n’indishyi zo kwirukanwa binyuranije n’amategeko [34] Ingingo ya 33 y’Itegeko No 13/2009 ryo ku wa 27/05/2009 ryavuzwe haruguru iteganya ibikurikira: iseswa ryose ry’amasezerano y’akazi rinyuranyije n’amategeko rishobora gutuma hatangwa indishyi z'akababaro. Indishyi z’akababaro zihabwa umukozi wirukanwe binyuranije n’amategeko ntizishobora kujya munsi y’umushahara w’amezi atatu (3), ariko kandi ntizishobora kurenza amezi atandatu (6). [35] Urukiko rurasanga indishyi zo kwirukanwa binyuranyije n’amategeko Muganga Eugénie asaba akwiye kuzihabwa nk’uko yazisabye, bivuze ko akwiye indishyi zingana na 285.000Frw x 6 mois = 1.710.000Frw, hashingiwe ku ngingo y’Itegeko yibukijwe haruguru kandi yanashingiweho n’uru Rukiko mu zindi manza nyinshi zisa nk’uru, ingano y’indishyi zasabwe ikaba ikwiye ku mukozi wirukanwe mu kazi yari amazemo imyaka igera kuri itanu (5). b. Ku bijyanye n’indishyi nsimburakiruhuko cy’umwaka wa 2014 [36] Nk’uko byagaragajwe haruguru, ingingo ya 55, 2o y’Itegeko No 30/2018 ryo ku wa 02/06/2018 rigena ububasha bw’inkiko iteganya ko mu gusobanura aho akarengane kabo gashingiye, ababuranyi berekana ibimenyetso cyangwa amategeko byagaragarijwe urukiko mu rubanza basaba ko

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rusubirishwamo rukabyirengagiza kandi byari kubagirira akamaro. Ibyo bikaba binasobanuye ko ibitaraburanyweho, ni ukuvuga ibyo umuburanyi atagaragarije umucamanza ngo amusabe kubisuzuma, adashobora kuvuga ko yabimurenganyijeho. [37] Dosiye igaragaza ko mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge, Muganga Eugénie yasabye guhabwa indishyi zitandukanye zituruka ku kwirukanwa binyuranije n’amategeko, muri izo ndishyi hakaba harimo n’iz’ikiruhuko atahawe mu mwaka wa 2014. Urukiko Rwisumbuye, rushingiye ku kuba muri dosiye harimo “decompte final” ndetse na “cheque” bigaragaza ko Muganga Eugénie yahawe ayo mafaranga, rwemeje ko yayahawe adakwiye kongera kuyahabwa. [38] Dosiye igaragaza ko ubwo Hôpital la Croix du Sud yajuririraga urwo rubanza mu Rukiko Rukuru isaba ko rwahinduka ngo kuko Muganga Eugénie yirukanwe bikurukije amategeko, Muganga Eugénie yireguje ko ubwo bujurire nta shingiro bufite, maze anatanga ubujurire bwuririye ku bundi asaba gusa kugenerwa indishyi z’igihembo cy’avoka n’ikurikiranarubanza, asoza asaba Urukiko Rukuru kwemeza ko urubanza rwajuririwe ruhindutse gusa ku gihembo cy'abavoka n’ikurikiranarubanza. [39] Urukiko rushingiye ku bimaze kugaragazwa haruguru biri muri dosiye, rurasanga Urukiko Rwisumbuye mu kwemeza ko Muganga Eugénie adakwiye guhabwa indishyi zisimbura ikiruhuko cy’umwaka wa 2014, rwarashingiye ku kuba rwarasanze muri dosiye harimo ibimenyetso bigaragaza ko ayo mafaranga yayahawe, ibyo bimenyetso bikaba bigizwe na “decompte final” ndetse na “cheque”.

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[40] Urukiko rurasanga Muganga Eugénie atarigeze ajuririra icyo cyemezo mu Rukiko Rukuru ngo agaragaze ko ayo mafaranga atageze kuri konti ye cyangwa ngo agaragaze ko iyo cheque ntayo yahawe, ahubwo yasabye ko icyemezo cy’Urukiko Rwisumbuye cyahinduka gusa ku bijyanye n’igihembo y’avoka n’ikurikiranarubanza; bityo rero Urukiko rukaba rusanga ibyo atasabye Urukiko rwaciye urubanza rurimo gusibirishwamo ngo rusuzume, adakwiye kubifata ko yabirenganyijweho ngo byemererwe gusuzumwa kuri uru rwego. c. Ku bijyanye n’indishyi zikomoka ku kudahabwa icyemezo cy’imirimo. [41] Ku birebana n’izi ndishyi z’icyemezo cy’imirimo Muganga Eugénie avuga ko atahawe, Urukiko rurasanga mu iburanisha impande zombi zaremeranyijwe n’Urukiko ko iyo ngingo itigeze igibwaho impaka mu nkiko zabanjye kuko Muganga Eugénie atigeze ayiregera, hemeranwa ko ko iyo ngingo itirirwa isuzumwa kuri uru rwego.

3. Ibijyanye n’amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza n’ay’ibihembo bya Avoka asabwa n’ababuranyi. [42] Muganga Eugénie n’umwunganira bavuga ko yashowe mu manza kubw’amaherere, akaba asaba 1.500.000Frw y’igihembo cy’avoka ku nzego zose, na 200.000Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza. [43] Uburanira Hôpital La Croix du Sud yiregura avuga ko Muganga Eugénie ariwe wishoye mu manza, kandi azi neza ko yirukanwe bikurikije amategeko, ko rero indishyi asaba atazihabwa, agasaba ahubwo ko Muganga Eugénie ari we wishyura 1.500.000Frw y’igihembo cy’Avoka na 200.000Frw

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y’ikurikiranarubanza, yiyongera ku ndishyi zagenwe mu Rukiko Rukuru.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [44] Ingingo ya 111 y’Itegeko Nº 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi iteganya ibikurikira: ikirego cy’amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza ni ikirego gishamikira ku kirego cy’iremezo kigamije kwishyuza ibyakoreshejwe mu rubanza. Ikirego cy’amafarangay’ikurikiranarubanza kiburanishirizwa rimwe n’ikirego cy’iremezo. Gishobora kandi kwakirwa kikanaburanishwa n’iyo ikirego cy’iremezo cyaba kitakiriwe. [45] Urukiko rurasanga amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cya Avoka Muganga Eugénie asaba ayakwiye, kuko uru rubanza rwatumye yiyambaza Avoka wo kumuburanira kuri uru rwego no ku nzego ebyiri zabanje, rurasanga kandi 1.500.000Frw y’igihembo cya avoka asaba ku nzego eshatu akwiye, habazwe 500.000Frw kuri buri rwego, ndetse na 200.000Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza kuri izo nzego zose eshatu akaba akwiye. [46] Ku byerekeye amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cya avoka asabwa na Hôpital La Croix du Sud, Urukiko rurasanga nta shingiro afite kuko Hôpital La Croix du Sud itsindwa urubanza ku kiburanwa cy’iremezo.

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III. ICYEMEZO CY’URUKIKO [47] Rwemeje ko ikirego cyatanzwe na Muganga Eugénie gisaba gusubirishamo ku mpamvu z'akarengane urubanza RSOCA00157/2018/HC/KIG rwaciwe n'Urukiko Rukuru ku wa 26/04/2019 gifite inshingiro kuri bimwe. [48] Rwemeje ko Hôpital La Croix du Sud yirukanye mu kazi Muganga Eugénie binyuranyije n’amategeko. [49] Rutegetse Hôpital La Croix du Sud kwishyura Muganga Eugénie amafaranga yose hamwe miliyoni eshatu n’ibihumbi magana ane na cumi (3.410.000Frw), akubiyemo 1.710.000 y’indishyi kubera kwirukanwa binyuranyije n’amategeko, 1.500.000Frw y’igihembo cya avoka na 200.000Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza ku nzego zose.

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IMANZA Z’IMBONEZAMUBANO

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RADIANT INSURANCE COMPANY LTD v TUYIGANE [Rwanda URUKIKO RW’IKIRENGA – RS/INJUST/RC 00004/2024/SC, (Cyanzayire, P.J., Kalihangabo na Kazungu, J.) 25 Mata 2025] Amategeko agenga imanza mbonezamubano – Amasezerano y’bwishingizi – Uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwishingiwe (action récursoire/recovery action) – Uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwishingiwe ntibushobora kubaho igihe uwishingiwe agaragaje ko ibyago byabaye byatejwe n’undi utari we ubwe, kandi ko byabaye atabizi cyangwa uwabikoze yarenze ku mabwiriza ye. Amategeko agenga imanza mbonezamubano – Uburenganzira bwo gusimbura uwishingiwe mu gukurikirana abandi batumye umwishingizi yishyura (action subrogatoire/subrogatoty action) – Umwishingizi nyuma y’uko yishyuye uwishingiwe wahohotewe afite uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwateje impanuka mu kigwi cy’uwishingiwe, akabikora mu mbibi z’ibyo yishyuye. Incamake y’ikibazo: Uru rubanza rukomoka ku mpanuka yabaye ku wa 15/03/2020, ubwo moto TVS Victor, ifite plaque RD 715 R, yanditse kuri Tuyigane Jean Paul, ariko wari wayitije Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, uyu yagonze indi moto TVS Victor ifite plaque RD 335 E, yari itwawe na Nyamwasa François, biviramo Uwabakurikiza Théoneste wari uhetswe kuri iyo moto kuvunika ukuguru. Iperereza ryakozwe n’Ishami rya Polisi rishinzwe umutekano wo mu Muhanda (Traffic Police), ryagaragaje ko intandaro 87

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y’impanuka yabaye ari moto ya Tuyigane Jean Paul kuko Ndyibingoye Jean Paul wari uyitwaye yari yasinze. Uwabakurikiza Théoneste (wakomerekeye mu mpanuka) yandikiye Radiant Insurance Company Ltd (iri bwitwe RADIANT muri uru rubanza), yari yarishingiye iyo moto yateje impanuka ayisaba ko bakemura ikibazo mu bwumvikane, akagenerwa indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka yari yabaye, impande zombi zemeranya ko Uwabakurikiza Théoneste agomba kwishyurwa 2,820,350 Frw; maze ku wa 05/01/2021, asinyira ko ayahawe mu buryo bwa sheki. Nyuma yaho, RADIANT yandikiye Tuyigane Jean Paul imubwira ko akwiye kwirengera amakosa yakozwe n’uwari utwaye moto ye agateza impanuka, inamusaba kuyisubiza 2,820,350Frw yahawe uwakomerekeye mu mpanuka, ariko ntiyayasubiza, bituma RADIANT itanga ikirego mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Gasabo irusaba kumutegeka kwishyura, hiyongereyeho n’inyungu zingana na 18% zizikomokaho. Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Gasabo rwasanze nta kimenyetso na kimwe gihamya ko kuba Tuyigane Jean Paul yaratije moto Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, uyu nawe akayitwara yasinze, binyuranyije n’amasezerano RADIANT yagiranye na Tuyigane Jean Paul, ku buryo yaryozwa amakosa yakozwe na Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, bityo ko ikirego cya RADIANT nta shingiro gifite, maze rwemeza ko adakwiye gusubiza 2,820,350 Frw ndetse n’inyungu ziyakomokaho. RADIANT yajuririye Urukiko Rukuru ivuga ko Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Gasabo rwakoze amakosa ruca urubanza rushingiye gusa ku masezerano y’ubwishingizi yari yaragiranye na Tuyigane Jean Paul, rwirengagiza ko ayo masezerano atavanaho ibiteganywa n’ingingo ya 11 y’Itegeko-Teka nº 32/75

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ryo ku wa 07/08/1975 ryerekeye ubwishingire butegetswe ku buryozwe butewe n’ibigenzwa ku butaka bifite moteri; Ifite uburenganzira bwo gusubizwa na Tuyigane Jean Paul amafaranga yishyuye uwakomerekejwe n’impanuka kuko itishingiye uburyozwe bw’amakosa yakozwe nkana n’uwo yishingiye ubwo yatizaga moto Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, uyu nawe akayitwara yasinze ari nabyo byatumye haba impanuka kandi ko mu ngingo ya 25 y’amasezerano Radiant yagiranye na Tuyigane Jean Paul hateganijwe ko uwishingiye ataryozwa amakosa yakozwe nkana n’uwishingiwe. Urukiko Rukuru rwasanze mu masezerano y’ubwishingizi RADIANT yagiranye na nyiri moto ntaho bigaragara ko byari bibujijwe kuyitiza cyangwa kuyikodesha, kandi ko mu itegeko ntaho bigaragara RADIANT ifite uburenganzira bwo gusubizwa amafaranga yatanze, kuko nyiri ikinyabiziga atigeze atuma uwakoze impanuka kuyikora, bityo ko nta kosa yigeze akora nkana, maze rwanzura ko ubujurire bwatanzwe na Radiant nta shingiro bufite, maze rwemeza ko nta mafaranga Tuyigane Jean Paul akwiye gusubiza, kandi ko nta gihindutse ku mikirize y’urubanza rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Gasabo. RADIANT yandikiye Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire isaba ko urubanza RCA 00018/2022/HC/KIG rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru ku wa 29/06/2023 rusubirwamo ku mpamvu z'akarengane ivuga ko itakurikirana Ndyibingoye Jean Paul (wari watijwe moto yakoze impanuka) kuko nta masezerano bafitanye, bityo ikaba yarahisemo gukurikirana uwo bari bayaragiranye, nukuvuga nyiri ikinyabiziga (Tuyigane Jean Paul) kuko ari we bayakoranye, maze akaba asaba ko Urukiko rwamutegeka gusubiza amafaranga yishyuwe, kuko RADIANT itigeze yishingira amakosa yakozwe n’uwatijwe moto.

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RADIANT ivuga kandi ko ifite uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwishingiwe (action récursoire/recovery action) cyangwa uwafashe ubwishingizi mu gihe byabaye ngombwa ko amwishyurira ibyago byatejwe n’impanuka. Incamake y’icyemezo: 1. Uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwishingiwe ntibushobora kubaho igihe uwishingiwe agaragaje ko ibyago byabaye byatejwe n’undi utari we ubwe, kandi ko byabaye atabizi cyangwa uwabikoze yarenze ku mabwiriza ye.

2. Umwishingizi nyuma y’uko yishyuye uwishingiwe wahohotewe afite uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwateje impanuka mu kigwi cy’uwishingiwe, akabikora mu mbibi z’ibyo yishyuye. Ikirego nta shingiro gifite. Amategeko yashingiweho: Itegeko-Teka Nº32/75 ryo kuwa 07/08/1975 ryerekeye ubwishingire butegetswe ku buryozwe butewe n’ibigenzwa ku butaka bifite moteri, ingingo ya 11. Nta manza zifashishijwe. Urubanza I. IMITERERE Y’URUBANZA [1] Uru rubanza rukomoka ku mpanuka yabaye ku wa 15/03/2020, ubwo mu Mudugudu wa Gicikiza, Akagari ka Kagugu, Umurenge wa Kinyinya, Akarere ka Gasabo, mu Mujyi

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wa Kigali, moto TVS Victor, ifite plaque RD 715 R, yanditse kuri Tuyigane Jean Paul, ariko wari wayitije Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, uyu yagonze indi moto TVS Victor ifite plaque RD 335 E, yari itwawe na Nyamwasa François, biviramo Uwabakurikiza Théoneste wari uhetswe kuri iyo moto kuvunika ukuguru. [2] Iperereza ryakozwe n’Ishami rya Polisi rishinzwe umutekano wo mu Muhanda (Traffic Police), ryagaragaje ko intandaro y’impanuka yabaye ari moto ya Tuyigane Jean Paul kuko Ndyibingoye Jean Paul wari uyitwaye yari yasinze, ibipimo bigaragaza ko umusemburo (alcohol) wari mu mubiri we wari ku kigero cya 2.34. [3] Uwabakurikiza Théoneste yandikiye Radiant Insurance Company Ltd (iri bwitwe RADIANT muri uru rubanza), yari yarishingiye iyo moto yateje impanuka ayisaba ko bakemura ikibazo mu bwumvikane, akagenerwa indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka yari yabaye, impande zombi zemeranya ko Uwabakurikiza Théoneste agomba kwishyurwa 2,820,350 Frw; maze ku wa 05/01/2021, asinyira ko ayahawe mu buryo bwa sheki. [4] RADIANT yandikiye Tuyigane Jean Paul imubwira ko akwiye kwirengera amakosa yakozwe n’uwari utwaye moto ye agateza impanuka, inamusaba kuyisubiza 2,820,350 Frw yahawe uwakomerekeye mu mpanuka. [5] Tuyigane Jean Paul ntabwo yasubije amafaranga yasabwe, bituma ku wa 17/06/2021 RADIANT itanga ikirego mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Gasabo irusaba gutegeka Tuyigane Jean Paul kuyishyura 2,820,350 Frw y’indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka yishyuwe Uwabakurikiza Théoneste, inyungu zingana na 18% zizikomokaho, amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza ndetse

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n’ay’igihembo cya Avoka. Tuyigane Jean Paul ntiyigeze yiregura kubyo yaregwaga. [6] Mu iburanisha ryabaye ku wa 11/11/2021, Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Gasabo rwavuze ko Tuyigane Jean Paul agomba kuburanishwa adahari kuko yari yamenyeshejwe mu buryo bukurikije amategeko. [7] Mu rubanza RC00255/2021/TGI/GSBO rwaciwe ku wa 03/12/2021, Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Gasabo rwasanze nta kimenyetso na kimwe gihamya ko kuba Tuyigane Jean Paul yaratije moto Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, uyu nawe akayitwara yasinze, binyuranyije n’amasezerano RADIANT yagiranye na Tuyigane Jean Paul, ku buryo yaryozwa amakosa yakozwe na Ndyibingoye Jean Paul. [8] Urukiko rwanzuye ko ikirego cya RADIANT nta shingiro gifite, rwemeza ko Tuyigane Jean Paul adakwiye gusubiza RADIANT 2,820,350 Frw ndetse n’inyungu za 18 % ziyakomokaho, runategeka ko amafaranga y’ikurikirana rubanza ndetse n’ay’igihembo cya Avoka asabwa na RADIANT ntayo ikwiye guhabwa kuko ikirego cy’iremezo nta shingiro gifite. [9] RADIANT yajuririye Urukiko Rukuru ivuga ko: i. Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Gasabo rwakoze amakosa ruca urubanza rushingiye gusa ku masezerano y’ubwishingizi yari yaragiranye na Tuyigane Jean Paul, rwirengagiza ko ayo masezerano atavanaho ibiteganywa n’ingingo ya 111 y’Itegeko-Teka nº

1 Iyo ngingo iteganya ko “Uwishingiye ashobora kwiteganyiriza uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwakoze amasezerano y’ubwishingire cyangwa se, byaba bibaye ngombwa, uwishingiwe utari uwakoze

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32/75 ryo ku wa 07/08/1975 ryerekeye ubwishingire butegetswe ku buryozwe butewe n’ibigenzwa ku butaka bifite moteri; ii. Ifite uburenganzira bwo gusubizwa na Tuyigane Jean Paul amafaranga yishyuye uwakomerekejwe n’impanuka kuko itishingiye uburyozwe bw’amakosa yakozwe nkana n’uwo yishingiye ubwo yatizaga moto Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, uyu nawe akayitwara yasinze ari nabyo byatumye haba impanuka; iii. Mu ngingo ya 25 y’amasezerano Radiant yagiranye na Tuyigane Jean Paul hateganijwe ko uwishingiye ataryozwa amakosa yakozwe nkana n’uwishingiwe. [10] Tuyigane Jean Paul ntiyatanze imyanzuro yo kwiregura mu Rukiko Rukuru kandi ntiyitabira iburanisha, urubanza ruburanishwa adahari. [11] Mu rubanza RCA 00018/2022/HC/KIG rwaciwe ku wa 29/06/2023, Urukiko Rukuru rwasanze mu masezerano y’ubwishingizi RADIANT yagiranye na nyiri moto ntaho bigaragara ko byari bibujijwe kuyitiza cyangwa kuyikodesha, runasanga iyo ngingo ndetse n’iya 11 y’Itegeko Nº 32/75 ryo ku wa 07/08/1975 ryavuzwe haruguru ntaho bigaragara ko ziha RADIANT uburenganzira bwo gusubizwa amafaranga yatanze, kuko Tuyigane Jean Paul atigeze atuma Ndyibingoye Jean Paul gukora impanuka, akaba nta kosa yigeze akora nkana.

amasezerano, mu gihe itegeko cyangwa amasezerano y’ubwishingire yaba amwemerera kwanga cyangwa kugabanya ibyo agomba gukora.”

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[12] Urukiko rwanzuye ko ubujurire bwatanzwe na Radiant nta shingiro bufite, rwemeza ko nta mafaranga Tuyigane Jean Paul akwiye gusubiza RADIANT, rutegeka ko nta gihindutse ku mikirize y’urubanza RC 00252/2021/TGI/GSBO rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Gasabo ku wa 03/12/2021. [13] Ku wa 25/07/2023, RADIANT yandikiye Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire isaba ko urubanza RCA 00018/2022/HC/KIG rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru ku wa 29/06/2023 rusubirwamo ku mpamvu z'akarengane. Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire amaze kubisuzuma, yandikiye Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga asaba ko urwo rubanza rusubirwamo, maze mu cyemezo no 058/CJ/2024 cyo ku wa 03/05/2024, yemeza ko rwoherezwa mu Bwanditsi bw’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga kugira ngo ruzongere ruburanishwe. [14] Iburanisha mu ruhame ryabaye ku wa 05/02/2025, Radiant ihagarariwe na Me Mudahogora Angelique, naho Tuyigane Jean Paul atitabye kandi nta n’imyanzuro yatanze. Icyakora, muri dosiye y’urubanza hagaragaramo inyandiko y’Ubwanditsi bw’Urukiko igaragaza ko mu bihe bitandukanye uregwa yagiye ahamagarwa ndetse anibutswa inshuro nyinshi kumenyesha Urukiko uzamuburanira mu rwego rw’amategeko, atabikora akarushyikiriza icyemezo cyerekana ko atishoboye kugira ngo afashwe kumubona, avuga ko adashobora kumubona kandi ko atanabona n’icyemezo cy’uko atishoboye kuko icyiciro cy’ubudehe abarizwamo kitabimwemerera. [15] Rushingiye kuri iyo raporo yakozwe n’Ubwanditsi bw’Urukiko ndetse no ku nyandiko ihamagara Tuyigane Jean Paul kwitaba inama ntegurarubanza yo ku wa 12/12/2024, 14h00’, aho igaragaza ko yayakiriye akanayishyiraho umukono ku wa 25/10/2024, 18h30’; Urukiko rwafatiye icyemezo mu

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ntebe ruvuga ko imigirire ya Tuyigane Jean Paul igaragaza ko kutitaba Urukiko yabikoze nkana, rwemeza ko aburanishwa adahari kuko yamenyeshejwe mu buryo bukurikije amategeko. [16] Urukiko rwakomeje iburanisha hasuzumwa ibibazo bikurikira: i. Kumenya niba Tuyigane Jean Paul akwiriye gutegekwa gusubiza

RADIANT 2,820,350 Frw yishyuye Uwabakurikiza Théoneste; ii. Kumenya niba Tuyigane Jean Paul yategekwa kwishyura RADIANT inyungu za 18% zikomoka kuri 2,820,350 Frw yishyuye; iii. Kumenya ishingiro ry’indishyi zisabwa muri uru rubanza. II. IBIBAZO BIGIZE URUBANZA N’ISESENGURA RYABYO II.1. Kumenya niba Tuyigane Jean Paul akwiriye gutegekwa gusubiza RADIANT 2,820,350 Frw yishyuye Uwabakurikiza Théoneste [17] Me Mudahogora Angelique uburanira RADIANT avuga ko raporo y’Ishami rya Polisi rishinzwe umutekano wo mu Muhanda (Traffic Police) yo ku wa 25/04/2020, igaragaza ko impanuka yatejwe na moto ya Tuyigane Jean Paul yari itwawe na Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, wari wasinze. Avuga ko ayo makosa agomba kubazwa Tuyigane Jean Paul, akaba asaba ko Urukiko rwamutegeka gusubiza amafaranga yishyuwe, kuko RADIANT itigeze yishingira amakosa yakozwe n’uwatijwe moto.

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[18] Asobanura ko impamvu RADIANT itakurikirana Ndyibingoye Jean Paul ari uko nta masezerano bafitanye, bakaba barahisemo gukurikirana uwo bari baragiranye amasezerano, nk’uko biteganywa n’ingingo ya 25 y’amasezerano rusange (conditions générales) agace ka 6. [19] Asoza kuri iyi ngingo avuga ko kuba Urukiko Rukuru rwarirengagije amakosa yakozwe na Tuyigane Jean Paul, rukavuga ko atagomba gutegekwa gusubiza 2,820,350Frw yishyuwe Uwabakurikiza Theoneste, iyo sosiyete ibibonamo akarengane gakomeye, akaba asaba ko Urukiko rw’Ikirenga rwakosora ayo makosa, maze rukemeza ko Tuyigane Jean Paul agomba kuyasubiza nk’uko biteganywa n’ingingo ya 11 y’Itegeko Teka Nº 32/75 ryo kuwa 07/08/1975 ryerekeye ubwishingire butegetswe ku buryozwe butewe n’ibigenzwa ku butaka bifite moteri ndetse n’iya 32, y’Itegeko-Teka N° 20/75 ryo kuwa 20/6/1975 ryerekeye ubwishingire mu gika cyayo cya mbere.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [20] Ingingo ya 11 y’Itegeko-Teka Nº32/75 ryo kuwa 07/08/1975 ryerekeye ubwishingire butegetswe ku buryozwe butewe n’ibigenzwa ku butaka bifite moteri iteganya ibi bikurikira: “Nta mpamvu n’imwe yataye agaciro, igira icyo izigama cyangwa itagikurikizwa bitewe n’itegeko cyangwa amasezerano uwishingiye yakwitwaza ku wangirijwe. Uwishingiye ashobora kwiteganyiriza uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwakoze amasezerano y’ubwishingire cyangwa se, byaba bibaye ngombwa, uwishingiwe utari uwakoze amasezerano, mu gihe itegeko cyangwa amasezerano

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y’ubwishingire yaba amwemerera kwanga cyangwa kugabanya ibyo agomba gukora”. [21] Ingingo ya 32, igika cya 1 y’Itegeko-Teka N° 20/75 ryo kuwa 20/6/1975 ryerekeye ubwishingire yo iteganya ko “Uwishingiye wishyuye indishyi z’ubwishingire, asimbura uwo yishingiye, mu rugero rw'indishyi yatanze, mu byerekeye uburenganzira no gukurikirana abandi bantu batumye yishyura kubera ibikorwa byabo”. [22] Uburanira RADIANT avuga ko ashingira kuri izi ngingo ebyiri zimaze kuvugwa, ubundi zivuga ibintu bitandukanye, aho ingingo ya 11 ivuga ku burenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwishingiwe (action récursoire/recovery action) mu gihe ingingo ya 32 yo ivuga ku burenganzira bwo gusimbura uwishingiwe mu gukurikirana abandi batumye umwishingizi yishyura (action subrogatoire/subrogatoty action). Mbere yo kumenya uburenganzira RADIANT ifite muri iki kibazo, ni ngombwa kubanza gusobanura ibijyanye n’ubwo burenganzira bwombi. a. Uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwishingiwe (action récursoire/recovery action) [23] Ubu ni uburenganzira umwishingizi afite bwo gukurikirana uwishingiwe cyangwa uwafashe ubwishingizi mu gihe byabaye ngombwa ko amwishyurira ibyago byatejwe n’impanuka, ubusanzwe umwishingizi atagombaga kwishyurira2

2 "L'assureur peut, dans la mesure où il aurait pu refuser ou réduire ses prestations suivant la loi ou le contrat d'assurance, se réserver un droit de recours contre le preneur d'assurance et, s'il y a lieu, contre l'assuré autre que le preneur d'assurance, à concurrence de la part de responsabilité incombant personnellement à l'assuré; Bruno PIERARD: Les recours de l'assureur dans les différents contrats d’assurance; Travail de Fin d’Etudes en vue de

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hakurikijwe ibiteganywa n’amategeko cyangwa n’amasezerano3 bagiranye, akaba adashobora no kwanga kwishyura uwahohotewe4 Ubu burenganzira bukoreshwa mu bihe bike cyane, kugira ngo bitagira ingaruka yo gutesha agaciro impamvu y’ubwishingizi. Ni yo mpamvu bibaho gusa mu bihe biteganywa n’amategeko ndetse no ku bikorwa byakuwe mu byishingirwa kandi bidashobora kwitwazwa n’umwishingizi ngo atishyura uwahohotewe5 Ibyo bikorwa ni nk’ibyakozwe ku bushake n’uwishingiwe cyangwa uwafashe ubwishingizi, nko kuba uwabufashe atavugishije ukuri mugihe cyo gufata ubwishingizi

l'obtention du titre de Bachelier en Droit, Année académique 2021-2022, p 20. chromeextension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://biblio.helmo.b e/opac_css/doc_num.php? explnum_id=19645 3 “Le recours a une nature contractuelle” Catherine Paris, Manuel de droit des assurances, Collection de la Faculté de droit de l’Université de Liège, Editions Larcier, 2021, para 442 4 « Un procédé technique spécifique à l’assurance de la responsabilité civile, destiné à rétablir l’équilibre contractuel. Elle « sanctionne […] un manquement contractuel imputable au preneur ou à un autre assuré, manquement que l’assureur n’a pu en vertu de la loi opposer à la victime. Elle constitue à ce titre un contrepoids de principe de l’inopposabilité des exceptions. L’action récursoire s’identifie alors, dans les assurances de responsabilité, comme une action en remboursement de l’assureur contre son propre assuré »; Martin LEJEUNE, Action récursoire de l’assureur à l’encontre de l’assuré: au-delà de l’assurance responsabilité? Travail écrit de fin d’études Master en droit à finalité spécialisée en droit privé, Année académique 2023-2024. Recherche menée sous la direction de Madame Catherine Paris, Professeur, Liège Université. P.10 Chrome- extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://matheo.uliege.be/bitst ream/2268.2/19702/4/TFE%20-%20Martin%20LEJEUNE%20- %20S190628.pdf 5 “Il faut noter l’art. R211-13-4o C. assur. qui prévoit ques les exclusions de guarantie qui peuvent être stipulés dans les contrats d’assurance de responsabilité civile automobile sont inopposables aux victimes d’accidents de la circulation: (…)” Yvonne Lambert-Faivre et Laurent Laveneur, Droit des assurances, Editions DALLOZ, 14è éd., P.352

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(omission ou inexactitude dans la déclaration du risque préalablement à la conclusion du contrat)6 cyangwa mu gihe cy’impanuka bigatuma hafatwa ubwishingizi budahagije cyangwa budahuye n’ibyago byishingirwa, kuba hafatwa ubwishingizi budahagije, kuba ikinyabiziga gitwawe n’utujuje imyaka imwemerera kugitwara cyangwa adafite icya ngombwa kimwemerera kugitwara7, kuba cyari gitwawe n’uwanyoye ibisindisha, ibiyobyabwenge, imiti cyangwa ibindi bintu bituma atakaza ubushobozi bwe8.

6 “Lorsque l’assureur n’a pas pu opposer une exception a la victime, l’article 152 de la loi de 2014 lui permet d’exercer un recourse en remboursement de ses débours contre le preneur d’assurance et, le cas échéant, contre l’assuré autre que le preneur. Dans certaines situations c’est le preneur d’assurance qui est l’auteur du manquement, par example en cas d’ommission ou d’inextactitude dans la déclaration du risque préalablement à la conclusion du contrat; c’est donc lui qui sera le destinataire du recours. Dans d’autres hypothèses, le manquement, cause du l’exception inopposable à la victime, est à reprocher à un assuré qui n’est pas le preneur d’assurance” Catherine Paris, idem para 439, 442/2 7 Art. R211-10: “1° Lorsque au moment du sinistre, le conducteur n'a pas l'âge requis ou ne possède pas les certificats, en état de validité, exigés par la réglementation en vigueur pour la conduite du véhicule, sauf en cas de vol, de violence ou d'utilisation du véhicule à l'insu de l'assuré” 8 “On notera que les seuls fautes Lourdes autorisant un recours contre l’assuré sont la conduite en état d’ivresse, ou sous l’infuence de drogues, médicaments ou hallucinogènes qui ont pour effet de priver l’assuré du contrôle de ses actes” Catherine Paris, idem para 441

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[24] Ibi ni ko bigaragara mu mategeko y’ubwishingizi y’Ubufaransa mu ngingo ya R211-139 no mu mategeko yo mu Bubiligi10. [25] Umuhanga mu mategeko Martin LEJEUNE asobanura ko kugira ngo ubu burenganzira bukoreshwe hagomba kuba hari ibintu bitatu ari byo, (i) kuba hari ikosa ryakozwe cyangwa ibyo uwishingiwe atubahirije bishingiye ku masezerano y’ubwishingizi no kuba byakozwe n’uwishingiwe. Kuri iyi ngingo agaragaza ko ubu burenganzira bushingiye ku bwishingizi bw’uburyozwe ubundi bugomba kwishyurira uburyozwe cyangwa amakosa yakozwe n’uwishingiwe, kuko bitabaye ibyo, byaba binyuranyije n’impamvu nyamukuru y’ubwishingizi. Asobanura ko ubu burenganzira bugomba kuba buteganyijwe mu masezerano. Icya kabiri kigomba kuba gihari ni (ii) ukuba hari ibyangijwe kuko ari byo bishingirwaho mu kwishyuza agaciro kabyo umwishingizi yishyuye no (iii) kuba ikosa ry’uwishingiwe ari ryo ryateje impanuka11.

9Art. R211-13: “Ne sont pas opposables aux victimes ou à leurs ayants droit: 1° La franchise prévue à l'article L. 121-1; 2°, Les déchéances; 3° La réduction de l'indemnité applicable conformément à l'article L. 113-9; 4° Les exclusions de garanties prévues aux articles R. 211-10 et R. 211-11. Dans les cas susmentionnés, l'assureur procède au paiement de l'indemnité pour le compte du responsable. Il peut exercer contre ce dernier une action en remboursement pour toutes les sommes qu'il a ainsi payées ou mises en réserve à sa place”. 10 Article 46 de l’annexe de l’Arrete royal: “L'assureur dispose d'un droit de recours contre l’assuré: 2o lorsqu'il prouve que celui-ci a causé le sinistre en raison de l'une des fautes lourdes suivantes et pour autant que l'assureur démontre le lien causal avec le sinistre: a) conduite en état d’ivresse; b) conduite sous l'influence de drogues, médicaments ou hallucinogènes qui ont pour effet de priver l'assuré du contrôle de ses actes”; 11 “À l’instar de toute action en responsabilité contractuelle, il est nécessaire d’établir la faute, ou plutôt le manquement imputable (§1), le dommage (§2)

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[26] Ibimaze gusobanurwa bihujwe n’ibiteganywa n’ingingo ya 11 y’Itegeko-Teka Nº32/75 ryo kuwa 07/08/1975 ryerekeye ubwishingire butegetswe ku buryozwe butewe n’ibigenzwa ku butaka bifite moteri biragaragaza ko kugira ngo umwishingizi ashobore gukurikirana uwishingiwe cyangwa uwafashe ubwishingizi bigomba kuba bishingiye ku mategeko cyangwa amasezerano, hari ikosa ryakozwe n’uwishingiwe cyangwa uwafashe ubwishingizi ubundi ritagombaga gutuma umwishingizi yishyura indishyi zikomoka ku byago byatejwe n’impanuka, kandi ibi akaba atabishingiraho ngo yange kwishyura uwahohotewe. [27] Amasezerano rusange y’ubwishingizi ya RADIANT yatangajwe muri Gicurasi 2013 (conditions générales) asobanura ubu burenganzira mu ngingo za 24 na 25 mu buryo bukurikira: uwishingiwe ntibushobora kubaho igihe uwishingiwe agaragaje ko ibyago byabaye byatejwe n’undi wishingiwe utari we ubwe, kandi ko byabaye atabizi cyangwa uwabikoze yarenze ku mabwiriza ye.” Ingingo ya 24 “Haseguriwe ibivugwa mu ngingo ya 26, uwishe inshingano iyo ari yo yose afite muri aya masezerano yamburwa uburenganzira buteganywa nayo. Muri icyo gihe, iyo bibaye ngombwa ko umwishingizi yishyura indishyi uwahohotewe hashingiwe ku mategeko, umwishingizi afite uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwafashe ubwishingizi cyangwa uwishingiwe ku bijyanye n’indishyi yamwishyuriye, inyungu zizikomokaho ndetse

et le lien causal (§3). Il en va de même qu’avec la notification, l’assureur a la charge de prouver les conditions de la responsabilité en vertu de l’article 8.4 du Code civil”. Martin LEJEUNE. idem. section 3: Conditions de la responsabilité contractuelle, PP 28-32

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n’indishyi z’ikurikiranarubanza. Icyakoze cyo, ubwo burenganzira bwo gukurikirana12 Ingingo ya 25 : “Sosiyete ishobora gukoresha uburenganzira buvugwa mu ngingo ya 24 mu bihe bikurikira: i. Mu gihe habayeho kujijinganya no gutanga amakuru atari ukuri mu gihe cyo gufata ubwishingizi; ii. Mu gihe hari ibyahinduwe ku byago byishingiwe mu buryo buteganywa mu ngingo ya 9 y’aya masezerano kandi ibyo bikaba bitaramenyeshwa umwishingizi; iii. Mu gihe, igihe cy’impanuka ikinyabiziga cyishingiwe kidafite icyemezo cy’uko cyagenzuwe (controle technique) cyangwa gifite icyemezo cyataye agaciro, uretse igihe impanuka yaba yabaye ikinyabiziga kijya mu bugenzuzi cyangwa mu igaraje, cyangwa kiva mu igaraje gisubiye mu bugenzuzi;

12 Iyo ngingo ya 24 igira iti: “Sous réserve de ce qui est dit à l’article 26, toute infraction de l’assuré à ses obligations le prive du droit à la guarantie du contrat. Dans ce cas et lorsqu’en vertu de la loi, la Société est néamoins tenue directement envers les personnes lésées, elle a, indépendament de toute autre action qui peut lui appartenir, un droit de recours contre le preneur d’assurance et s’il ya lieu, contre l’assuré autre que le preneur. Le recours sur les indemnités au paiement desquels la Société est tenue en principal ainsi que sur les intérêts compensatoires, les intérêts et frais judiciaires. Toutefois, le recours de la Société ne peut être exercé contre l’assuré, si ce dernier établit que les faits ou infractions générateurs du recours sont imputables à un assuré autre que lui-même et se sont produits à l’encontre de ses instructions ou à son insu”.

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iv. Mu gihe amasezerano y’ubwishingizi yasubitswe kubera kutishyura amafaranga y’ubwishingizi; v. Mu gihe hatabayeho imenyekanisha ry’impanuka mu minsi itanu impanuka ibaye; vi. Mu gihe ikinyabiziga cyari gitwawe n’umuntu utujuje ibisabwa ngo yemererwe kugitwara biteganywa n’amategeko cyangwa amabwiriza, nko kuba yarambuwe uburenganzira bwo gutwara ikinyabiziga cyangwa atujuje imyaka iteganyijwe; vii. Mu gihe impanuka yabaye mu marushanwa y’imodoka yo kwiruka bitatangiwe uburenganzira; viii. (nta cyanditse kuri iki gika) ix. Mu gihe impanuka yakozwe ku bushake; x. Mu gihe impanuka ibaye kandi uwishingiwe yasinze, uretse igihe ashoboye kugaragaza ko iyo mpanuka ntaho ihuriye n’ubwo businzi. Icyakoze cyo, mu bihe bivugwa mu bika bya 8, 9, na 10, uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana bukoreshwa gusa ku wishingiwe wateje impanuka”. 13

13 Iyo ngingo ya 25 iteganya ibi bikurikira: “La Société peut notamment exercer les droits que lui reconnait l’article 24: […] 6. Lorsqu’au moment du sinistre, le véhicule est conduit par une personne ne satisfaisant pas aux conditions prescrites par la loi et les règlements pour pouvoir conduire ce véhicule, par example par, une personne déchue du droit de conduire ou par une personne n’ayant pas atteint l’âge minimum requis; […] 10. Si le sinistre est survenu alors que l’assuré était en état d’ivresse, sauf s’il démontre que ce sinistre est sans relation avec l’ivresse. […]Toutefois, dans les cas visés aux no 8, 9, et 10, le recours ne peut être exercé que contre l’assuré auteur du sinistre”.

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[28] Ingingo z’amategeko y’u Rwanda n’ayo mu bindi bihugu ndetse n’ibyo abahanga mu mategeko bavuga byagarutsweho bigaragaza ko ubu burenganzira bushobora gukoreshwa mu bihe biteganywa n’amategeko cyangwa amasezerano y’ubwishingizi bikurikira: i. Hakurikiranwa uwafashe ubwishingizi cyangwa uwishingiwe ku makosa ashingiye ku bijyanye n’amasezerano y’ubwishingizi nko mu gihe habayeho kutavugisha ukuri mu gutanga amakuru cyangwa gutanga amakuru atuzuye mu gihe cyo gufata ubwishingizi; mu gihe uwishingiwe atishyuye amafaranga y’ubwishingizi hakabaho gusubika amasezerano y’ubwishingizi; mu gihe umwishingizi atamenyeshejwe ibyahindutse ku byago byishingiwe mbere y’uko habaho impanuka, no mu gihe hatubahirijwe ibisabwa ikinyabiziga biteganywa n’amategeko kugira ngo kijye mu muhanda; ii. Hakurikiranwa uwishingiwe ku makosa yakozwe nkana n’uwishingiwe ubwe nko gutwara ikinyabiziga yasinze cyangwa yanyoye ibindi bimutesha ubwenge cyangwa yakoze impanuka ku bushake. iii. Uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwishingiwe ntibushobora kubaho igihe uwishingiwe agaragaje ko ibyago byabaye byatejwe n’undi wishingiwe utari we ubwe, kandi ko byabaye atabizi cyangwa uwabikoze yarenze ku mabwiriza ye.

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b. Uburenganzira bwo gusimbura uwishingiwe mu gukurikirana abandi batumye umwishingizi yishyura (action subrogatoire/subrogatoty action) [29] Ni uburenganzira umwishingizi afite bwo gukurikirana uwateje impanuka mu kigwi cy’uwishingiwe, ubu burenganzira akabugira nyuma y’uko yishyuye uwishingiwe wahohotewe. Ubu ni bwo burengazira buteganywa mu ngingo ya 32, igika cya 1 y’Itegeko-Teka N° 20/75 ryo kuwa 20/6/1975 ryerekeye ubwishingire ryasobanuwe haruguru. Ingingo ya L121-12 y’itegeko ry’ubwishingizi ry’Ubufaransa ivuga mu gika cyayo cya mbere ko umwishingizi wishyuye indishyi asimbura uwishingiwe mu gukurikirana uwateje impanuka mu mbibi z’ibyo yishyuye14. Itegeko ry’Ububirigi naryo ni ko ribuvuga mu ngingo ya 95 igika cya mbere15. [30] Umuhanga mu mategeko Julia Kagan asobanura ko iyo umwishingizi akurikiranye uwateje impanuka, aba ari mu kigwi cy’uwishingiwe ku buryo aba afite uburenganzira n’ububasha nk’ubwe mu gukurikirana indishyi. Avuga ko mu gihe uwishingiye yaba adafite uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana uwateje impanuka, n’umwishingizi ntazashobora kugira ubwo burenganzira.1616

14 Article L121-1: L'assureur qui a payé l'indemnité d'assurance est subrogé, jusqu'à concurrence de cette indemnité, dans les droits et actions de l'assuré contre les tiers qui, par leur fait, ont causé le dommage ayant donné lieu à la responsabilité de l'assureur. 15 Art.

95. L’assureur qui a payé l'indemnité est subrogé, à concurrence du montant de celle-ci, dans les droits et actions de l'assuré ou du bénéficiaire contre les tiers responsables du dommage 16 “When an insurance company pursues a third party for damages, it is said to "step into the shoes of the policyholder." Thus, the carrier will have the same rights and legal standing as the policyholder when seeking compensation

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[31] Aho ubu burenganzira bwombi butandukaniye, ni uko ubwa mbere ari ubwo gukurikirana uwishingiwe wateje ibyago, mu gihe ubu bwa kabiri bwo ari ubwo gukurikirana undi muntu wateje ibyago uwishingiwe. Ubu bwa nyuma busaba ko uwahohotewe aba ari nawe wishingiwe ku byago byamubaho. [32] Ukurikije rero ibyo

RADIANT isaba, usanga uburenganzira ishaka gukoresha ari ubwo gukurikirana uwishingiwe wateje ibyago nk’uko biteganywa n’ingingo ya 11 y’Itegeko-Teka ryavuzwe haruguru, ndetse n’ingingo ya 25 y’amasezerano rusange y’ubwishingizi ya RADIANT nayo yagarutsweho. [33] RADIANT ivuga ko ishingira ku bivugwa mu gace ka 6 k’ayo masezerano kavuga ibijyanye no kuba ikinyabiziga gitwawe n’umuntu utujuje ibisabwa ngo yemererwe kugitwara biteganywa n’amategeko cyangwa amabwiriza (conditions prescrites par la loi et les règlements), nko kuba yarambuwe uburenganzira bwo gutwara ikinyabiziga cyangwa atujuje imyaka iteganyijwe. Ikosa rishingirwaho muri uru rubanza ni iry’ubusinzi bwakozwe n’uwari watijwe moto ari we Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, RADIANT ikavuga ko amakosa uwishingiwe Tuyigane Jean Paul yakoze ari ugutiza moto ye. Mu gika cya 6 gishingirwaho, ikosa ry’ubusinzi nta rigaragaramo, nta n’ahagaragara ko gutiza ikinyabiziga ari ikosa ryatuma uwishingiwe akurikiranwaho indishyi. Ibi biragaragaza ko Tuyigane Jean Paul adashobora kuryozwa indishyi hashingiwe ku gace ka 6 k’ingingo ya 25 y’amasezerano rusange

for losses. If the insured party does not have the legal standing to sue the third party, the insurer will also be unable to pursue a lawsuit as a result”; Julia Kagan: Subrogation in Insurance: What it Is and Why It'sImportant https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/subrogation.asp

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y’ubwishingire ya RADIANT kuko ibivugwamo bitajyanye n’ikosa ryateje impanuka. [34] Ikosa ry’ubusinzi ryatumye habaho impanuka, rigaragara mu gace ka 10 k’ingingo ya 25 y’amasezerano rusange y’ubwishingizi ya RADIANT, kakaba kavuga igihe impanuka yabaye uwishingiwe yasinze, ndetse n’igika cya nyuma cy’iyi ngingo kikavuga ko iryo kosa riryozwa gusa uwishingiwe wateje impanuka. Ibi bigaragaza ko ukurikiranwaho ikosa ryo gusinda ari uwishingiwe gusa. Kugirango Tuyigane Jean Paul abe yarikurikiranwaho kandi ryakozwe na Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, ni uko RADIANT yagaragaza ko yamutije moto azi neza ko yasinze hakurikijwe ibivugwa mu gika cya nyuma cy’ingingo ya 24 y’aya masezerano. Ni yo mpamvu Tuyigane Jean Paul atanaryozwa indishyi hashingiwe kuri iki gika cya 10 kuko atari we wakoze impanuka yasinze kandi nta n’ikigaragaza ko yatije moto umuntu wasinze. [35] Hashingiwe ku bimaze gusobanurwa, Urukiko rurasanga Tuyigane Jean Paul adakwiriye gutegekwa gusubiza RADIANT 2,820,350 Frw yishyuye Uwabakurikiza Théoneste. II.

2. Kumenya niba Tuyigane Jean Paul yategekwa kwishyura RADIANT inyungu za 18% zikomoka kuri 2,820,350 Frw yishyuye [36] Me Mudahogora Angelique uburanira RADIANT asaba Urukiko ko rwategeka Tuyigane Jean Paul kwishyura inyungu zingana na 18% banki ibariraho umukiriya ihaye inguzanyo, zikomoka kuri 2,820,350 Frw yishyuye kubera amakosa yakoze. Avuga ko indishyi asaba zingana na 2,030,652 Frw, zibazwe mu buryo bukurikira 2,820,350 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 𝑥𝑥 18 𝑥𝑥 4 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎100=2,030,652 Frw. Asobanura ko inyungu asaba azishingira ku kuba sosiyete

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aburanira ari iy’ubucuruzi, kandi amafaranga yishyuye yakabaye iyacuruza.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [37] Urukiko rurasanga nta nyungu Tuyigane Jean Paul agomba gutegekwa kwishyura kubera ko nta makosa yakoze nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru.

3. Kumenya ishingiro ry’indishyi zisabwa muri uru rubanza [38] Me Mudahogora Angelique uburanira Radiant asaba Urukiko ko rwategeka Tuyigane Jean Paul kwishyura 2,000,000Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza na 3,000,000Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [39] Urukiko rurasanga nta ndishyi Tuyigane Jean Paul agomba gutegekwa kwishyura kubera ko nta makosa yakoze nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru. III. ICYEMEZO CY’URUKIKO [40] Rwemeje ko ikirego cyatanzwe na RADIANT Insurance Company Ltd kigamije gusubirishamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane urubanza RCA 00018/2022/HC/KIG rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru ku wa 29/06/2023, nta shingiro gifite;

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[41] Rwemeje ko nta gihindutse ku rubanza RCA 00018/2022/HC/KIG rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru ku wa 29/06/2023; [42] Rwemeje ko nta mafaranga Tuyigane Jean Paul akwiye gusubiza RADIANT Insurance Company Ltd.

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NZAYIKORERA N’ABANDI v SANLAM AG PLc [Rwanda URUKIKO RW’IKIRENGA - RS/INJUST/RC 00008/2024/SC (Hitiyaremye, P.J., Kazungu, Kalihangabo, J.) 17 Mutarama 2025] Amategeko agenga imanza z’imbonezamubano – Impanuka – Impanuka y’akazi – Impanuka y’akazi ni ikintu cyangwa ibintu bigwirira umuntu mu gihe kizwi kubera akazi cyangwa mu gihe cy’akazi, bikamuviramo ibyago ku mubiri hatitawe ku gihe ibyo byago byagaragariye Amategeko agenga imanza z’umurimo – Guteganyiriza umukozi – Umukozi wese, n’iyo yaba uw’igihe gito agomba guteganyirizwa mu bwiteganyirize bw’abakozi. Amategeko agenga imanza z’imbonezamubano – Impanuka z’akazi – Itegeko rikoreshwa ku mpanuka z’akazi - Ibirebana n’impanuka z’akazi bigengwa n’amategeko agenga ubwiteganyirize bw’abakozi. Amategeko agenga imanza z’imbonezamubano – Ubwishingizi – Abakozi bo mu mirimo y’ubwubatsi - Abakozi bo mu mirimo y’ubwubatsi n’iyindi isa nka yo bagomba gufatirwa ubwishingizi bwihariye mu rwego rwo kubarinda. Amategeko agenga imanza z’umurimo – Impanuka y’akazi – Ishingiro ry’indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka y’akazi - Ibigenerwa uwakoze impanuka y’akazi ntibishingira ku ihame ry’uburyozwe ahubwo hakurikizwa ibigenga ubwiteganyirize bw’abakozi bifasha uwahohotewe kubona ubuvuzi n’izindi ndishyi. 111

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Incamake y’ikibazo: Uru rubanza rukomoka ku mpanuka yakozwe n’imodoka ya sosiyete y’abashinwa CRBC Ltd yari yikoreye umucanga itwawe na Bagirubwira iza kubura feri igonga umukingo iragwa biviramo Nshimiyumukiza Isacar gupfa ndetse n’abandi bakozi batanu bose bakoreraga iyo sosiyete barakomereka. Abavandimwe ba Nshimiyumukiza ndetse n’umugore we witwa Nzayikorera bandikiye ubuyobozi bwa SANLAM AG PLc (Sanlam), basaba ko yakwishyura indishyi zikomoka kuri iyo mpanuka, bashingiye ku kuba ikinyabiziga Nyakwigendera yarimo cyari cyarishingiwe n’iyo sosiyete. Sanlam yabasabuje ko indishyi basaba batazihabwa kuko yishyuye amafaranga yasabwaga hashingiwe ku masezerano arengera abakozi igihe bagiriye ibyago mu kazi ya collective accident SORAS AG Ltd yari yaragiranye na CHINA ROAD AND BRIDGE CORPORATION Ltd (CRBC Ltd). Kumvikana binananiranye, abaregera indishyi batanze ikirego mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge basaba ko Sanlam yabishyura indishyi mbangamirabukungu n’izindi hanagobokeshwa CRBC Ltd. Urwo rukiko rwasanze nta zindi ndishyi bakwiye guhabwa kuko bazihawe hashingiwe ku masezerano arengera abakozi igihe bagiriye ibyago mu kazi yavuzwe hejuru. Abarega bajuririye icyo cyemezo mu Rukiko Rukuru bavuga ko urukiko rwabanje rutari bushingire ku masezerano nyakwigendera atagizemo uruhare. Urukiko rwanzuye ko ubwo bujurire nta shingiro bufite rwemeza ko nta gihindutse. Nzayikorera na bagenzi be bisunze inzira z’akarengane maze urwo rubanza ruhabwa Urukiko rw’Ikirenga rwongera kuruburanisha hasuzumwa ikibazo cyo kumenya ubwishingizi bukwiye gushingirwaho hatangwa indishyi zikomoka ku

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mpanuka yabaye ku wa 21/09/2014 igahitana Nshimyumukiza Isacar. Abarega basobanura ko batagombaga guhabwa indishyi hashingiwe ku masezerano arengera abakozi igihe bagiriye ibyago mu kazi ya collective accident ko ahubwo hari gushingirwa ku Iteka rya Perezida No 31/01 ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 rishyiraho uburyo bwo kwishyura indishyi ku bubabare bw’umubiri buturutse ku mpanuka zitewe n’ibinyabiziga bityo ko guhatirwa guhabwa indishyi zingana na 1,000,000 Frw zishingiye ku masezerano umukoresha yafatiye abakozi be kandi nta ruhare umukozi yabigizemo, mu gihe hari ubundi bwingizi bwagombaga gutuma babona indishyi zikwiye zihabwa umuntu wese ugize impanuka itewe n’ikinyabiziga kigendera ku butaka nkuko ziteganywa n’ Iteka rya Perezida No 31/01 ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 ryavuzwe hejuru. Bakomeza bavuga ko mu gihe Urukiko rwasanga nta bwishingizi bwakoreshwa mu kwishyura izo ndishyi, zakwishyurwa na CRBC Ltd habanje gukurwamo ikinyuranyo cy’indishyi zatanzwe na Sanlam. Sanlam ivuga ko indishyi zigomba kwishyurwa zose zishyuwe hashingiwe ku masezerano Sanlam yari ifitanye na CRBC Ltd arengera abakozi ku byago bagira mu kazi. Ikomeza isobanura ko mu masezerano y’ubwishingizi bw’uburyozwe, abakozi batishyurwa mu gihe bakoze impanuka bari mu kazi kabo. CRBC Ltd ivugako ntacyo yaryozwa kuko nta ruhare yagize mu mpanuka yabaye ko ahubwo amakosa ari aya nyakwigendera wemeye kugenda hejuru y’umucanga mu modoka azi ko byamukururira ibyago. Ishimangira ko amategeko akwiye gukurikizwa hafatwa icyemezo muri uru rubanza ari ajyanye n’ubwishingizi bw’abakozi bakoreye impanuka mu kazi yabaye hagati ya CRBC Ltd na SANLAM AG Plc kuko yakozwe mu buryo bukurikije amategeko.

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Urukiko rwasanze ubwishingizi bwagombaga gukurikizwa ari ubwo CRBC Ltd yari gufatira umukozi mu bwiteganyirize bw’abakozi ndetse n’ubwiswe “workmen compensation insurance” Incamake y’icyemezo: 1. Ibirebana n’impanuka y’akazi bigengwa n’amategeko agenga ubwiteganyirize bw’abakozi; 2. Abakozi bo mu mirimo y’ubwubatsi n’iyindi isa nka yo bagomba gufatirwa ubwishingizi bwihariye mu rwego rwo kubarinda; 3. Ibigenerwa uwakoze impanuka y’akazi ntibishingira ku ihame ry’uburyozwe ahubwo hakurikizwa ibigenga ubwiteganyirize bw’abakozi bifasha uwahohotewe kubona ubuvuzi n’izindi ndishyi. Ikirego cyo gusubirishamo urubanza ku mpamvu z’akarengane nta shingiro gifite. Amategeko yashingiweho: Itegeko Teka No 32/75 ryo ku wa 07 Kanama 1975 ryerekeye ubwishingire butegetswe ku buryozwe butewe n’ibigenzwa ku butaka bifie moteri, ingingo ya 4; Itegeko No 06/2003 ryo ku wa 22/03/2003 rihindura kandi ryuzuza Itegeko-Teka ryo ku wa 22/08/1994 rigena ubwiteganyirize bw'abakozi, ingingo ya 13; Itegeko N°10/2012 ryo kuwa 02/05/2012 rigena imitunganyirize y’imijyi n’imyubakire mu Rwanda, ingingo ya 41.

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Imanza zifashishijwe: RS/INJUST/RC00007/2022/SC, Hategekimana Bonaventure na HYTON Ltd rwaciwe n’Urukikorw’Ikirenga ku wa 14/04/2023. Inyandiko z’abahanga zifashishijwe: Arnaud Buisson Fizellier, La réparation intégrale du préjudice: rappel du principe et applications pratiques. Lettre d’information décembre 2006. www.bfpl- law.com/publications/la-reparation-integrale-du- prejudice- rappel-du-principe-et-applications-pratiques- lettre-dinformation-decembre-2006. Urubanza I. IMITERERE Y’URUBANZA [1] Uru rubanza rukomoka ku mpanuka yabaye ku wa 21/09/2014, 11h30’, ubwo imodoka Camion Mitsubishi Dumper ifite Plaque IT 610 RC yari itwawe na Bagirubwira Joseph, yapakiye umucanga, maze igeze mu Mudugudu wa Magarama, Akagari ka Ngoma, Umurenge wa Gishyita, Akarere ka Karongi, Intara y’Iburengerazuba, ibura feri, igonga umugunguzi, biviramo Nshimyumukiza Isacar w’imyaka 29 gupfa, ndetse abandi bantu batanu (5) bari kumwe barakomereka1.

1 Abandi bakomerekeye muri iyo mpanuka ni SHINGIRO Emmanuel wari ufite imyaka 28, TWIZEYIMANA Ignace wari ufite imyaka 30, NSENGIMANA Thomas wari ufite imyaka 27, NTEZIMANA Alphonse wari ufite imyaka 31 na MPAYIMANA Jean Claude wari utite imyaka 30.

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[2] Nzayikorera Jeanne, Uwimpundu Marie, Mukashema Mamelithe, Ndengeyingoma Bosco, Tuyishimire Béatrice, Nyirangirimana Béathe, Nyiragasigwa Agnès na Bihoyiki Vestine, (muri uru rubanza bitwa Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be)2 bandikiye ubuyobozi bwa SORAS AG Ltd, ubu yabaye SANLAM AG PLc, basaba iyo sosiyete ko yakwishyura indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka yahitanye Nshimyumukiza Isacar, bashingiye ku kuba ikinyabiziga Nyakwigendera yarimo cyari cyarishingiwe n’iyo sosiyete. [3] Uhagarariye SANLAM AG PLc yaburanye avuga ko indishyi Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be basaba batazihabwa kuko sosiyete aburanira yishyuye amafaranga yasabwaga hashingiwe ku masezerano arengera abakozi igihe bagiriye ibyago mu kazi ya collective accident SORAS AG Ltd yari yaragiranye na CHINA ROAD AND BRIDGE CORPORATION Ltd (muri uru rubanza yitwa CRBC Ltd). [4] Nyuma y’aho ubwumvikane bunaniranye, Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be, batanze ikirego mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge barusaba ko rwategeka SORAS AG Ltd kwishyura indishyi mbangamirabukungu, indishyi mpozamarira, amafaranga yakoreshejwe nyuma y’urupfu rwa Nyakwigendera, amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza ndetse n’ay’igihembo cya Avoka.

2 MUKASHEMA Mamerithe ni umubyeyi wa Nyakwigendera, Nzayikorera Jeanne ni umugore wa Nyakwigendera, UWIMPUNDU Marie ni umwana wa Nyakwigendera, naho Ndengeyingoma Bosco, TUYISHIMIRE Beatrice, NYIRANGIRIMANA Beathe, NYIRAGASIGWA Agnes na BIHOYIKI Vestine bakaba abavandimwe ba Nyakwigendera.

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[5] Muri urwo rubanza kandi hagobokeshejwemo sosiyete ya CRBC Ltd nk’uwari umukoresha wa Nyakwigendera kugira ngo nayo igire ibyo iryozwa. [6] Mu rubanza No RC 00840/2019/TGI/NYGE rwaciwe ku wa 17/12/2020, Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge rwanzuye ko ikirego cyatanzwe na Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be nta shingiro gifite, rutegeka Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be gufatanya kwishyura SORAS AG Ltd ndetse na CRBC Ltd 500,000 Frw buri wese y’igihembo cya Avoka. [7] Mu gufata icyo cyemezo, urwo Rukiko rwavuze ko nta zindi ndishyi Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be bakwiye guhabwa kuko yazihawe ku wa 26/11/2015, hashingiwe ku masezerano CRBC Ltd yari yaragiranye na SORAS AG Ltd yavugaga ko mu gihe umukozi wayo yagiriye impanuka mu kazi, SORAS AG Ltd izajya itanga indishyi zingana na 1,000,000 Frw, kandi yasinyiye ubwe ko nta kindi azakurikirana. [8] Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be bajuririye Urukiko Rukuru bavuga ko Urukiko rwabanje rutari gushingira ku masezerano yabaye hagati ya CRBC Ltd na SORAS AG Ltd kandi mu by’ukuri ntaho Nshimyumukiza Isacar yari ahuriye na yo, kuko mu kuyasinya nta bwumvikane yigeze agirana n’umukoresha we. Bavuze kandi ko buri kinyabiziga cyose kigendera ku butaka bw’u Rwanda gitegetswe gufata ubwishingizi buhatiwe kugira ngo nigiteza impanuka abo izagiraho ingaruka bazabashe guhabwa indishyi. [9] Mu rubanza No RCA 00017/2021/HC/KIG rwaciwe ku wa 25/11/2022, Urukiko Rukuru rwanzuye ko ubujurire bwatanzwe na Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be nta shingiro

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bufite, rwemeza ko urubanza rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge rudahidutse. [10] Mu gufata icyo cyemezo, Urukiko Rukuru rwashingiye ku masezerano CRBC Ltd yari yaragiranye na SORAS AG Ltd hagati aho yaje guhinduka SANLAM AG Plc, ayo masezerano akaba yararebanaga n’ubwishingizi bw’abakozi bayo ku byago bahurira nabyo mu kazi, ruvuga ko n’ubwo nta ruhare Nshimyukiza Isacar yayagizemo, yagiriye akamaro abe ubwo Nzayikorera Jeanne yahabwaga 1,000,000 Frw y’indishyi yateganywaga muri ayo masezerano. [11] Urwo Rukiko rwavuze kandi ko n'ubwo urupfu rwa Nshyimyukiza Isacar rwatewe n’impanuka y’ikinyabiziga cy’umukoresha we, bidakuraho ko icyabaye ari impanuka yo mu kazi, kuko iyo mpanuka iba, Nyakwigendera yari mu kazi yari ashinzwe; bityo Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be bakaba bataragombaga kugenerwa indishyi hashingiwe ku Iteka rya Perezida No 31/01 ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 rishyiraho uburyo bwo kwishyura indishyi ku bubabare bw'umubiri buturutse ku mpanuka zitewe n’ibinyabiziga, kuko n’amasezerano y’ubwishingizi bw’ibinyabiziga CRBC Ltd yari yarafatiye ibinyabiziga byayo atishingiraga abakozi bayo bagengwa n’amasezerano y’umurimo; [12] Ku wa 03/01/2023 Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be, bandikiye Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire basaba ko urubanza Nº RCA 00017/2021/HC/KIG rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru ku wa 25/11/2022, rusubirwamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane. Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire amaze gusuzuma ubwo busabe, yandikiye Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga asaba ko urwo rubanza rusubirwamo, maze mu cyemezo No 077/CJ/2024 cyo ku

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wa 22/05/2024, yemeza ko rwoherezwa mu Bwanditsi bw’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga kugira ngo ruzongere ruburanishwe. [13] Iburanisha mu ruhame ryabaye ku wa 12/11/2024, Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be bahagarariwe na Me Nsabayezu Evariste, SANLAM AG Plc ihagarariwe na Me Rusanganwa Jean Bosco, naho CRBC Ltd ihagarariwe na Me Niyitegeka Eraste, maze ababuranyi bajya impaka ku bibazo bikurikira: - Kumenya ubwishingizi bukwiye gushingirwaho hatangwa indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka yabaye ku wa 21/09/2014; - Kumenya niba indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka yahitanye Nshimyumukiza Isacar zisabwa na Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be zifite ishingiro; - Kumenya ishingiro ry’indishyi zisabwa muri uru rubanza. II.

IBIBAZO BIGIZE URUBANZA N’ISESENGURA RYABYO II.1. Kumenya ubwishingizi bukwiye gushingirwaho hatangwa indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka yabaye ku wa 21/09/2014 igahitana Nshimyumukiza Isacar [14] Me Nsabayezu Evariste uburanira Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be, avuga ko mu bisobanuro byatanzwe n’Uhagarariye CRBC Ltd, yavuze ko yari yarafashe ubwishingizi bw’ubwoko bubiri (2); ubwa mbere ni ubwiswe “workmen compensation

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insurance”3 CRBC Ltd yagiranye na SANLAM AG Plc, aho impande zombi zumvikanye ko hazatangwa 1,000,000 Frw mu gihe umukozi aramutse agize impanuka mu kazi, yamuviramo urupfu (Capital in case of death) cyangwa ubumuga buhoraho (Capital in case of disability), hakanatangwa 100,000 Frw yo kwivuza (Medical Fees); ubwa kabiri bukaba ari ubwishingizi buhatiwe (Assurance obligatoire) ku kinyabiziga Mitsubishi IT 610 RC nabwo bwafashwe muri SANLAM AG Plc4 icyo gihe ikiri SORAS AG Ltd. [15] Avuga kandi ko kuba CRBC Ltd ubwayo nayo yiyemerera ko Nshimyumukiza Isacar yaje gupfa biturutse ku mpanuka y’ikinyabiziga cyakoreshwaga n’iyo sosiyete, icyo kinyabiziga kikaba cyari gifite ubwishingizi muri SANLAM AG Plc, asanga Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be bataragombaga kwishyurwa indishyi hashingiwe ku masezerano yiswe Workmen Compensation insurance5, ahubwo bagasanga baragombaga guhabwa indishyi hashingiwe ku Iteka rya Perezida No 31/01 ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 rishyiraho uburyo bwo kwishyura indishyi ku bubabare bw’umubiri buturutse ku mpanuka zitewe n’ibinyabiziga. [16] Akomeza avuga ko Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be batagombaga guhatirwa guhabwa indishyi zingana na 1,000,000 Frw zishingiye ku masezerano umukoresha yafatiye abakozi be kandi nta ruhare umukozi yabigizemo, mu gihe hari ubundi

3 Bwafashwe ku wa 23/01/2014, bufite agaciro kuva ku wa 23/01/2014 kugeza ku wa 22/01/2015, bufatirwa abakozi 300 ba CRBC Ltd. 4 Bwafashwe ku wa 16/01/2014 ku modoka zitandukanye za CRBC Ltd harimo n’iyakoze impanuka, bufite agaciro kuva ku wa 21/01/2014 kugeza ku wa 20/01/2015. 5 Muri dosiye hagaragaramo ko ku wa 19/11/2015, Nzayikorera Jeanne yakiriye sheki ya 1.000.000 Frw ifite sort code 26-212.

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bwishingizi bwagombaga guha umuryango wa Nyakwigendera indishyi zikwiye zihabwa umuntu wese ugize impanuka itewe n’ikinyabiziga kigendera ku butaka bw’u Rwanda nk’uko ziteganywa n’Iteka rya Perezida No 31/01 ryo ku wa ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 rishyiraho uburyo bwo kwishyura indishyi ku bubabare bw’umubiri buturutse ku mpanuka zitewe n’ibinyabiziga. [17] Agaragaza ko mu gihe Urukiko rwasanga nta bwishingizi bwakoreshwa mu kwishyura indishyi Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be basaba, izo ndishyi zakwishyurwa na CRBC Ltd habanje gukurwamo ikinyuranyo cy’indishyi zatanzwe na SANLAM AG Plc. Asobanura ko nyuma y’aho mu iburanisha mu rwego rwa mbere bagaragarijwe ko hari amasezerano y’ubwishingizi CRBC Ltd yari yaragiranye na SORAS AG Ltd, ari bwo bahise basaba ko icyo kinyuranyo cyakwishyurwa na CRBC Ltd bashingiye ku manza zaciwe n’Inkiko Nkuru ku kibazo gisa nk’icyo. [18] Akomeza avuga ko kuba SANLAM AG Plc na CRBC Ltd bavuga ko mu kugenera indishyi Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be hashingirwa ku masezerano izo sosiyete zombi zari zaragiranye, asanga bitahabwa agaciro kuko anyuranyije n’ibiteganywa n’Itegeko Nshinga rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda by’uko abantu bose bareshya imbere y’amategeko, bityo ko bitumvikana ukuntu umuryango wasigaye wagenerwa indishyi hashingiwe ku masezerano utagizemo uruhare, mu gihe nyamara abandi bantu bakoze impanuka yo mu muhanda bagenerwa indishyi hashingiwe ku Iteka rya Perezida No 31/01 ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 ryavuzwe haruguru. [19] Avuga ko kuba uhagarariye CRBC Ltd avuga ko mu gukemura ikibazo Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be bari bafite

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hari gukoreshwa amategeko arebana n’ubwishingizi bw’ubwiteganyirize bw’abakozi bitahabwa ishingiro kuko atari cyo cyaregewe, ahubwo ko haregewe indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka, zigomba gutangwa hashingiwe ku Iteka rya Perezida No 31/01 ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 rishyiraho uburyo bwo kwishyura indishyi ku bubabare bw’umubiri buturutse ku mpanuka zitewe n’ibinyabiziga. [20] Asoza kuri iyi ngingo avuga ko kuba CRBC Ltd yarishyuye amafaranga y’intica n’ikize angana na 1,000,000 Frw ikayaha umugore wa Nyakwigendera gusa nk’uko bigaragazwa n’inyandiko yishyuriweho, hakaba nta n’ikigaragaza ko yari ahagarariye abandi basabye indishyi muri uru rubanza; asanga CRBC Ltd yarakoze ikosa ryo gukora amasezerano idashingiye ku itegeko. Avuga kandi ko nta ruhare na ruto Nyakwigendera yigeze agira mu mpanuka yabaye nk’uko CRBC Ltd ibivuga. [21] Me Rusanganwa Jean Bosco uhagarariye SANLAM AG Plc yireguye avuga ko indishyi zisabwa na Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be nta shingiro zahabwa kuko izisabwa zose zishyuwe hashingiwe ku masezerano SANLAM AG Plc yari ifitanye n’ikigo Nyakwigendera yakoreraga, kandi Nzayikorera Jeanne wazakiriye nawe yasinyiye ko nta kindi azakurikirana kuko ibikubiye mu masezerano byari byubahirijwe. Avuga kandi ko Urukiko rwashingiye kuri ayo masezerano no ku biteganywa n’ingingo ya 646 y’Itegeko No 45/2011 ryo ku wa 25/11/2011 rigenga amasezerano.

6 Iyo ngingo iteganya ko “Amasezerano akozwe ku buryo bukurikije amategeko aba itegeko ku bayagiranye. Ashobora guseswa ari uko babyumvikanyeho cyangwa ku mpamvu zemewe n'amategeko. Agomba kubahirizwa nta buriganya.”

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[22] Avuga ko n’ubwo Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be bavuga ko mu kugena indishyi hashingirwa ku Iteka rya Perezida No 31/01/ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 rishyiraho uburyo bwo kwishyura indishyi ku bubabare bw’umubiri buturutse ku mpanuka zitewe n’ibinyabiziga, birengagiza ko: i. Iteka rya Perezida atari ryo riteganya ibijyanye n’ubwishingizi butegetswe (Assurance obligatoire), ahubwo ko buteganywa n’Itegeko-Teka No 32/75 ryo ku wa 07/08/1975, riteganya ko hashobora kuvanwa mu bwishingizi abantu batewe ibyago n’akazi; ii. Mu ishyirwa mu bikorwa ry’Itegeko-Teka ryavuzwe, police d’assurance automobile, iteganya ko mu bwishingizi bw’uburyozwe, abakozi batishyurwa mu gihe bakoze impanuka bari mu kazi kabo7. Ibi rero bikaba bisobanura ko abakozi bakoreye impanuka ku kazi igihe bari mu kinyabiziga cy’umukoresha wabo batarebwa n’ubwishingizi butegetswe; akaba ari nayo mpamvu CRBC Ltd yafatiye ubwishingizi bwihariye abakozi bayo (Assurance protection sociale) kuko ubwishingizi butegetswe butareba abakozi mu gihe imodoka yakoze impanuka ari iy’umukoresha kandi umukozi akaba yarakoreye impanuka mu kazi; iii. Ibimaze kuvugwa haruguru ni nabyo byagarutsweho kandi mu ngingo ya 148, 3° y’Itegeko No 0030/2021 ryo ku wa 30/6/2021 rigenga imitunganyirize y’umurimo w’ubwishingizi, aho iteganya ko “mu bwishingizi bw’uburyozwe, aba bakurikira ntibishyurwa: […]

7 Reba mu ngingo rusange y’amasezerano ku bwishingizi bufatwa muri SORAS AG Ltd (Conditions Générales), Umutwe wa I, ingingo ya 7, 3° (Titre I, Article 7,3°).

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abakozi cyangwa abahagarariye umufatabwishingizi mu gihe bari mu kazi kabo.” Yibukije kandi ko iryo tegeko ryaje rikuraho Itegeko Teka No 20/75 ryo ku wa 20/6/1975 ryerekeye ubwishingizi; iv. Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be bemera ko Nyakwigendera yari umukozi wa CRBC Ltd, kandi ko 1,000,000 Frw y’indishyi yatanzwe ajyanye n’ubwishingizi umukoresha yari yarafatiye umukozi kuko ubwishingizi butegetswe butishingira umukozi wakoreye impanuka ku kazi mu gihe yatewe n’ikinyabiziga cy’umukoresha. [23] Avuga ko mu rubanza No RC 00840/2019/TGI/NYGE, Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be basabaga ko SANLAM AG Plc yategekwa kwishyura indishyi zose zisabwa mu gihe CRBC Ltd yo ntacyo yasabwaga, icyakora nyuma bahinduye imiburanire maze mu rubanza No RCA 00017/2024/HC/KIG basaba ko izo ndishyi zakwishyurwa na CRBC Ltd; bashingiye ku rubanza No RCA 00011/2016/HC/RWG rwaciwe ku wa 12/05/2017, aho Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Rwamagana rwategetse umukoresha kwishyura wenyine indishyi zijyanye n’impanuka. [24] Akomeza avuga ko indishyi zose SANLAM AG Plc isabwa kwishyura nta shingiro zahabwa kuko indishyi Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be basaba bazihawe, igihe hubahirizwaga amasezerano CRBC Ltd yagiranye na SANLAM AG Plc yishingira abakozi bayo bari mu kazi, agasanga rero kuba igihe Nyakwigendera yagiraga impanuka yamuviriyemo urupfu yari mu kazi kandi akaba yari no mu modoka y’akazi ubwabyo bikwiye gufatwa nk’impanuka y’akazi aho gufatwa nk’impanuka yakorewe undi muntu udafite aho ahuriye n’akazi ka CRBC Ltd.

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[25] Asoza kuri iyi ngingo avuga ko ikibazo cyatanzwe na Me Nsabayezu Evariste uburanira Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be asaba ko hasuzumwa niba amategeko yashingiweho hafatwa icyemezo mu rubanza rusubirwamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane atanyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga nta shingiro cyahabwa kuko igisuzumwa muri uru rubanza ntaho gihuriye n’ibirego bisaba gukuraho ingingo z’Itegeko kuko zinyuranyije n’Itegeko Nshinga (unconstitutionality of a law / l’inconstitutionnalité d’une loi). [26] Me Niyitegeka Eraste uhagarariye CRBC Ltd aburana avuga ko indishyi Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be baregera bamaze kuzihabwa hashingiwe ku masezerano y'ubwishingizi sosiyete aburanira yari yaragiranye na SANLAM AG Plc ubwo yafatiraga ubwishingizi abakozi bayo. Avuga kandi ko indi mpamvu itagomba kwirengagizwa ari uko impanuka yabaye na Nyakwigendera ubwe yayigizemo uruhare, ubwo yemeraga kugendera hejuru y'imodoka kandi yarabonaga itwaye imizigo kandi bibujijwe. [27] Avuga kandi ko Urukiko rudakwiye kwirengagiza uruhare rw’umushoferi mu mpanuka yabaye kuko ari we nyirabayazana w’impanuka yabaye, agasanga rero ari we wakabaye akurikiranwa ku ngaruka ibyo bikorwa byateje. [28] Akomeza avuga ko ibisabwa n’uhagarariye Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be by’uko CRBC Ltd ari yo igomba kuryozwa indishyi bitahabwa agaciro, kuko mu manza zabanje icyaregerwaga ari indishyi zishingiye ku bwishingizi bw’ikinyabiziga cyateje impanuka; agasanga rero iyo ngingo itasuzumwa bwa mbere ku rwego rw’akarengane.

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[29] Avuga ko icyemezo cyose uru Rukiko rwafata asanga ntacyo CRBC Ltd yaryozwa, kuko nta ruhare na rumwe iyo sosiyete yagize mu mpanuka yabaye. Avuga ko ku bw’ibanze, asanga indishyi zasabwe CRBC Ltd nta shingiro zahabwa, icyakora ko mu gihe Urukiko rwabibona ukundi, rwazita ku ruhare rutaziguye (participation directe) Nyakwigendera yagize muri iyo mpanuka ubwo yemeraga kugenda hejuru y’imodoka ipakiye imizigo. Yongeraho ko amategeko akwiye gukurikizwa hafatwa icyemezo muri uru rubanza ari ajyanye n’ubwishingizi bw’abakozi bakoreye impanuka mu kazi yabaye hagati ya CRBC Ltd na SANLAM AG Plc kuko yakozwe mu buryo bukurikije amategeko, cyane cyane ko iyo aza kuba atarubahirije amategeko Nzayikorera Jeanne atari kwemera kwishyurwa 1,000,000 Frw y’indishyi. [30] Asoza kuri iyi ngingo avuga ko impamvu Nzayikorera Jeanne ariwe wasinye ko yakiriye amafaranga wenyine, ari uko ari we muzungura uza mbere y’abandi.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [31] Ababuranyi muri uru rubanza bemeranya ko Nshimyumukiza Isacar yaguye mu mpanuka ari mu kazi, icyo batumvikanaho ari na cyo kigomba gusuzumwa muri uru rubanza, ni uko Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be bavuga ko indishyi zikomoka kuri iyo mpanuka zagombaga gutangwa hashingiwe ku Iteka rya Perezida No 31/01 ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 rishyiraho uburyo bwo kwishyura indishyi ku bubabare bw’umubiri buturutse ku mpanuka zitewe n’ibinyabiziga, mu gihe SANLAM AG Plc na CRBC Ltd bo bavuga ko zagombaga gutangwa hashingiwe ku masezerano yiswe “workmen compensation insurance”.

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a. Ni ryari ubwishingizi butegetswe ku buryozwe butewe n’ibigenzwa ku butaka bifite moteri bukoreshwa? [32] Ingingo ya 4 y’Itegeko Teka No 32/75 ryo ku wa 07 Kanama 1975 ryerekeye ubwishingire butegetswe ku buryozwe butewe n’ibigenzwa ku butaka bifie moteri ari na ryo rikomokaho Iteka rya Perezida N° 31/01 ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 rishyiraho uburyo bwo kwishyura indishyi ku bubabare bw’umubiri buturutse ku mpanuka zitewe n’ibinyabiziga, iteganya ko “bashobora kuvanwa mu bwishingire (…) 3o abantu barindwa n’amategeko ari ukwayo mu byerekeye indishyi zitewe n’ibyago by’akazi, keretse iyo abo bantu bahisemo gukurikirana indishyi ku wishingiwe”. [33] Ingingo ya 7 y’Amasezerano rusange y’ubwishingizi butegetswe (Conditions Générales, Titre I. Assurance Obligatoire de Responsabilité Civile) ya SANLAM AG Plc ivuga ko: “ntibashobora guhabwa indishyi (…) 3o abakozi b’uwishingiwe mu gihe bari mu kazi cyangwa umushoferi wari utwaye ikinyabiziga cyateje impanuka”8. [34] Ingingo ya 4 y’Itegeko Teka No 32/75 rimaze kuvugwa haruguru, igaragaza ko abagirana amasezerano y’ubwishingizi butegetswe ku buryozwe butewe n’ibigenzwa ku butaka bifite moteri bashobora kugira ibyiciro by’abantu bakura mu bagenerwa indishyi. Muri ibyo byiciro harimo abarebwa n’amategeko yihariye mu byerekeye indishyi ziterwa n’ibyago bikomoka ku kazi, aba bakaba bagomba kuba bafite amategeko

8 “Ne peuvent bénéficier del’indemnité d’assurance …(3o) pendant leur service, les salariésou préposés del’assuré ou du conducteur don’t la responsabilité est engagé du fait de l’accident”

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yihariye abarengera mu gihe habayeho impanuka mu rwego rw’akazi. N’ubwo itegeko ryavuzwe ridasobanura neza ayo mategeko ayo ari yo, birumvikana ko ari asanzwe arengera abakozi, akaba ari ajyanye n’ubwiteganyirize bw’abakozi9 cyangwa ubundi bwishingizi bw’abakozi bwafashwe n’umukoresha wabo, nk’ubwo CRBC Ltd yafatiye abakozi bayo ku wa 23/01/2014 bwiswe “workmen compensation insurance”. [35] Ku birebana n’uru rubanza, biragaragara ko mu masezerano rusange ya SANLAM AG Plc yagaragajwe haruguru, abakozi b’uwishingiwe batari mu bagenerwa indishyi mu gihe bari mu kazi cyangwa abashoferi b’imodoka yateje impanuka. Biragaragara na none ko no mu bundi bwishingizi10CRBC Ltd yafatiye ibinyabiziga byayo, abakozi bayo batarimo. [36] Hakurikijwe ibimaze gusobanurwa haruguru, Urukiko rurasanga amasezerano y’ubwishingizi butegetswe ku buryozwe butewe n’ibigenda ku butaka bifite moteri atarashoboraga gushingirwaho hatangwa indishyi ku mpanuka yahitanye Nshimyumukiza Isacar.

9- Ingingo ya 47 agace ka 6, y’Itegeko Nº 13/2009 ryo ku wa 27/05/2009 rigenga umurimo mu Rwanda ryakurikizwaga igihe Nshimyumukiza Isacar yakoraga impanuka, iteganya ko imwe mu nshingano z’umukoresha ari ugushyira abakozi mu bwiteganyirize bw’abakozi. - Ingingo ya 2, igika cya mbere, y’Itegeko N° 06/2003 ryo ku wa 22/03/2003 rihindura kandi ryuzuza Itegeko-Teka ryo ku wa 22/08/1974 rigena ubwiteganyirize bw’abakozi iteganya ko iri Tegekorireba abakozi bagengwa n’amategeko agenga umurimo, abanyapolitiki bari mu nzego za Leta batarageza ku myaka y’izabukuru n’abakozi ba Leta bagengwa na Sitati. Naho igika cya kabiri cy’iyo ngingo kikagira giti: “Bafatwa nk’abakozi bavuzwemu gika cya mbere cy’iyi ngingo, abakozi b’igihe gito...” 10 Reba amazeserano y’ubwishingizi yihariye: II. Particular conditions for the cover personal accident (for owners, relatives and drivers).

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b. Ni ubuhe bwishingizi bukoreshwa ku birebana n’impanuka yahitanye Nshimyumukiza Isacar ari mu kazi? [37] Mu gusubiza ikibazo kijyanye no kumenya ubwishingizi bugomba gukoreshwa mu kwishyura indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka yahitanye Nshimyumukiza Isacar, ni ngombwa gusobanura iby’iyi mpanuka mbere yo gusobanura ugomba gutanga indishyi ziyikomokaho. [38] Ibijyanye n’impanuka yahitanye Nshimyumukiza Isacar: Ingingo ya 13 y'itegeko No 06/2003 ryo ku wa 22/03/2003 rihindura kandi ryuzuza Itegeko-Teka ryo ku wa 22/08/1994 rigena ubwiteganyirize bw'abakozi iteganya mu gika cya mbere ko icyago gikomoka ku kazi ari ikigwirira umukozi cyose ku murimo we, ku mpamvu iyo ari yo yose”. Turebye mu bindi bihugu, abahanga mu mategeko y’abafaransa bagaragaza ko ingingo ya L411-1 s. CSS ku byerekeye impanuka y’akazi yagiye isobanurwa mu buryo bwagutse mu manza zitandukanye, ubu ikaba isobanurwa nk’ikintu cyangwa ibintu bigwirira umuntu mu gihe kizwi kubera akazi cyangwa mu gihe cy’akazi, bikamuviramo ibyago ku mubiri hatitawe ku gihe ibyo byago byagaragariye. (on a donc pu donner de l’accident du travail une définition plus large le désignant comme “un événement ou une série d’événements survenus à des dates certaines par le fait ou à l’occasion du travail, dont il est résulté une lésion corporelle, quelle que soit la date d’apparition de celle-ci”)11. Nshimyumukiza Isacar yakoze impanuka ari mu kazi ka CRBC Ltd, aho bari bavuye gupakira umucanga mu mirimo y’ubwubatsi bw’umuhanda RUVUMBU-KIBUYE, ibi kandi ababuranyi bose

11 Yvonne Lambert-faivre na Stéphanie Porchy-Simon: Droit du domage corporel, systeme d’indemnisation, éditions DALLOZ, 8è édition, P428

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babyemeranyaho. Ibi bigaragaza rero ko impanuka yahitanye Nshimyumukiza Isacar ari impanuka yo mu rwego rw’akazi igomba kugengwa n’amategeko agenga bene izo mpanuka, hakaba hagomba kugenwa indishyi zishingiye kuri ayo mategeko. [39] Ku bijyanye n’ugomba gutanga indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka y’akazi, duhereye ku biteganywa mu bindi bihugu, mu mategeko y’abafaransa nk’uko asobanurwa n’abahanga bavuzwe haruguru, ingingo ya L.451-1CSS y’abafaransa ivuga ko ibigenerwa uwakoze impanuka y’akazi bidashingira ku ihame ry’uburyozwe12. Bavuga ko hakurikizwa ibigenga ubwiteganyirize bw’abakozi (sécurité sociale) bifasha uwahohotewe kubona ubuvuzi bujyanye n’uko amerewe ndetse no guhabwa ibindi byamufasha, akaba ari no muri urwo rwego agenerwa indishyi. Bavuga kandi ko umukozi ashobora no kuba yariteganyirije afata ubundi bwishingizi (assurance des personnes) ku byago byamubaho ku mubiri13. [40] Umukoresha nawe agomba gufata ubwishingizi bwitwa “workers’ compensation Insurance” bushobora kwitwa “workmen compensation insurance” abufatiye abakozi bari mu kazi kugira ngo igihe habaye impanuka, umwishingizi azishyure ibyangijwe, aho kugira ngo umukozi akurikirane umukoresha we.

12 Idem. P 437 13 “Lorsque la victime d’un domage corporel ne peut attendre aucune indemnisation d’un tiers responsible, elle dispose cependant de certaines prestations de sécurité sociale qui lui permettent notamment de recevoir dessoins médicaux correspondant à son état, et éventuellemnt quelques subsides en éspèces; c’est aussi dansle cadre de la sécurité sociale que la victime d’un accident de travail est indemnisée. Elle peut en outre avair veillé à sa prévoyance personnelle en ayant souscrit des assurances de personnes pour ses dommages corporels d’accident ou de maladie”. Idem. Para 401.

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Ibi ni byo bivugwa n’abahanga mu bijyaye n’ubu bwishingizi nk’uko bigaragara ku rubuga rwa Insurance Information Institute (III) rwo muri Pennsylvania, Leta Zunze Ubumwe za Amerika14. Ni nacyo gisobanuro gitangwa n’uwitwa Julia Kagan wo muri New York ku rubuga rwa INVESTOPIA15 ndetse n’urubuga ASSURALIA rwo mu Bubiligi16. Aba bahanga bose bavuga ko ubu bwishingizi kubufatira abakozi ari itegeko. [41] Mu Rwanda naho, bene ubu bwishingizi burategetswe mu bijyanye n’imyubakire. Ingingo ya 41 y’Itegeko N°10/2012 ryo kuwa 02/05/2012 rigena imitunganyirize y’imijyi n’imyubakire mu Rwanda iteganya ko “agitangira imirimo y’ubwubatsi, rwiyemezamirimo agomba gufata ubwishingizi bw’impanuka zishobora kuba ahubakwa”, naho iya 42 y’iryo tegeko igateganya ko uwapatanye gukorera undi imirimo y’ubwubatsi agomba kuba afite ubwishingizi bw’ibyo yaryozwa, biturutse ku gikorwa cye. [42] Mu Rwanda kandi, hari amategeko agira icyo avuga ku bijyanye n’ibigomba gukorerwa umukozi mu rwego rwo kumurinda: (i) Ingingo ya 47, agace ka 6, y’Itegeko Nº 13/2009

14 “Workers compensation insurance serves two purposes: It assures that injured workers get medical care and compensation for a portion of the income they lose while they are unable to return to work and it usually protects employers from lawsuits by workers injured while working.” https://www.iii.org/publications/insuring-your- business-small-business- owners-guide-to-insurance/specific-coverages/workers-compensation- insurance. 15 https://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/workers-compensation.asp 16 “L’assurance contre les accidents du travail est une assurance obligatoire à charge de l’employeur. Il doit la souscrire auprès d’une entreprise d’assurance agréée pour couvrir ce risque. La police d’assurance doit être conclue avant l’embauche du premier travailleur” https://www.assuralia.be/fr/theme/travail- entreprise/assurance-accidents- du-travail.

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ryo ku wa 27/05/2009 rigenga umurimo mu Rwanda ryakurikizwaga ubwo Nshimyumukiza Isacar yakoraga impanuka, iteganya ko imwe mu nshingano z’umukoresha ari ugushyira abakozi mu bwiteganyirize bw’abakozi; (ii) Ingingo ya 2 y’Itegeko N° 06/2003 ryo ku wa 22/03/2003 rihindura kandi ryuzuza Itegeko-Teka ryo ku wa 22/08/1974 rigena ubwiteganyirize bw’abakozi nk’uko ryahinduwe kugeza ubu mu gika cya mbere igira iti “iri Tegeko rireba abakozi bagengwa n’amategeko agenga umurimo, abanyapolitiki bari mu nzego za Leta batarageza ku myaka y’izabukuru n’abakozi ba Leta bagengwa na Sitati”. Naho igika cya kabiri cy’iyo ngingo kigira kiti: “Bafatwa nk’abakozi bavuzwe mu gika cya mbere cy’iyi ngingo, abakozi b’igihe gito...”; [43] Mu rubanza RS/INJUST/RC00007/2022/SC17 Urukiko rw’Ikirenga rwemeje ko uko byagenda kose, umukozi agomba gutangirwa imisanzu y’ubwiteganyirize, kabone n’ubwo yaba akora mu buryo bw’imirimo idashingiye ku masezerano y’akazi yanditse (secteur informel) cyangwa mu gihe yaba akora imirimo y’igihe gito. [44] Ushingiye ku byo abahanga bavuzwe bagaragaza n’ibyo amategeko yavuzwe ateganya ndetse n’uyu murongo watanzwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga, biragaragara ko umukozi wese, n’iyo yaba uw’igihe gito agomba guteganyirizwa mu bwiteganyirize bw’abakozi kandi ko ibirebana n’impanuka y’akazi bigengwa n’amategeko agenga ubwiteganyirize bw’abakozi, ndetse ko abakozi bo mu mirimo y’ubwubatsi n’iyindi isa nka yo bagomba gufatirwa ubwishingizi bwihariye mu rwego rwo kubarinda.

17 Reba urubanza Hategekimana Bonaventure yaburanaga na HYTON Ltd rwaciwe n’Urukikorw’Ikirenga ku wa 14/04/2023, igika cya 36.

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[45] Muri dosiye y’uru rubanza nta kigaragaza ko CRBC Ltd yamenyekanishije mu bwiteganyirize bw’abakozi, abakozi bakoraga ku muhanda Ruvumbu-Kibuye, Nshimyumukiza Isacar yakoragaho. Ubwishingizi bwonyine bafatiwe ni ubwagaragajwe bwitwa “workmen compensation insurance”, bwateganyaga ko hazatangwa mu buryo bwa “forfait” 1,000,000 Frw mu gihe habayeho urupfu. Iyo CRBC Ltd iza kumenyekanisha aba bakozi mu bwiteganyirize bw’abakozi kandi ikabatangira imisanzu, Nzayikorera Jeanne, umwana we n’umubyeyi wa Nshimyumukiza Isacar bari guhabwa ibigenerwa umuryango w’umukozi wazize impanuka y’akazi, ariko ibyo si byo baburanye muri uru rubanza. [46] Hashingiwe ku bimaze gusobanurwa, Urukiko rurasanga ubwishingizi bwagombaga gukurikizwa ari ubwo CRBC Ltd yari gufatira umukozi mu bwiteganyirize bw’abakozi ndetse n’ubwiswe “workmen compensation insurance”. [47] Ku birebana no kumenya niba indishyi zatanzwe zikwiye, Urukiko rurasanga kugena indishyi mu buryo bwa forfait byubahirije amategeko agenga ubwishingizi bw’impanuka z’akazi nk’uko bivugwa n’umuhanga Arnaud Buisson Fizellier18 uvuga ko amategeko agenga ibijyanye n’impanuka z’akazi ateganya ko indishyi zitangwa hashingiwe kuri forfait kandi ko ihame ryo kuriha mu buryo bwuzuye nk’uko bikorwa mu bijyane n’uburyozwe mu mategeko asanzwe ridakurikizwa mu bijyanye

18 Arnaud Buisson Fizellier, La réparation intégrale du préjudice: rappel du principe et applications pratiques. Lettre d’information décembre 2006. www.bfpl-law.com/publications/la-reparation-integrale-du-prejudice- rappel-du-principe-et-applications-pratiques-lettre-dinformation-decembre- 2006.

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n’impanuka z’akazi19. Ikindi kandi ubu bwishingizi buriha hashingiwe ku byo uwabufashe yishingiye n’ibyo yumvikanye n’umwishingizi bizishyurwa igihe cy’impanuka. Urukiko rurasanga rero SANLAM AG Plc yarubahirije inshingano zayo zishingiye ku masezerano ya “workmen compensation insurance” yo ku wa 23/01/2014 yagiranye na CRBC Ltd, bityo ikaba itagomba kugira ikindi ibazwa. II.2. Kumenya niba indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka yahitanye Nshimyumukiza Isacar zisabwa na Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be zifite ishingiro n’ugomba kuzishyura mu gihe zaba zigomba gutangwa. [48] Nyuma yo gusanga indishyi zasabwe zitari gushingira ku Iteka rya Perezida No 31/01 ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 rishyiraho uburyo bwo kwishyura indishyi ku bubabare bw'umubiri buturutse ku mpanuka zitewe n'ibinyabiziga, Urukiko rusanga bitakiri ngombwa gusuzuma iki kibazo. II.3. Kumenya ishingiro ry’indishyi zisabwa muri uru rubanza. [49] Me Nsabayezu Evariste uhagarariye Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be, avuga ko kuva urubanza rwatangira abo aburanira batakaje byinshi mu gukurikirana uru rubanza kuva ku mwishingizi, mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye, mu Rukiko Rukuru no mu Rukiko rw’Ikirenga, agasaba ko mu gihe Urukiko rwasanga ibisabwa n’abo aburanira bifite ishingiro, rwategeka SANLAM AG Plc na CRBC Ltd gusubiza Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi

19 “la législation sur les accidents du travail et maladies professionnelles qui n’offre aux victimes qu’un régime de réparation forfaitaire, lequel ne peut assurer une réparation intégrale de la victime”.

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be 4,000,000 Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka na 1,500,000 Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza. [50] Me Rusanganwa Jean Bosco uhagarariye SANLAM AG Plc avuga ko indishyi zisabwa na Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be nta shingiro kuko ikirego zishingiyeho nacyo nta shingiro gifite. [51] Mu kirego kiregera kwiregura, Me Rusanganwa Jean Bosco uhagarariye SANLAM AG Plc avuga ko kuba sosiyete aburanira ikomeje gushorwa mu manza ku maherere, asaba Urukiko ko rwategeka Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be kuyishyura 1,000,000 Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza na 1,000,000 Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka yiyongera ku yo baciwe mu nkiko zibanza. [52] Me Nsabayezu Evariste uhagarariye Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be avuga ko indishyi zisabwa na SANLAM AG Plc atari ngombwa kuko amafaranga y’indishyi asabwa n’abo aburanira bayafitiye uburenganzira. [53] Me Niyitegeka Eraste uhagarariye CRBC Ltd na we mu kirego kiregera kwiregura yasabye Urukiko ko sosiyete aburanira yagenerwa indishyi z'akababaro zingana na 2,000,000 Frw kubera gukururwa mu manza zidafite ishingiro kandi mu by’ukuri ibyabaye byose nta ruhare CRBC Ltd yabigizemo ku buryo yajyanwa mu nkiko, cyane cyane ko ibyo yasabwaga nk’umukoresha byose yabikoze. Yasabye kandi ko CRBC Ltd yagenerwa n’abarega 1,000,000 Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka. [54] Me Nsabayezu Evariste uhagarariye Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be avuga ko CRBC Ltd nta ndishyi ikwiye gusaba kuko ari yo nyirabayazana w’ibibazo byose kubera ko

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amasezerano y’ubwishingizi ivuga ko ari yo yashingiweho hishyurwa umuryango wa Nyakwigendera adakwiye kuko bitumvikana ukuntu washyira mu masezerano ko mu gihe umukozi apfuye umuryango wa Nyakwigendera uhabwa 1,000,000 Frw gusa. UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA: [55] Ingingo ya 111 y’Itegeko N⁰ 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi nk’uko ryahinduwe kugeza ubu, iteganya ko “ikirego cy’amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza ari ikirego gishamikira ku kirego cy’iremezo kigamije kwishyuza ibyakoreshejwe mu rubanza.” [56] Urukiko rurasanga muri uru rubanza utsinzwe ari Nzayikorera Jeanne na bagenzi be bakaba ari bo bakwiye gutanga indishyi zisabwa muri uru rubanza kandi badakwiye guhabwa izo basaba. Rurasanga abagomba guhabwa indishyi ari SANLAM AG Plc na CRBC Ltd ariko izo basaba akaba ari umurengera kandi batagaragaza ko ari zo zakoreshejwe, ndetse bakaba nta n’ibyo bakoze bidasanzwe mu gukurikirana urubanza, kuko rwaburanywe na ba Avoka babo, akaba ari yo mpamvu mu bushishozi bw’Urukiko rusanga bahabwa buri wese 500,000 Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka gusa. III. ICYEMEZO CY’URUKIKO [57] Rwemeje ko ikirego cyatanzwe na Nzayikorera Jeanne, Uwimpundu Marie, Mukashema Mamelithe, Ndengeyingoma

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Bosco, Tuyishimire Béatrice, Nyirangirimana Béathe, Nyiragasigwa Agnès na Bihoyiki Vestine gisaba gusubirishamo Urubanza Nº RCA 00017/2021/HC/KIG rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru ku wa 25/11/2022, ku mpamvu z’akarengane, nta shingiro gifite; [58] Rwemeje ko nta gihindutse ku mikirize y’urubanza Nº RCA 00017/2021/HC/KIG rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru ku wa 25/11/2022; [59] Rutegetse Nzayikorera Jeanne, Uwimpundu Marie, Mukashema Mamelithe, Ndengeyingoma Bosco, Tuyishimire Béatrice, Nyirangirimana Béathe, Nyiragasigwa Agnès na Bihoyiki Vestine gufatanya guha SANLAM AG Plc 500,000 Frw na CHINA ROAD AND BRIDGE CORPORATION Ltd 500,000Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka.

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SANLAM ASSURANCES GENERALES Plc v NDAYISABA [Rwanda URUKIKO RW’IKIRENGA - RS/INJUST/RC 00006/2024/SC (Hitiyaremye, P.J., Muhumuza, Kalihangabo, J.) 14 Werurwe 2025] Amategeko agenga imanza z’imbonezamubano – Indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka - Indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi – Kugira ngo usaba indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi ashobore kuzigenerwa, agomba kugaragaza ko hari akazi yari afite ako ari ko kose, ndetse n’ingaruka impanuka yamugizeho yatumye agatakaza, agahindura, agakora mu buryo buvunanye cyangwa ko yaba atagishoboye kuzamurwa mu ntera. Amategeko agenga imiburanishirize y’imanza mbonezamubano – Indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi – Ibimenyetso – Bimwe mu bimenyetso bigaragaza ko usaba indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe yari afite akazi ni ubuhamya bw’ubuyobozi bw’inzego z’ibanze bw’aho yari atuye bwakwemeza ko yari afite akazi, ubw’abo yaba yarakoreye cyangwa yarakoranye nabo, igipande yahemberwagaho cyangwa momo yakiriragaho ibihembo cyangwa ikindi kimenyetso cyose yabona cyabyemeza. Incamake y’ikibazo: Uru rubanza rukomoka ku mpanuka ya moto yari itwawe na Bagaragaza iza kugonga Ndayisaba wagendaga n’amaguru bitewe n’uko atabashije kuringaniza umuvuduko yagenderagaho. Iyo mpanuka yasigiye Ndayisaba ubumuga buhoraho bungana na 48%. Uyu yaje gusaba SANLAM

ASSURANCES

GENERALES Plc (SANLAM) 139

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nk’umwishingizi w’ikinyabiziga cyakoze impanuka indishyi zinyuranye ariko ntibumvikana, atanga ikirego mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge, SANLAM ikavuga ko indishyi asaba atazemerewe zose. Urukiko rwasanze ikirego gifite ishingiro rutegeka uregwa kwishyura indishyi zirimo iz’ibangamirabukungu, ibangamiraburambe mu kazi, iz’akababaro n’izindi. Uregwa yajuririye icyo cyemezo mu Rukiko Rukuru avuga ko indishyi zatanzwe mu buryo budakurikije amategeko kuko uwazihawe nta kazi kazwi yagiraga, urukiko rwasanze ubujurire bufite ishingiro kuri bimwe rwemeza ko indishyi zose zigumyeho uretse indishyi z’ubumuga bw’igihe gito. SANLAM yagiye mu nzira z’akarengane, urubanza ruhabwa Urukiko rw’Ikirenga rwongera kuburanishwa hasuzumwa ikibazo cyo kumenya niba indishyi z’ibangamiraburambe mu kazi zaragombaga gutangwa. Uwajuriye avuga ko Ndayisaba atagombaga guhabwa indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi kandi nta kazi kazwi yagiraga kuko izo ndishyi zihabwa umunyeshuri n’undi wari usanzwe afite akazi ariko akagatakaza kubera impanuka. Akomeza avuga ko urukiko rwabanje rwitiranyije indishyi zo gutakaza amahirwe yo kubona akazi n’indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi bigatuma rutegeka ko hatangwa izo ndishyi kandi atari byo. Ndayisaba asobanura ko n’ubwo umuntu yaba nta kazi afite bidasobanuye ko ntacyo yaba yimariye kuko umuntu udafite ubumuga, igihe icyo aricyo cyose aba abasha kubona akazi akagira icyo yinjiza. Yongeraho ko, yakoraga akazi k’ubuyede, aza no kuba umufundi bityo ko bigoye kubona ibimenyetso by’ako kazi kuko babahembaga mu ntoki.

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Incamake y’icyemezo: 1. Kugira ngo usaba indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi ashobore kuzigenerwa, agomba kugaragaza ko hari akazi yari afite ako ari ko kose, ndetse n’ingaruka impanuka yamugizeho yatumye agatakaza, agahindura, agakora mu buryo buvunanye cyangwa ko yaba atagishoboye kuzamurwa mu ntera.

2. Bimwe mu bimenyetso bigaragaza ko usaba indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe yari afite akazi ni ubuhamya bw’uyobozi bw’inzego z’ibanze bw’aho yari atuye bwakwemeza ko yari afite akazi, ubw’abo yaba yarakoreye cyangwa yarakoranye nabo, igipande yahemberwagaho cyangwa momo yakiriragaho ibihembo cyangwa ikindi kimenyetso cyose yabona cyabyemeza. Gusubirishamo urubanza ku mpamvu z’akarengane, bifite ishingiro. Amategeko yashingiweho: Itegeko N° 062/2024 ryo ku wa 20/06/2024 rigenga ibimenyetso, ingingo ya 4; Iteka rya Perezida N° 31/01 ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 rishyiraho uburyo bwo kwishyura indishyi ku bubabare bw’umubiri buturutse ku mpanuka zitewe n’ibinyabiziga, ingingo ya 19. Imanza zifashishijwe: Urubanza RADIANT Insurance Company v Murekatete RS/INJUST/RC 00004/2023/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 2/04/2024.

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Urubanza Prime Insurance Company Ltd v Uwimanimpaye RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 02/12/2022. Urubanza Radiant Insurance Company Ltd v Mukaneza RS/INJUST/RC 00007/2023/SC, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 05/04/2024. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Nshimiyimana Alexis n’abandi, RPAA 0059/08/CS rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 19/11/2010. Urubanza I. IMITERERE Y’URUBANZA [1] Uru rubanza rukomoka ku mpanuka yabaye ku wa 07/10/2017, ubwo Moto TVS Victor ifite Plaque RB 479 V yari itwawe na Bagaragaza Emmanuel yageraga mu Mudugudu wa Giporoso, Akagari ka Kabeza, Umurenge wa Kanombe, Akarere ka Kicukiro, mu Mujyi wa Kigali; agonga Ndayisaba Mathieu wagendaga n’amaguru bimuviramo gukomereka. Inyandiko mvugo yakozwe n’Umugenzacyaha, yerekanye ko impanuka yatewe n’uko Bagaragaza Emmanuel atubahirije amategeko y’umuhanda, ananirwa kuringaniza umuvuduko yagenderagaho. [2] Nyuma y’aho impanuka ibereye, Ndayisaba Mathieu yagiye kwipimisha ngo arebe ubumuga impanuka yamusigiye, asanga afite ubumuga buhoraho buri ku kigero cya 48%, mu gihe SANLAM AG Plc yo yagaragaje ko ubumuga bukomoka kuri iyo mpanuka buri ku kigero cya 45%.

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[3] Ku wa 14/01/2021, Ndayisaba Mathieu yasabye SANLAM AG Plc nk’umwishingizi wa moto yateje impanuka ko bakemura ikibazo mu bwumvikane, akagenerwa indishyi zikomoka ku mpanuka yari yabaye, ariko ubwumvikane ntibwagerwaho bituma atanga ikirego mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge arusaba ko rwamugenera indishyi zitandukanye yasabaga. SANLAM AG Plc yireguye ivuga ko indishyi zisabwa na Ndayisaba Mathieu nta shingiro zifite kuko mu zo asaba harimo izo atemerewe n’amategeko. [4] Urukiko rwanzuye ko ikirego cya Ndayisaba Mathieu gifite ishingiro, rutegaka ko SANLAM AG Plc igomba kumwishyura 9,443,814 Frw akubiyemo: 4,933,580 Frw y’indishyi z’ibangamirabukungu, 1,080,000 Frw y’indishyi z’akababaro, 1,080,000 Frw y’indishyi z’ibangamiraburanga, 540,000 Frw y’indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi, 540,000 Frw y’indishyi z’ubumuga bw’igihe gito, 550,234 Frw yishyuwe ku bikorwa by’ubuvuzi no gukurikirana dosiye, 200,000 Frw y’indishyi zo gushorwa mu manza nta mpamvu, 500,000 Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka na 20,000 Frw y’ingwate y’amagarama. [5] SANLAM AG Plc yajuririye mu Rukiko Rukuru ivuga ko indishyi z’ibangamirabukungu zabazwe mu buryo butari bwo, iz’ibangamira ry’uburambe ku kazi (préjudice de carrière) zitangwa hashingiwe ku marangamutima, naho iz’ubumuga bw’igihe gito, Urukiko ruzitanga rutabanje gusesengura amategeko zishingiyeho. [6] Mu rubanza No RCA 00207/2022/HC/KIG rwaciwe ku wa 05/06/2023, Urukiko Rukuru rwasanze:

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i. Rwemeranya n’uburyo Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge rwabaze indishyi z’ibangamirabukungu; ii. Kuba ingingo ya 18 na 19 z’Iteka rya Perezida No 31/01 ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 rishyiraho uburyo bwo kwishyura indishyi ku bubabare bw’umubiri buturutse ku mpanuka zitewe n’ibinyabiziga, ntaho ziteganya ko udafite akazi akuwe mu bagenerwa indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe ku murimo ari igihamya ko agomba kuzigenerwa, kuko izo ndishyi zitahabwa umunyeshuri udafite icyo yinjiza na mba, ngo noneho zimwe uwarangije kwiga; iii. Rutakurikiza umurongo watanzwe mu rubanza No RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 02/12/2022, haburana Prime Insurance Company Ltd na Uwimanimpaye Jean Claude kuko ibisobanuro birukubiyemo bitagaragaza impamvu zishingirwaho kugira ngo udafite akazi yimwe indishyi, mu gihe umunyeshuri we azihabwa; iv. Ndayisaba Mathieu atagenerwa indishyi z’ubumuga bw’igihe gito kuko muri uru rubanza yagenewe indishyi z’ibangamirabukungu. [7] Urukiko rwanzuye ko ubujurire bwa SANLAM AG Plc bufite ishingiro kuri bimwe; rwemeza ko indishyi z’ibangamirabukungu ndetse n’iz’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi zaciwe SANLAM AG Plc zigumyeho nk’uko zemejwe mu rubanza No RC 00239/2021/TGI/NYGE rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge ku wa 20/04/2022, ruvuga ko indishyi z’ubumuga bw’igihe gito zaciwe SANLAM AG Plc zivanyweho, rutegeka SANLAM AG Plc guha Ndayisaba Mathieu 8,903,814 Frw akubiyemo 4,933,580 Frw y’indishyi

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z’ibangamirabukungu, 1,080,000 Frw y’indishyi z’akababaro, 1,080,000 Frw y’indishyi z’ibangamiraburanga, 540,000 Frw y’indishyi iz’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi, 550,234 Frw yishyuwe ku bikorwa by’ubuvuzi no gukurikirana dosiye, 200,000 Frw y’indishyi zo gushorwa mu manza nta mpamvu, 500,000 Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka na 20,000 Frw y’ingwate y’amagarama. [8] Ku wa 14/06/2023, SANLAM AG Plc yandikiye Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire isaba ko urubanza Nº RCA 00207/2022/HC/KIG rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru ku wa 05/06/2023 rusubirwamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane. Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire amaze gusuzuma ubwo busabe, yandikiye Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga asaba ko urwo rubanza rusubirwamo, maze mu cyemezo No 069/CJ/2024 cyo ku wa 15/05/2024, yemeza ko rwoherezwa mu Bwanditsi bw’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga kugira ngo ruzongere ruburanishwe. [9] Mu myanzuro ya SANLAM AG Plc ivuga ko akarengane kari mu rubanza basabye ko rwasubirwamo aruko urukiko rwagennyemo indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko kuko Ndayisaba Mathieu akora impanuka nta kazi yagiraga, uyu ariko we akavuga ko nta mategeko yishwe kuko akazi yari agafite n’ubwo nta bimenyetso byako afite kuko yahembwaga mu ntoki. [10] Iburanisha mu ruhame ryabaye ku wa 13/02/2025, SANLAM AG Plc ihagarariwe na Me Nkeza Sempundu Clément, naho Ndayisaba Mathieu ahagarariwe na Me Abasa Fazili, maze ababuranyi bajya impaka ku bijyanye no kumenya niba Ndayisaba Mathieu agomba guhabwa indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi ndetse no kumenya ishingiro ry’indishyi zisabwa muri uru rubanza.

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II. IBIBAZO BIGIZE URUBANZA N’ISESENGURWA RYABYO 1. Kumenya niba Ndayisaba Mathieu agomba guhabwa indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi. [11] Me Nkeza Sempundu Clément uhagarariye SANLAM AG Plc avuga ko nta ndishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi Ndayisaba Mathieu yagombaga guhabwa kuko mu nkiko zabanje yaburanaga avuga ko nta kazi kazwi yakoraga igihe impanuka yabaga, ari nayo mpamvu indishyi zose yagenewe zabariwe kuri SMIG ya 3,000 Frw. Agaragaza ko icyatunguranye ari ukubona Urukiko Rukuru ruvuga ko ingingo ya 18 n’iya 19 z’Iteka rya Perezida No 31/01 ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 rishyiraho uburyo bwo kwishyura indishyi ku bubabare bw’umubiri buturutse ku mpanuka zitewe n’ibinyabiziga, ntaho zigaragaza ko udafite akazi gahemberwa yakuwe mu bahabwa indishyi z’ibangamira ry’ubyurambe mu kazi, mu gihe nyamara umunyeshuri udahembwa we azigenerwa. [12] Avuga ko kuba Urukiko Rukuru rwarasesenguye ingingo ya 19 y’Iteka rya Perezida ryagarutsweho, rukavuga ko n’ubwo uwakomerekejwe n’impanuka aba atarabona akazi kamuhemba ku kwezi ariko bidakuraho ko hari indi mirimo aba asanzwe akora nka nyakabyizi mu gihe agitegereje gushaka akandi kazi kazwi, bityo ko iyo mpanuka ishobora kumuvutsa amahirwe yo kubona ako kazi ugereranyije n’ayo yari kuba afite iyo mpanuka itaraba; asanga Urukiko ntacyo rwabishingiyeho kuko n’ubusanzwe mbere y’uko impanuka iba ntako yagiraga. [13] Akomeza avuga ko ingigo ya 19 y’Iteka rya Perezida ryavuzwe, yateganyije ko umunyeshuri ndetse n’umuntu wari

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usanzwe afite akazi ariko akagatakaza, ari bo bonyine bagenerwa indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi, bityo ko kuba Ndayisaba Mathieu atari muri ibyo byiciro bibiri (2) birebwa n’izo ndishyi, hatari gushingirwa ku mahirwe y’ahazaza. Yongeraho ko kuba hari ubumuga Ndayisaba Mathieu yasigiwe n’impanuka ndetse akaba ntacyo agishoboye gukora, ibyo yabiherewe indishyi. Asanga rero kuba Urukiko Rukuru rwaremeraga ko Ndayisaba Mathieu nta kazi kazwi yari afite ndetse akaba atari n’umunyeshuri igihe impanuka yabaga, asanga nta kindi Urukiko rwari gushingiraho rumugenera izo ndishyi kuko ntacyo itegeko ryateganyije kuko rireba abantu bakorera umushahara. [14] Avuga ko kuba Urukiko Rukuru rwaravuze ko Ndayisaba Mathieu yashoboraga kubura akazi mu gihe kizaza binyuranyije n’Iteka rya Perezida ndetse n’umurongo watanzwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga mu kibazo gisa nk’iki, aho mu rubanza No RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC1 rwasobanuye ko umuntu utagaragaza ko hari akazi yari afite ubwo yakoraga impanuka nta n’indishyi ashobora guhabwa kuko ntacyo aba yatakaje, ndetse n’urubanza No RS/INJUST/RC 00007/2023/SC2, aho rwasobanuye ko ingaruka ubumuga buhoraho bugira ku burambe ku kazi k’uwari usanzwe akora harimo gutakaza amahirwe yo kuzamurwa mu ntera mu kazi, bityo ko kuba Ndayisaba Mathieu nta kazi kazwi gakorera ibihembo (salarié) yari afite igihe impanuka yabaga, atagombaga guhabwa izo ndishyi.

1 Reba urubanza No RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 02/12/2022 haburana Prime Insurance Company Ltd na Uwimanimpaye Jean Claude, igika cya 27. 2 Reba No RS/INJUST/RC 00007/2023/SC rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 05/04/2024 haburana Radiant Insurance Company Ltd na Mukaneza Clarisse, igika cya 53.

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[15] Akomeza avuga ko Urukiko Rukuru rwitiranyije indishyi zo gutakaza amahirwe (perte de chance) ndetse n’indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi (préjudice de carrière). Avuga ko uburanira Ndayisaba Mathieu ataburana avuga ko akazi yakoraga katazwi kuko nta kazi katazwi kabaho. [16] Asoza kuri iyi ngingo avuga ko hashingiwe ku mirongo yatanzwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga yagaragaje Ndayisaba Mathieu atari guhabwa indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi kuko atujuje ibisabwa n’ingingo ya 19 y’Iteka rya Perezida ryavuzwe haruguru; asaba Urukiko rw’Ikirenga kumutegeka gusubiza SANLAM AG Plc 540,000 Frw y’izo ndishyi yahawe bitari ngombwa. [17] Me Abasa Fazili uhagarariye Ndayisaba Mathieu avuga ko impamvu SANLAM AG Plc yatanze isubirishamo urubanza ku mpamvu z’akarengane nta shingiro zahabwa kuko mu bisobanuro Urukiko Rukuru rwatanze rwashakaga kumvikanisha ko, n’ubwo umuntu nta kazi kazwi aba afite bidakuraho ko ntacyo aba yimariye cyangwa amariye abandi. Rwerekanye kandi ko igihe cyose umuntu atamugaye, yakora akazi ako ariko kose; ko kuba rero igihe agize ubumuga, ubwo bumuga bumuzitira gukora akazi yari asanzwe akora ataramugara. [18] Akomeza avuga ko mu buzima bwa buri munsi, Ndayisaba Mathieu yabanje gukora akazi k’ubuyede, nyuma aza gukora n’ak’ubufundi, ko rero ntaho uburanira SANLAM AG Plc yahera avuga ko nta kazi yagiraga kandi icyo gihe cyose yari akimaze atunze umugore n’abana. Akomeza avuga ko atabona ibimenyetso bihamya akazi Ndayisaba Mathieu yakoraga bitewe n’imiterere yako kuko bahembwaga mu ntoki. Yongeraho kandi ko kuba uwo aburanira yarahawe indishyi z’ibangamirabukungu ari igihamya ko hari imirimo yakoraga, agasanga rero bihura

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n’ibiteganywa n’ingingo ya 19 y’Iteka rya Perezida ryagarutsweho, by’uko uwemerewe indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi aba ari umuntu ukora kandi ufite icyo yinjiza hatitawe ku kazi aba akora. [19] Avuga nanone ko bitumvikana ukuntu SANLAM AG Plc yemeranya n’indishyi z’ibangamirabukungu zahawe Ndayisaba Mathieu, hanyuma ikavuga ko adakwiye guhabwa indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi kandi yaragize ubumuga buhoraho bwemejwe na muganga. Asanga rero ubwo bumuga bwaramugizeho ingaruka zikomeye cyane ku buryo atakibasha kugira icyo yikorera nka mbere kuko bumubera inzitizi zo kuba yahabwa akazi ako ariko kose, ibi bikaba byaratumye asubira iwabo mu Ntara y’Iburengerazuba kuko atakibashije gukora, cyane cyane ko n’ubu acyivuza. [20] Arangiza avuga ko Urukiko Rukuru rutanze gukurikiza umurongo watanzwe mu rubanza No RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC kuko mu gufata icyemezo rutanyuranyije na wo, ahubwo rwavuze ko ibisobanuro bikubiye muri urwo rubanza bidahagije ngo hemezwe ko udafite akazi kazwi igihe yakoraga impanuka adakwiriye guhabwa indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi kuko aba avukijwe amahirwe yo kuzabona akazi no kukarambaho; ruvuga kandi ko urwo rubanza rudatanga ibisobanuro bihagije kuri iki kibazo, nk’uko byasobanuwe mu rundi rubanza No RS/INJUST/RC 00007/2023/SC rwavuzwe haruguru.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [21] Ikibazo kigomba gusuzumwa ababuranyi batumvikanaho muri uru rubanza ni ukumenya niba umuntu udafite akazi

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cyangwa udafite akazi kazwi (a well determined job/un emploi bien déterminé) agomba kugenerwa indishyi z’ibangamira ry’ububurambe mu kazi. Mu gusubiza iki kibazo, ni ngombwa gusobanura ibijyanye n’izi ndishyi n’abagomba kuzigenerwa ndetse no kumenya niba hari akazi Ndayisaba Mathieu yari afite igihe yakoraga impanuka. a. Ibijyanye n’indishyi z’ibangamira ry’ububurambe mu kazi n’abagomba kuzigenerwa. [22] Ingingo ya 19 y’Iteka rya Perezida N° 31/01 ryo ku wa 25/08/2003 rishyiraho uburyo bwo kwishyura indishyi ku bubabare bw’umubiri buturutse ku mpanuka zitewe n’ibinyabiziga iteganya ko ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi ari (i) ugutakaza amahirwe y’akazi ku munyeshuri wo mu mashuri abanza, ayisumbuye, ay’imyuga, aya kaminuza cyangwa andi angana nayo umuntu ashobora kwizera (ii) no gutakaza uburambe mu kazi ku muntu wari usanzwe akora. Iyo ngingo ivuga mu gika cyayo cya nyuma ko amafaranga agomba gutangwa ku watakaje uburambe mu kazi agarukira gusa ku mezi atandatu y'umusaruro abazwe kandi atarengeje inshuro 30 umushahara w'umwaka muto ntarengwa wemewe n'amategeko. [23] Mu rubanza RS/INJUST/RC 00004/2023/SC, Urukiko rwifashishije umuhanga mu mategeko Joëlle Marteau-Péretié rwasobanuye ko ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi “préjudice de carrière” cyangwa “préjudice professionnel” risobanurwa nk’ibura ry’ibyo umuntu yinjizaga (perte de revenus) biturutse ku murimo yakoraga mbere y’impanuka kandi ko rigamije kuriha indishyi zijyanye n’ingaruka z’impanuka uwahohotewe yagize zikamutera guhindura umwuga cyangwa gukora umurimo yari asanganywe mu buryo buvunanye (pénibilité), cyangwa se

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guhindura umurimo yakoraga3. Uwo muhanga asobanura ko indishyi zitangwa zishingiye ku ngaruka ku mwuga “Incidence professionnelle” zigamije kuriha ingaruka z’impanuka umuntu yagize zishobora kumugabanyiriza agaciro ku isoko ry’umurimo, zikanariha imvune asigaye agira mu gukora umurimo yari asanganywe cyangwa undi azakora mu gihe kizaza (pénibilité), kuba byarabaye ngombwa ko ahindura akazi cyangwa kuba yabura amahirwe yo kuzamurwa mu ntera kubera impanuka yagize4. [24] Hashingiwe kuri uyu murongo rero, biragaragara ko indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi zigenerwa umuntu wari ufite umurimo, yaba yarawuvuyeho cyangwa se atagishoboye kugira ibyo yinjiza kubera ingaruka z’impanuka, yaba yarawuhinduye ngo akore uwo ashoboye, yaba akiwurimo ariko awukora mu buryo buvunanye kubera ingaruka z’impanuka, cyangwa se yaba akiwurimo ariko atagishobora kuzamurwa mu ntera kubera ko atagitanga umusaruro nka mbere, ibi bikaba byumvikanisha ko udafite akazi atarebwa n’izi ndishyi. Birumvikana kandi ko kugira ngo usaba indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi ashobore kuzigenerwa, agomba kugaragaza ko koko hari akazi yari afite ako ari ko kose, ndetse n’ingaruka impanuka yamugizeho yatumye agatakaza, agahindura, agakora mu buryo buvunanye cyangwa ko yaba atagishoboye kuzamurwa mu ntera. Iby’uko usaba izo ndishyi ari we ugomba kugaragaza ko yari afite akazi byagarutsweho mu

3 Urubanza RS/INJUST/RC 00004/2023/SC rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 2/04/2024 haburana RADIANT Insurace Company na MUREKATETE Denyse, igika cya 36. 4 Ibi biboneka mu gika cya 37 cy’urwo rubanza

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rubanza No RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC5, aho Urukiko rwasanze Uwimanimpaye Jean Claude ataragombaga kugenerwa indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi kuko atagaragarije Urukiko ibimenyetso by’akazi avuga ko yari afite6. b. Kumenya niba hari akazi Ndayisaba Mathieu yari afite igihe yakoraga impanuka. [25] Ingingo ya 4 y’Itegeko N° 062/2024 ryo ku wa 20/06/2024 rigenga ibimenyetso iteganya ko urega cyangwa utanze ikibazo agaragaza ikimenyetso cy’ibyo aregera cyangwa asaba kandi ko uwiregura agaragaza ikimenyetso gishyigikira ukwiregura kwe. Naho ingingo ya 12 y’Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi nk’uko ryahinduwe kugeza ubu, ikavuga ko urega agomba kugaragaza ibimenyetso by’ibyo aregera, yabibura uwarezwe agatsinda. [26] Muri uru rubanza, Ndayisaba Mathieu uvuga ko yari afite akazi kari kamutunze akaba yarabisabiraga indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi, ni we ugomba kubitangira ibimenyetso, atabibona agatsindwa. Umuburanira avuga ko yari afite akazi k’ubufundi avuye ku k’ubuyede, ariko akavuga ko atabona

5 Reba urubanza No RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 02/12/2022 haburana Prime Insurance Company Ltd na Uwimanimpaye Jean Claude, igika cya 27. 6 Umurongo watanzwe muri uru rubanza wakosowe mu buryo bwo kuwuzuza mu rubanza RS/INJUST/RC 00007/2023/SC rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 05/04/2024 haburana Radiant Insurance Company Ltd na Mukaneza Clarisse, igika cya 53, aho Urukiko rwemeje ko indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi zitagomba kumvikana nk’izo gutakaza akazi.

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ibimenyetso bihamya akazi Ndayisaba Mathieu yakoraga bitewe n’imiterere yako, kuko yahembwaga mu ntoki. [27] Urukiko rurasanga uhagarariye Ndayisaba Mathieu yaragombaga gutanga ikimenyetso icyo ari cyo cyose cyashoboraga kugaragaza ko yakoraga ako kazi, urugero nk’ubuhamya bw’uyobozi bw’inzego z’ibanze bw’aho yari atuye bwakwemeza ko yari afite akazi, ubw’abo yaba yarakoreye cyangwa yarakoranye nabo, igipande yahemberwagaho cyangwa momo yakiriragaho ibihembo cyangwa ikindi kimenyetso cyose yabona cyabyemeza. Kubera ko icyo kimenyetso kitagaragajwe, Ndayisaba Mathieu ntiyagombaga guhabwa indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi kubera ko atagaragaje ko hari akazi yari afite akora impanuka. [28] Hashingiwe ku ngingo z’amategeko no ku bisobanuro byatanzwe haruguru, Urukiko rurasanga nta ndishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi Ndayisaba Mathieu yagombaga kugenerwa, akaba agomba gusubiza SANLAM AG Plc 540,000 Frw y’izo ndishyi yahawemu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko.

2. Kumenya ishingiro ry’indishyi zisabwa muri uru rubanza [29] Me Nkeza Sempundu Clément uhagarariye SANLAM AG Plc avuga ko kuba Ndayisaba Mathieu yarahawe indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi, byateye sosiyete aburanira gusiragira mu manza, bityo akaba asaba uru Rukiko gutegeka Ndayisaba Mathieu kwishyura SANLAM AG Plc 2,000,000Frw akubiyemo 700,000 Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka ku rubanza rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, 800,000 Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka

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kuri uru rwego na 500,000 Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza kuri buri rwego kuko yiyambaje abanyamategeko bayiburanira. [30] Me Abasa Fazili uhagarariye Ndayisaba Mathieu yireguye avuga ko indishyi zisabwa na SANLAM AG Plc nta shingiro zahabwa kuko ibyo uwo aburanira yagenewe byose yari abifitiye uburenganzira. Avuga kandi ko atasubiza 540,000 Frw yahawe nk’indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi kuko yemejwe n’Urukiko. Asoza asaba ko Urukiko rwategeka SANLAM AG Plc kumwishyura indishyi zo gushorwa mu manza zingana 2,000,000 Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka ndetse na 1,000,000 Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza. [31] Uburanira SANLAM AG Plc avuga ko indishyi zisabwa na Ndayisaba Mathieu nta shingiro zifite kuko atabasha guhinyuza imanza z’icyitegererezo

SANLAM AG Plc yaburanishije ishyigikira ikirego yatanze.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [32] Urukiko rurasanga indishyi Ndayisaba Mathieu asaba atazihabwa kuko atsindwa muri uru rubanza. Ku birebana n’indishyi zisabwa na SANLAM AG Plc, Urukiko rurasanga hari izo igomba guhawa kubera ko itsinze urubanza. Ku birebana n’amafaranga y’igihembo cya Avoka n’ay’ikurikiranarubanza isaba mu Rukiko Rukuru, Urukiko rurasanga ntayo igomba guhabwa kubera ko kuri urwo rwego hari ibyo yatsindiwe, naho ayo isaba kuri uru rwego yo ikaba igomba kuyahabwa. Rurasanga ariko ayo isaba ari umurengera kandi itayatangira ibimenyetso, mu bushishozi bwarwo rukaba ruyigeneye 500,000 Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka na 300,000 Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza.

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III. ICYEMEZO CY’URUKIKO [33] Rwemeje ko ikirego cyatanzwe na SANLAM AG Plc cyo gusubirishamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane urubanza Nº RCA 00207/2022/HC/KIG rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru ku wa 05/06/2023 gifite ishingiro; [34] Rutegetse Ndayisaba Mathieu gusubiza SANLAM AG Plc 540,000 Frw yahawe nk’indishyi z’ibangamira ry’uburambe mu kazi. [35] Rutegetse Ndayisaba Mathieu guha SANLAM AG Plc 800,000 Frw akubiyemo ay’igihembo cya Avoka n’ay’ikurikiranarubanza.

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IMANZA Z’UBUCURUZI

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ECOBANK RWANDA PLC v. RUSEKAMPUNZI N’UNDI [Rwanda URUKIKO RW’UBUJURIRE – RCOMAA 00058/2024/CA (Rutazana, P.J.) 14 Ukwakira 2024] Amategeko agenga imanza z’ubucuruzi – Cyamunara – Igenagaciro ku mutungo ugurishwa mu cyamunara – Umutungo ugurishwa ugomba gukorerwa igenagaciro, rikozwe igihe cyo kuwugurisha, rikagaragaza agaciro kawo kari ku isoko kagenwe n’umugenagaciro wemewe. Amategeko agenga imanza z’ubucuruzi – Cyamunara – Inyandiko y’amabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara – Ibiyikubiyemo uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate ntakwiriye kubihindura uko yishakiye n’igihe ashakiye, atanamenyesheje ibyahindutse abo bireba. Incamake y’ikibazo: DATAPRO GRAPHICS Ltd yahawe inguzanyo na ECOBANK yishingirwa na Rusekampunzi aho yatanze ingwate y’umutungo we ubaruye kuri UPI: 1/02/13/01/1374. DATAPRO GRAPHICS yananiwe kwishyura iyo nguzanyo, bituma ECOBANK isaba Umwanditsi Mukuru uburenganzira bwo kugurisha ingwate yahawe irabyemererwa, uwo mutungo ugurishwa mu cyamunara. Rusekampunzi yandikiye Umwanditsi Mukuru asaba ko iyo cyamunara iteshwa agaciro kuko yakozwe mu buryo budakurikije amategeko, abonye atamusubije aregera Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi asaba ko cyamunara iteshwa agaciro ashingiye ku mpamvu zirimo kuba igenagaciro ryashingiweho ritajyanye n’igihe, no kuba itangazo rya cyamunara ryatanzwe mu kinyamakuru gitandukanye n’icyo 159

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ushinzwe gucunga ingwate yari yarateganyije mu mabwiriza y’igurisha. Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi rwaciye urubanza rwemeza ko cyamunara yakozwe yubahirije amategeko, bityo igomba kugumaho. Rusekampunzi yajuririye mu Rukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi avuga ko cyamunara y’umutungo we yagombaga guteshwa agaciro. Urwo Rukiko rwaciye urubanza rwemeza ko ubujurire bwe bufite ishingiro, ko cyamunara y’umutungo we yakozwe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’ amategeko kuko uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate yakoresheje cyamunara ashingiye ku igenagaciro ritajyanye n’igihe cyamunara yabereye, kandi akaba atarubahirije ibyo yashyize mu Mabwiriza y’igurisha bijyanye n’aho cyamunara yagombaga gutangazwa, rutegeka ko cyamunara isheshwe. ECOBANK RWANDA Plc na Muvunyi (uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate) bajuririye mu Rukiko rw’Ubujurire bavuga ko cyamunara itagombaga guteshwa agaciro kuko Rusekampunzi yamenyeshejwe igenagaciro akaba atararinenze cyangwa ngo arinyomoze. Bakavuga kandi ko cyamunara yatangajwe ku buryo bukurikije amategeko. Basaba kugenerwa indishyi zitandukanye. Rusekampunzi ku rundi ruhande we avuga ko igenagaciro cyamunara ishingiyeho ritakozwe ku buryo bukurikije amategeko, rikaba ritujuje ibisabwa byose kugirango rigire agaciro. Avuga kandi ko kuba cyamunara itaratangajwe mu kinyamakuru cyavuzwe mu mabwiriza y’igurisha ari inenge yatumye cyamunara ititabirwa uko bikwiye; ko rero amakosa yakozwe agomba gukosorwa cyamunara igateshwa agaciro.

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Incamake y’icyemezo: 1. Umutungo ugurishwa ugomba gukorerwa igenagaciro, rikozwe igihe cyo kuwugurisha, rikagaragaza agaciro kawo kari ku isoko muri uwo mwaka kagenwe n’umugenagaciro wemewe.

2. Uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate ntakwiye guhindura ibikubiye mu nyandiko y’amabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate uko yishakiye n’igihe ashakiye, atanamenyesheje ibyahindutse abo bireba. Ubujurire nta shingiro bufite. Amagarama ahwanye n’ibyakozwe mu rubanza. Amategeko yashingiweho: Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru Nº 001/2020/org yo ku wa 12/05/2020 agenga ibyerekeye gucunga, gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara, no kwegukana ingwate, ingingo ya 2, 26, 27, iya 28 n’iya 29. Nta manza zifashishijwe. Urubanza I. IMITERERE Y’URUBANZA [1] DATAPRO GRAPHICS Ltd yahawe inguzanyo na ECOBANK Rwanda Plc, yishingirwa na Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar wanatanze ingwate y’umutungo we ubaruye kuri UPI : 1/02/13/01/1374. DATAPRO GRAPHICS Ltd ntiyashoboye kwishyura iyo nguzanyo, bituma ECOBANK RWANDA Plc isaba Umwanditsi Mukuru mu Kigo cy’Igihugu gishinzwe

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Iterambere (RDB) uburenganzira bwo kugurisha ingwate yahawe irabyemererwa, ku wa 07/06/2024 uwo mutungo ugurishwa mu cyamunara n’Umuhesha w’Inkiko Muvunyi Serge washinzwe gucunga ingwate, ugurwa na Ndikumana Frodouald. [2] Kuwa 14/06/2024 Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar yandikiye Umwanditsi Mukuru asaba gutesha agaciro iyo cyamunara kuko yakozwe mu buryo budakurikije amategeko, ashingiye ku mpamvu zikurikira: kuba ECOBANK RWANDA Plc yarasabye ko ingwate yahawe igurishwa itabanje gutanga integuza yo kwishyuza no kugaragaza ko amasezerano yo kwishyura umwenda usigaye mu byiciro yagiranye n’abishingizi ba DATAPRO GRAPHICS Ltd batayubahirije; kuba DATAPRO GRAPHICS Ltd yahawe umwenda itaramenyeshejwe icyemezo cyo kugurisha ingwate (permit to sale), igenagaciro ry’ingwate yagurishijwe, amabwiriza y’igurisha kimwe n’itangazo rya cyamunara; no kuba raporo ya cyamunara igaragaza ko yatangajwe mu kinyamakuru AMAKURU MEDIA mu gihe mu Mabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate wayateguye avugamo ko cyamunara izangazwa mu kinyamakuru IGIHE.COM. [3] Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar abonye ko Umwanditsi Mukuru atamusubije, kuwa 22/06/2024 yaregeye Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi asaba gutesha agaciro cyamunara yavuzwe haruguru, ashingiye ku mpamvu zikurikira : - Kuba Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar nka nyir’ingwate yagurishijwe mu cyamunara atarahawe integuza yishyuza umwenda ungana na 324.426.451Frw ; - Kuba DATAPRO GRAPHICS Ltd yahawe umwenda itaramenyeshejwe ishyirwaho ry’ushinzwe gucunga

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ingwate (notice of appointment of receiver) ; icyemezo cyo kugurisha ingwate (permit to sale the mortgaged property), igenagaciro ry’uwo mutungo wagurishijwe n’itangazo rya cyamunara ; - Kuba Raporo ya cyamunara igaragaza ko itangazo rya cyamunara ryatanzwe mu kinyamakuru AMAKURU MEDIA nyamara mu Mabwiriza y’igurisha yateguwe n’uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate havugwamo ko itangazo rya cyamunara rizatangwa mu kinyamakuru IGIHE.COM ; - Kuba cyamunara yarakozwe hashingiwe ku igenagaciro ritajyanye n’igihe kuko ryakozwe ku wa 26/04/2023 mu gihe cyamunara yo yakozwe ku wa 07/06/2024 kandi bizwi ko agaciro k’umutungo kagenda kiyongera. [4] Mu rubanza RCOM 00913/2024/TC rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi ku wa 12/07/2024 rwemeje ko cyamunara yakozwe ku mutungo UPI : 1/02/13/01/1374 yubahirije amategeko ikaba igomba kugumaho, rutegeka Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar kwishyura Muvunyi Serge 500.000 Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka na 50 000 Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza. [5] Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar yajuririye Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi agamije kugaragaza ko cyamunara y’umutungo we wavuzwe haruguru yagombaga guteshwa agaciro, ashingiye ku mpamvu zikurikira : - Kuba umutungo we (watanzweho ingwate) waragurishijwe mu cyamunara ku wa 07/06/2024 hashingiwe ku igenagaciro ryakozwe kuwa 26/04/2023

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mu gihe hagombaga gukorwa irindi genegaciro rijyanye n’igihe ; - Kuba mu Mabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara yateguwe n’uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate hari hateganyijwe ko cyamunara izatangazwa mu kinyamakuru IGIHE.COM nyamara Raporo ya cyamunara ikaba igaragaza ko yatangajwe mu kinyamakuru AMAKURU MEDIA. [6] Muvunyi Serge yatanze inzitizi y’uko Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi rutagombaga kwakira ikirego cya Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar hashingiwe ku mpamvu y’uko yagitanze ibihe byo kuregera Urukiko byararenze. Naho ku bijyanye n’impamvu z’ubujurire abaregwa bose bireguye muri rusange bavuga ko nta shingiro bufite, kuko Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar yamenyeshejwe igenagaciro ry’umutungo ryashingiweho ugurishwa ntagaragaze icyo ko hari icyo arinenga ngo anarivuguruze bityo akaba yararyemeye, kandi ko iyi itafatwa nk’impamvu yo gutesha agaciro cyamunara kuko itari mu mpamvu ziteganyijwe mu ngingo ya 260 CPCCSA; naho ku bijyanye n’itangazo rya cyamunara bavuga ko kuba ryaratanzwe mu kinyamakuru gitandukanye n’ikivugwa mu Mabwiriza y’igurisha ari ukwibeshya kwabayeho kandi ko ntacyo byangije kuko icy’ingenzi ari uko cyamunara yatangajwe. [7] Mu rubanza RCOMA 00448/2024/HCC rwaciwe kuwa 14/08/2024, Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi rwemeje ko ubujurire bwa Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar bufite ishingiro; ko cyamunara y’umutungo we yakozwe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’ amategeko kuko uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate yakoresheje cyamunara ashingiye ku igenagaciro ritajyanye n’igihe cyamunara yabereye, kandi akaba atarubahirije ibyo yashyize mu

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Mabwiriza y’igurisha bijyanye n’aho cyamunara yagombaga gutangazwa, rutegeka ko cyamunara isheshwe, runategeka Muvunyi Serge washinzwe gucunga ingwate kwishyura Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar 1.000.000 Frw y'igihembo cya Avoka, 200.000 Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza ku rwego rwa mbere n’urw’ubujurire na 60.000 Frw y’igarama yishyuye ku rwego rwa mbere no mu bujurire. [8] ECOBANK RWANDA Plc na Muvunyi Serge bajuririye Urukiko rw’Ubujurire, bose bashingiye ku mpamvu y’uko cyamunara itagombaga guteshwa agaciro kuko Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar yamenyeshejwe igenagaciro ry’umutungo we ntarinenge mu buryo bukurikije amategeko kandi cyamunara ikaba yaratangajwe mu buryo bukurikije amategeko ; abajuriye kandi basabye kugenerwa amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cya Avoka. Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar yireguye avuga ko ubwo bujurire nta shingiro bufite, nawe asaba kugenerwa amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cya Avoka, n’indishyi z’akababaro zo gushorwa mu manza ku maherere. [9] Iburanisha mu ruhame ryabaye ku wa 04/11/2024, ECOBANK RWANDA Plc ihagarariwe na Me Bimenyimana Eric na Me Mutsinzi Clémentine, Muvunyi Serge yunganiwe na Me Mfashingabo Aimable naho Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar ahagarariwe na Me Ndaruhutse Janvier na Me Mwima Michel. [10] Hashingiwe ku mpaka zagaragajwe haruguru, Urukiko rurasuzuma ibibazo bikurikira bigize urubanza:  Kumenya niba kuba cyamunara y’umutungo ubaruye kuri UPI :1/02/13/01/1374 yarakozwe hatabanje gukorwa igenagaciro rishya rikozwe mu gihe cyo kuwugurisha mu

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cyamunara ari impamvu yashingirwaho cyamunara iteshwa agaciro ;  Kumenya niba kuba ikinyamakuru cyatangajwemo cyamunara y’umutungo wa UPI : 1/02/13/01/1374 wa Rusekapunzi Kabera Edgar gitandukanye n’icyo uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate yari yavuze mu Mabwiriza y’igurisha ari impamvu yashingirwaho cyamunara iteshwa agaciro ;  Kumenya ishingiro ry’amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza, igihembo cya Avoka, n’indishyi z’akababaro bisabwa muri uru rubanza. II. ISESENGURA RY’IBIBAZO BIGIZE

URUBANZA a. Kumenya niba kuba cyamunara y’umutungo ubaruye kuri UPI: 1/02/13/01/1374 yarakozwe hatabanje gukorwa igenagaciro rishya rikozwe mu gihe cyo kuwugurisha mu cyamunara ari impamvu yashingirwaho cyamunara iteshwa agaciro. [11] Mu myanzuro yabo no mu miburanire, abajuriye bombi (ECOBANK RWANDA Plc na Muvunyi Serge) bahuriza ku mpamvu y’uko icyo banenga Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi ari uko rwahaye ishingiro impamvu Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar yashingiyeho asaba gutesha agaciro cyamunara avuga ko yakozwe hagendewe ku igenagaciro ry’umutungo we ryo ku wa 23/06/2024 mu gihe hagombaga gukorwa irindi genagaciro rishya rikozwe igihe cya cyamunara, rwirengagije ko iyo nenge yayigaragaje impitagihe kuko iryo genagaciro yarimenyeshejwe

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ku wa 08/05/2024 ntarinenge mu gihe cy’iminsi 10 nk’uko biteganywa n’ingingo ya 28 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru No 001/2020/ORG yo ku wa 12/05/2020 agenga ibyerekeye gucunga, gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara no kwegukana ingwate. [12] Abajuriye bakomeza basobanura ko kumenyesha igenagaciro (uwatanzwe ingwate cyangwa nyir’umutungo watanzweho ingwate) atari umuhango gusa ahubwo ari uburyo bwo kumubwira ko niba afite icyo arinenga ashobora kubikora mu gihe giteganywa n’amategeko, kandi ko iyo atabikoze iryo genagaciro ari ryo rishingirwaho muri cyamunara nk’uko biteganywa mu gace ka 5 k’ingingo ya 28 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru yavuzwe haruguru; ko rero Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar atakwitwaza kuba atarakoresheje uburenganzira bwe ku gihe ngo abishingireho asaba ko cyamunara iteshwa agaciro. [13] Bavuga kandi ko igenagaciro ryashingiweho ari iry’igihe cya cyamunara kuko ryakozwe hagamijwe ko rikoreshwa muri cyamunara y’umutungo we, ahubwo akaba ari we uyihagarikisha kugira ngo yigurishirize, kuko nyuma y’iminsi 20 arimenyeshejwe yandikiye ECOBANK RWANDA Plc asaba kwigurishiriza umutungo watanzweho ingwate kuri 156.180.000 Frw bingana na 75% by’agaciro kavugwa muri iryo genagaciro; Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar kandi akaba atagaragaza ko umutungo we wagurishijwe ku mafaranga make, kuko agaciro waguzweho muri cyamunara kiyongereyeho hafi miriyoni 80. [14] Me Ndaruhutse Janvier na Me Mwima Michel bahagarariye Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar bavuga ko iyi mpamvu y’ubujurire nta shingiro ifite kuko nk’uko Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi rwabisobanuye, igenagaciro

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cyashingiweho ritakozwe igihe cy’iyo cyamunara bityo rikaba ritari ryujuje ibisabwa n’amategeko kugira ngo rigire agaciro, hashingiwe ku ngingo ya 26 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru yavuzwe haruguru, mu gace kayo ka 5, iteganya ko mu makuru aba akubiye mu Nyandiko y’amabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara harimo agaciro kari ku isoko k’umutungo ugurishwa, kagenwe n’umugenagaciro w’umutungo utimukanwa wemewe, n’ingingo ya 27 nayo y’ayo Mabwiriza, mu gace kayo ka 2, igateganya ko Amabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara aherekezwa na Kopi raporo y’igenagaciro ry’umutungo ryakozwe igihe cyo kugurisha ingwate mu cyamunara n’umugenagaciro w’imitungo itimukanwa wemewe. [15] Abahagarariye Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar bakomeza basobanura ko yari afite uburenganzira bwo kwibutsa uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate ko igenagaciro yamumenyesheje rifite inenge ituma ritagira agaciro mu buryo ubwo ari bwo bwose n’igihe icyo ari cyo cyose, kuko ibi bidakorwa mu igenagaciro rivuguruza iryatanzwe n’uwashinzwe kugurisha ingwate, ko kandi n’iyo atabimwibutsa bitavanaho iyo nenge igenagaciro rifite, ntibinabuze ko cyamunara ryakoreshejwemo ivanwaho. [16] Abahagarariye Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar bavuga kandi ko ikigaragaza ko igenagaciro ryashingiweho muri cyamunara ritari rihuje n’igihe ari uko abajuriye ubwabo bivugira ko amafaranga yavuye muri cyamunara y’umutungo we yarenze ku yagaragajwe n’iryo genagaciro, kandi ko ibyo bidatangaje kuko ryakozwe kuwa 26/04/2023 rikoreshwa kuri cyamunara eshatu iya nyuma ikaba ariyo Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi rwatesheje agaciro ikaba yaratangiwe Icyemezo n’Umwanditsi Mukuru kuwa 07/05/2024 hashize umwaka urenga; ko rero Urukiko Rukuru rw’ubucuruzi rutahaye Rusekampunzi Kabera

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Edgar uburenganzira bwo kuvuguruza igenagaciro nyuma y’igihe giteganywa n’amategeko, kuko rwasanze buri Icyemezo cyo kugurisha ingwate igomba kujyana n’igenagaciro ry’umutungo ryakorewe mu gihe cyo kugisaba Umwanditsi Mukuru.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [17] Impaka kuri iyi ngingo zishingiye ku kumenya niba nyuma y’uko ku wa 07/05/2024 Muvunyi Serge ashyizweho n’Umwanditsi Mukuru nk’uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate igizwe n’umutungo UPI :1/02/13/01/1374 wa Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar, yaragombaga gukoresha irindi genagaciro ry’uwo mutungo rigaragaza igiciro fatizo giherwaho muri cyamunara, cyangwa niba yari yemerewe gukoresha cyamunara ashingiye ku igenagaciro ryari risanzweho, ryari ryarakozwe ku wa 26/04/2023. [18] Ingingo ya 26, igika cya mbere, agace ka 5º, y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru Nº 001/2020/org yo ku wa 12/05/2020 agenga ibyerekeye gucunga, gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara, no kwegukana ingwate, iteganya ko mu makuru akubiye mu Nyandiko y’Amabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara itegurwa n’ushinzwe gucunga ingwate harimo agaciro kari ku isoko k’umutungo kagenwe n’umugenagaciro w’umutungo utimukanwa wemewe. [19] Ingingo ya 27, igika cya mbere, agace ka 2º, y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi mukuru Nº 001/2020/org yo ku wa 12/05/2020 amaze kuvugwa haruguru iteganya ko inyandiko y’Amabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara iherekezwa na kopi ya raporo y’igenagaciro ry’umutungo ryakozwe igihe cyo kugurisha

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ingwate mu cyamunara n’umugenagaciro w’imitungo itimukanwa wemewe kandi ryamenyeshejwe uwatanze ingwate na nyir’umutungo watanzweho ingwate iyo atandukanye n’uwatanze ingwate. [20] Ingingo ya 28 y’ayo Mabwiriza yo igira iti : ”Iyo uwatanze ingwate cyangwa nyir’umutungo iyo anyuranye n’uwatanze ingwate atishimiye igenagaciro ryakozwe n’umugenagaciro wemewe arinyomoza yifashishije umugenagaciro ahawe n’Urugaga rw’Abakora Umwuga w’igenagaciro ku mutungo utimukanwa mu Rwanda. Igenagaciro rinyomoza rishyikirizwa ushinzwe gucunga ingwate mu gihe kitarenze iminsi icumi (10) ibarwa uhereye ku munsi ukurikira uwo urinyomoza yarimenyesherejweho ariko habariwemo umunsi wa nyuma wo kuba yarishyikirije uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate” …… [21] Ibiteganyijwe mu ngingo ya 26 n’iya 27 zirebewe hamwe, byumvikanisha ko mu byo uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate washyizweho n’Umwanditsi Mukuru agomba kwitwararika mu gihe cyo gutegura ibijyanye na cyamunara, ari uko umutungo ugurishwa ugomba gukorerwa igenagaciro, rikozwe igihe cyo kuwugurisha, rikagaragaza agaciro kawo kari ku isoko kagenwe n’umugenagaciro wemewe. Ibi kandi byumvikanisha ko ako gaciro ariko gaherwaho n’abapiganwa mu gutanga ibiciro, nk’igiciro fatizo mu gihe cyo kuwugurisha mu cyamunara. [22] Urukiko rurasanga mu guteganya ko umutungo watanzweho ingwate ugurishwa mu cyamunara hashingiwe ku gaciro kawo kari ku isoko mu gihe cyo kuwugurisha byumvikanisha ko icyo Umushingamategeko yari agamije ari ukurengera nyir’umutungo ugurishwa, kugira ngo umutungo we utagurishwa ku giciro kibonetse cyose ku buryo byanamuviramo

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igihombo, ahubwo ukaba ugomba kugurishwa hagendewe ku giciro fatizo gishingiye ku gaciro ufite ku isoko mu gihe cyo kuwugurisha, kuko ako gaciro kaba gashobora guhinduka uko igihe gihita, kandi uburyo ibintu bikorwa (pratique) bukaba bugaragaza ko agaciro k’ubutaka kagenda kiyongera uko igihe gihita. [23] By’umwihariko, nk’uko Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi rwabisobanuye mu rubanza rwajuririwe, kuba ibiciro by’imitungo itimukanwa bigenda bihinduka uko igihe gihita bigashimangirwa no kuba Umushingamategeko, mu Itegeko Nº 32/2015 ryo ku wa 11/062015 ryerekeye kwimura abantu ku mpamvu z’inyungu rusange, yarateganyije mu ngingo yaryo ya 221, ko urutonde rw’ibiciro by’ubutaka n’ibyabukoreweho rusubirwamo buri mwaka. [24] Ku bijyanye n’uru rubanza, Amabwiriza y’igurisha ry’umutungo wavuzwe haruguru yo ku wa 20/05/2024 yateguwe na Muvunyi Serge agaragaza ko agaciro k’uwo mutungo wa Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar ubaruye kuri UPI : 1/02/13/01/1374 kangana na 208.240.000 Frw ; ako gaciro ni nako kagaragara muri Raporo y’igenagaciro yashingiweho, yakozwe ku wa 26/04/2023 n’umugenagaciro witwa Abayo Emmanuella ;

1 Iyo ngingo ya 22 igira iti : “Ibiciro by'ubutaka n’ibyabukoreweho biri ku isoko bivugwa muri iri tegeko, bikusanywan'Urugaga rw’Abakora umwuga wo kugen agaciro k’umutungo utimukanwa. Urutonde rw'ibiciro by'ubutaka n’ibyabukoreweho rusubirwamo buri mwaka kandi rukemezwa n'urwego rutunganya imikorere y'abagenagaciro ku mutungo utimukanwa mu Rwanda mbere y'uko bikurikizwa. Ibiciro fatizo by’ubutaka n’ibyabukoreweho bitangazwa buri mwaka mu Igazeti ya Leta ya Repubulika y’uRwanda”.

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kanagaragara muri Raporo ya cyamunara nk’igiciro fatizo cy’uwo mutungo. [25] Urukiko rushingiye ku byasobanuwe mu bika bya 18-22 by’uru rubanza, rurasanga umutungo wavuzwe haruguru wa Rusekampunzi Kabera Edagard waragurishijwe hashingiwe ku igenagaciro ritajyanye n’igihe kuko ryari rimaze igihe kirenga umwaka rikozwe, rikaba ritafatwa nk’irigaragaza agaciro kawo kari ku isoko, rikozwe igihe cyo kuwugurisha mu cyamunara ; kandi hashingiwe ku byasobanuwe haruguru bijyanye n’uburyo ibiciro by’ubutaka bigenda bihinduka uko igihe gihita, bikaba byumvikana ko hari igihombo byamuteye kuko ako gaciro katajyanye n’igihe ariko abapiganwa bahereyeho batanga ibiciro byabo. [26] Urukiko rusanga n’ubwo ingingo ya 28 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru Nº 001/2020/org yo ku wa 12/05/2020 yavuzwe haruguru iteganya ko uwatanze ingwate cyangwa nyir’umutungo (iyo anyuranye n’uwatanze ingwate) utishimiye igenagaciro ryakozwe arinyomoza mu gihe kitarenze iminsi 10 ibarwa uhereye ku munsi ukurikira uwo yarimenyesherejweho, bidakuraho inshingano z’ibanze z’uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate, nk’umunyamwuga, ziteganywa n’itegeko nk’uko zasobanuwe haruguru, zo gushingira ku igenagaciro rijyanye n’igihe kandi rikozwe igihe cya cyamunara; kuba rero Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar atarahise anenga iryo genagaciro akirishyikirizwa, uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate akaba atabyitwaza agamije kugaragaza ko ibyo yakoze byubahirije amategeko; kandi mu gihe hari igihombo byamuteye nk’uko byasobanuwe, hakaba nta kibuza Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar gushingira kuri iyo nenge asaba ko cyamunara iteshwa agaciro.

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[27] Hashingiwe ku bisobanuro byose byatanzwe haruguru, iyi mpamvu y’ubujurire ikaba nta shingiro ifite.

2. Kumenya niba kuba ikinyamakuru cyatangajwemo cyamunara y’umutungo wa Rusekapunzi Kabera Edgar gitandukanye n’icyo uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate yari yavuze mu Mabwiriza y’igurisha ari impamvu yashingirwaho cyamunara iteshwa agaciro [28] ECOBANK RWANDA Plc na Muvunyi Serge bahuriza kuri iyi mpamvu y’ubujurire, bagasobanura ko icyo banenga urubanza rwajuririwe ari uko Urukiko rwatesheje agaciro cyamunara rushingiye ku mpamvu y’uko uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate yiyemereye amakosa y’uko yibeshye mu Mabwiriza y’igurisha akandikamo ko cyamunara izatangazwa mu kinyamakuru IGIHE.COM ariko igatangazwa muri AMAKURU MEDIA, maze rushingira kuri iryo kosa ry’imyandikire ryakozwe mu nyandiko y’Amabwiriza ruvuga ko bifatwa nko kuyobya abakiriya ndetse na nyir’umutungo, rwirengagije ko kuyobwa abakiriya bidashoboka kuko batari mu bashyikirizwa Amabwiriza y’igurisha, ikindi kandi iryo kosa rikaba nta ngaruka ryagizeho kuko cyamunara yitabiriwe ku buryo bushimishije; ndetsa na Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar akaba yarayitabiriye akanishakira umukiriya; ko rero icyangombwa ari uko cyamunara yatangajwe mu kinyamakuru cyemewe, kku Kagari no kuri Radio, kandi ibi Urukiko narwo rukaba rutarabihakanye. [29] Abahagarariye Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar Bavuga ko iyi mpamvu y’ubujurire nta shingiro ifite kuko mu isesengura Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi rwakoze mu rubanza rwajuririwe nta kosa rwakoze. Basobanura ko abo Amabwiriza y’igurisha areba baba bagomba gushishikariza abandi kwitabira cyamunara,

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aba nabo bakajya kureba itangazo mu kinyamakuru bababwiye, ko kuba barabwiwe ikinyamakuru barebamo bakabura itangazo, ari inenge yatumye cyamunara ititabirwa uko bikwiye; ko rero amakosa yakozwe agomba gukosorwa cyamunara igateshwa agaciro kuko gutangaza cyamunara atari umuhango gusa ahubwo biba bigamije kurengera nyir’umutungo, abo yaba abereyemo imyenda, abaguzi cyangwa uwo ariwe wese ufite icyo yabaza kuri uwo mutungo, hashingiwe ku mirongo yatanzwe manza RCOMAA 00064/2019/CA, RCOMAA 00028/2023/CA na

RCOMAA 00031/2016/SC-RCOMAA 00036/16/CS zose zaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [30] Impaka kuri iyi ngingo zishingiye ku kumenya niba kuba cyamunara yaratagajwe mu kinyamakuru gitandukanye n’icyo uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate yavuze mu Mabwiriza y’igurisha ari impamvu yashingirwaho cyamunara iteshwa agaciro. [31] Ingingo ya 29 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru Nº 001/2020/org yo ku wa 12/05/2020 agenga ibyerekeye gucunga, gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara, no kwegukana ingwate niyo yerekeye ibijyanye n’itangazwa rya cyamunara, igateganya ko hamwe mu ho ushinzwe gucunga ingwate amenyekanisha igurisha mu cyamunara ari mu kinyamakuru cyandikirwa mu icapiro cyangwa gikorera kuri interineti gikorera mu Rwanda. [32] Ingingo ya 26 y’ayo Mabwiriza nayo iteganya ko ushinzwe gucunga ingwate ategura inyandiko y’Amabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara ikubiyemo amakuru avugwa muri iyo

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ngingo2, n’andi makuru uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate abona ari ngombwa. Naho ingingo ya 28 y’ayo Mabwiriza igateganya ko uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate amenyesha uwahawe ingwate n’uwayitanze iyo nyandiko y’Amabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara nibura iminsi 10 mbere y’umunsi wa cyamunara, akagenera kopi Umwanditsi Mukuru na nyir’umutungo iyo anyuranye n’uwatanze ingwate. [33] Ingingo ya 2 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru Nº 002/2021/ORG yo ku wa 29/06/2021 ahindura Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru Nº 001/2020/org yo ku wa 12/05/2020 agenga ibyerekeye gucunga, gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara, no kwegukana ingwate iteganya, mu gika cyayo cya nyuma, ko mu gihe cya cyamunara uwahawe ingwate, uwatanze ingwate cyangwa nyir’umutungo watanzweho ingwate afite uburenganzira bwo kwishakira abaguzi bashobora gupiganwa muri cyamunara. [34] Urukiko rushingiye ku biteganywa mu ngingo ya 26 n’iya 2 zavuzwe haruguru zirebewe hamwe, rurasanga inyandiko y’Amabwiriza y’igurisha itegurwa n’uwashinzwe kugurisha ingwate ikanamenyeshwa Umwanditsi Mukuru ari nawe uba yaramuhaye izo nshingano, ndetse ikamenyeshwa uwahawe

2 Iyo ngingo iteganya nibura amakuru akurikira: nimero y’umutungo wagwatirijwe; aho umutungo wagwatirijwe uherereye; ubuso bw’umutungo wagwatirijwe; kugaragaza umutungo ugurishwa uko uri; agaciro kari ku isoko k’umutungo kagenwe n’umugenagaciro w’umutungo utimukanwa wemewe; itariki cyamunara izaberaho; isaha cyamunara izatangiriraho; aho cyamunara izabera; ingengabihe y’uburyo cyamunara zizakurikirana mu gihe habayeho iyimura rya cyamunara; amakuru ya konti izakoreshwa mu kubika ibivuye muri cyamunara; ingwate y’ipiganwa; uko amafaranga azava mu ngwate igurishwa azakoreshwa hakurikijwe urutonde rw’uko ibigomba kwishyurwa bikurikirana.

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ingwate, uwayitanze na nyir’umutungo iyo anyuranye n’uwatanze ingwate, ari inyandiko ikubiyemo amakuru ya ngombwa ateganyijwe mu ngingo ya 26 yavuzwe haruguru, n’andi uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate asanga ari ngombwa, ajyanye na cyamunara yashinzwe n’uko izakorwa, ibikubiye muri iyo nyandiko rero uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate akaba adakwiriye kubihindura uko yishakiye n’igihe ashakiye, atanamenyesheje ibyahindutse abavuzwe haruguru Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru ateganya ko bayimenyeshwa, kuko uretse no kuba atari imikorere ya kinyamwuga, bishobora no kubangamira uburenganzira bwavuzwe haruguru uwahawe ingwate, uwatanze ingwate cyangwa nyir’umutungo watanzweho ingwate bafite bwo kwishakira abapiganwa mu gihe cya cyamunara, bikanagira ingaruka ku bwitabire no ku biva muri cyamunara muri rusange. [35] Dosiye y’urubanza igaragaza ko mu Mabwiriza y’igurisha yateguwe na Muvunyi Serge washinzwe kugurisha ingwate akamenyeshwa Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar havugwamo ko cyamunara y’umutungo we wavuzwe haruguru izatangazwa mu kinyamakuru IGIHE.COM, hanyuma ku wa 10/06/2024 itangazo rya cyamunara y’uwo mutungo ritangazwa mu kinyamakuru AMAKURU MEDIA. [36] Urukiko rushingiye ku byasobanuwe mu gika cya 34, rurasanga kuba uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate yaramenyesheje abarebwa n’Amabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara, harimo na Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar ko cyamunara y’umutungo we izatangazwa mu kinyamakuru IGIHE.COM ariko ntabyubahirize ahubwo akayitangaza mu kindi kinyamakuru (AMAKURU MEDIA), nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru uretse no kuba atari imikorere ya kinyamwuga y’ushinzwe gucunga ingwate,

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binabangamiye uburenganzira bwa Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar nka nyir’umutungo bwo gushaka abapiganwa mu gihe cya cyamunara, kuko ayo makuru akubiye mu Mabwiriza y’igurisha ateganya uburyo cyamunara izakorwamo ariyo aheraho ashishikariza abaguzi kuzayitabira, kuba rero yababwira aho bazasanga itangazo rya cyamunara hanyuma ntiribe ariho ritangazwa bikaba bishobora kubatera urujijo no kubayobya nk’uko Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi rwabisobanuye, bikaba byanagira ingaruka ku buryo ipiganwa ryitabirwa, no ku biva muri cyamunara muri rusange; ibi byose bikaba byatuma nyir’umutungo abihomberamo mu buryo budakwiye; hashingiwe kuri ibyo bisobanuro, iyi ikaba ari impamvu ituma cyamunara iteshwa agaciro. 3 Kumenya ishingiro ry’amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cya Avoka bisabwa n’ababuranyi muri uru rubanza. [37] Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar yasabye Urukiko gutegeka abajuriye kumwishyura 1.500.000 Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza ku nzego zose z’iburanisha; 3.000.000 Frw y’igihembo cy’Abavoka 2 bamuburaniye, 60.000 Frw y’igarama yatanze ku rwego rwa mbere n’urwa kabiri, na 5.000.000 Frw y’indishyi z’akababaro zo gushorwa mu manza z'amaherere. [38] Abajuriye bavuga ko ibyo Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar asaba nta shingiro bifite. [39] Ingingo ya 111 y’Itegeko N° 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi iteganya ibikurikira: “Ikirego cy’amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza ni ikirego gishamikira ku kirego

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cy’iremezo kigamije kwishyuza ibyakoreshejwe mu rubanza. Ikirego cy’amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza kiburanishirizwa rimwe n’ikirego cy’iremezo. Gishobora kandi kwakirwa kikanaburanishwa n’iyo ikirego cy’iremezo cyaba kitakiriwe”. [40] Urukiko rurasanga ECOBANK RWANDA Plc na Muvunyi Serge ari bo bajuriye muri uru Rukiko biba ngombwa ko Rusekampunzi Edgar Kabera akurikirana urubanza, anashaka abavoka bamuburanira, kandi nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru ubujurire bwabo bukaba nta shingiro bufite; bityo hashingiwe ku biteganywa mu ngingo ya 111 yibukijwe haruguru, Urukiko rukaba rugeneye Rusekampunzi Edgar Kabera, mu bushishozi bwarwo, 700.000 Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka na 300.000 Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza kuri uru rwego, kuko ayo ku nzego zabanje yayagenewe mu rubanza rwajuririwe; naho indishyi z’akababaro akaba ntazo agenewe kuko ari ubwa mbere azisabye. III. ICYEMEZO CY’URUKIKO [41] Rwemeje ko ubujurire bwa ECOBANK RWANDA Plc n’ubwa Muvunyi Serge nta shingiro bufite; [42] Rwemeje ko imikirize y’urubanza

RCOMA 00448/2024/HCC rwaciwe n'Urukiko Rukuru Rw'Ubucuruzi ku wa 14/08/2024 idahindutse. [43] Rutegetse ECOBANK RWANDA Plc na Muvunyi Serge gufatanya kwishyura Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar mu buryo bungana amafaranga ibihumbi magana arindwi (700.000 Frw) y’igihembo cya Avoka n’ibihumbi magana atatu (300.000 Frw) y’ikurikiranarubanza kuri uru rwego.

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[44] Ruvuze ko amagarama yatanzwe n’abajuriye ahwanye n’ibyakozwe mu rubanza.

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PLATEFORME COMPANY RWANDA LTD v. MUHITTIN ISILDAK [Rwanda URUKIKO RW’UBUJURIRE – RCOMAA 00007/2025/CA (Ngagi, P.J.)21 Werurwe 2025] Amategeko agenga imanza z’Ubucuruzi – Ibihe by’ubujurire – Ibirego bisaba kwemeza umwenda ukomoka ku gikorwa cy’ubucuruzi no kwemeza ko ifatira ryakozwe rihinduka ifatirabwishyu biburanishwa mu buryo bw’ibirego byihutirwa kandi bikajuririrwa mu bihe byagenewe ibirego byihutirwa ni ukuvuga mu minsi itarenze itatu (3) y’akazi. Incamake y’ikibazo: Muhittin Isildak, nyuma yuko akodesheje inyubako ye na Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd ariko ikanga kwishyura ku bushake igiciro impande zombi zumvikanye kigomba kwishyurwa buri kwezi kingana na USD 750, yiyambaje abahesha b’Inkiko bafatira ibikoresho by’aho yakodeshaga noneho atanga ikirego mu Rukiko rw’Ubucuruzi asaba kwemeza umwenda w’ubukode, anasaba ko iryo fatira ryahinduka ifatirabwishyu. Asaba kandi guhabwa inyungu z’umwenda uregerwa n’amafaranga yatakajwe mu rubanza. Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd yatanze inzitizi y’iburabubasha bw’Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi, avuga ko uberewemo umwenda agomba kunyura mu nzira isanzwe yo gutanga ikirego, kigatangizwa n’inama ntegurarubanza. Ko Umucamanza uburanisha ibirego byihutirwa adashobora kuburanisha urubanza rw’iremezo ngo yemeze umwenda ahubwo ko afata ibyemezo by’agateganyo mu gihe cy’ubwihutirwe; ko kandi kwemeza umwenda atari icyemezo cy’agateganyo ahubwo ari icyemezo cya burundu. Urukiko rwafashe icyemezo ko izo nzitizi ruvuga ko nta shingiro zifite. 181

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Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi rwaciye urubanza rwemeza ko inzitizi yatanzwe na Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd nta shingiro ifite, ko ifatira ryakozwe ku mutungo wayo rihindutse ifatirabyishyu. Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd itishimiye icyo cyemezo yajuririye mu Rukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi isaba urwo Rukiko gutegeka uregwa kugaruza amafaranga yahawe. Urwo Rukiko rwaciye urubanza rwemeza ko imikirize y’urubanza rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi idahindutse. Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd yajuririye mu Rukiko rw’Ubujurire, Muhittin Isildak atanga inzitizi yo kutakira ubujurire kuko urega uwajuriye yarengeje ibihe byo kujurira. Akavuga kandi ko ikirego gishingiye ku ifatira ry’umwenda w’ubukode gisaba Urukiko kwemeza umwenda ndetse ko n’ifatira rihinduka ifatirabwishyu biba ari ibirego biburanishwa mu buryo bw’ibirego byihutirwa, bikajuririrwa mu minsi itarenze itatu (3) y’akazi uhereye ku munsi icyemezo cyasomeweho cyangwa ababuranyi bakimenyeyeho. Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd yireguye kuri iyi nzitizi, ivuga ko urubanza rujuririrwa rwaciwe ku wa 19/12/2024, rujuririrwa ku wa 15/01/2025, ko rero ibihe byo kujurira byubahirijwe, kuko ubujurire bugomba gutangwa mu gihe cy’iminsi mirongo itatu, kuko urubanza yajuririye atari ikirego cyihutirwa (référé. Incamake y’ikibazo: Ibirego bisaba kwemeza umwenda ukomoka ku gikorwa cy’ubucuruzi no kwemeza ko ifatira ryakozwe rihinduka ifatirabwishyu biburanishwa mu buryo bw’ibirego byihutirwa. Bene ibi birego nubwo atari ibirego byihutirwa (référé), kuko nta kirego cy’iremezo biba bishamikiyeho, ariko nabyo biburanishwa, bigasomwa kandi bikajuririrwa mu bihe byagenewe ibirego byihutirwa ni ukuvuga mu minsi itarenze itatu (3) y’akazi. Inzitizi yo kutubahiriza ibihe byo kujurira ifite ishingiro. Amagarama ahwanye n’ibyakozwe mu rubanza.

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Amategeko yashingiweho: Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi, Ingingo y’188, 231 n’iya 232. Imanza zifashishijwe: Balton CP vs New Century Development Ltd; RCOMAA 00040/2022/CA; rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 23/09/2022. Urubanza I. IMITERERE Y’URUBANZA [1] Muhittin Isildak avuga ko ku wa 01/01/2024 yakodesheje inyubako ye na Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd ku giciro kingana n’Amadolari y’Amerika magana arindwi na mirongo itanu (USD 750) buri kwezi, ariko ko iyo sosiyete yanze kwishyura ku bushake mu gihe buri kwezi yakoraga ikinjiza amafaranga. Asobanura ko yagerageje kwibutsa kenshi Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd kwishyura ariko ntiyagira icyo ibikoraho, ko iyo sosiyete yagaragaje ibimenyetso by’uko ishaka kwambura burundu ubwo yashakaga kwimura ibikoresho rwihishwa, ndetse n’umushinga w’ubwumvikane yari yasabye ko bagirana ikanga kuwushyiraho umukono; ko ibyo byatumye Muhittin Isildak yiyambaza abahesha b’Inkiko bafatira ibikoresho by’aho yakodeshaga noneho atanga ikirego cyo kwemeza umwenda w’ubukode, anasaba ko iryo fatira ryahinduka ifatirabwishyu. Asaba kandi guhabwa inyungu z’umwenda uregerwa n’amafaranga yatakajwe mu rubanza. [2] Muhittin Isildak yasobanuye kandi ko umwenda w’ubukode uregwa amubereyemo ungana n’amezi icumi (10

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months) ahwanye na 75,000 USD azakomeza kubarwa kugeza urubanza rubaye ndakuka. [3] Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd yatanze inzitizi ivuga ko Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi nta bubasha rufite bwo kuburanisha uru rubanza kuko uberewemo umwenda agomba kunyura mu nzira isanzwe yo gutanga ikirego, kigatangizwa n’inama ntegurarubanza. Ikindi ngo ni uko Umucamanza uburanisha ibirego byihutirwa adashobora kuburanisha urubanza rw’iremezo ngo yemeze umwenda ahubwo ko afata ibyemezo by’agateganyo mu gihe cy’ubwihutirwe; ko kandi kwemeza umwenda atari icyemezo cy’agateganyo ahubwo ari icyemezo cya burundu. Urukiko rwafashe icyemezo ko izo nzitizi ruvugako nta shingiro zifite. [4] Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd ivuga kandi ko urega ari umunyamahanga, bityo ko yategekwa gutanga ingwate itangwa n’abanyamahanga ishobora kuvamo ibyo yacibwa aramutse atsinze. Ikindi ngo ni uko nta nyungu n’ububasha afite bwo kuregera Urukiko kuko umwenda asaba Urukiko kwemeza ukomoka ku masezerano y’ubukode atagaragaza ko umutungo ukodeshwa ari uwe ahubwo ko ari indonke ashaka. Ikomeza ivuga ko yakodesheje na Muhittin Isildak inyubako yo gukoreramo ubucuruzi bwayo, maze bumvikana ko azajya ayigaragariza inyandiko zose zirebana n’umutungo w’inyubako; ko n’ubwo Muhittin Isildak yamenyesheje Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd ko ubwishyu bw’ubukode butazakorwa mbere y’amezi atandatu (6 months), ko ku wa 01/01/2024 yoherereje amasezerano y’ubukode bw’inzu aherekejwe n’inyandiko zerekaranye n’uburengazira ku mutungo nk’uko byari byarumvikanweho kandi ko hatazabaho guhindura amasezerano mbere y’igihe cyavuzwe haruguru. Ivuga ko yatangiye kwishyura ubukode kandi ko ubwo imaze kwishyura bungana na 1.465.000 Frw arimo 1.065.000 Frw yakiriye kuri mobile money na 400.000 yakiriye mu ntoki ku matariki atandukanye.

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[5] Ikomeza ivuga ko n’ubwo yishyuye ubwo bukode, bagize ikibazo kuri numero za UPI zigaragaza nyir’umutungo ndetse babibaza urega akababwira ko ari we nyirawo. Ivuga na none ko nyuma yo kwishyura umuriro, basanze izina ryanditse muri système ya REG, ndetse baza gusanga umutungo ubaruye kuri UPI : 1/01/06/07/47 ari uwa Kaminuza ya Kigali, ikaba isanga ibyo bigaragaza ko Muhittin Isildak yakira ubukode bw’inzu mu buriganya. [6] Mu rubanza RCOM 01630/2024/TC rwaciwe ku wa 20/11/2024, Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi rwemeje ko : - inzitizi itangwa na Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd y’uko Muhittin Isildak abanza gutanga ingwate itangwa n’abanyamahanga, kandi ko nta bubasha n’inyungu byo kurega afite, nta shingiro zifite; - ibirego byo kwiregura bya Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd bisaba gusesa amasezerano y’ubukode bw’inzu kubera ko nta bwumvikane bwabaye biturutse ku guhagararirwa kutuzuye, gusubizwa amafaranga yose yakiriwe na Muhittin Isildak, indishyi n’inyungu zikomoka ku kutubahiriza inshingano bikozwe n’Abahesha b’Inkiko b’Umwuga; bitakiriwe; - ibivugwa na Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd ko amasezerano y’ubukode bw’inzu adafite agaciro bitewe n’uko Muhittin Isildak yakodesheje inzu atari nyirayo, nta shingiro bifite; - umwenda ukomoka ku bukode bw’inzu Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd ibereyemo Muhittin Isildak ungana n’Amadorali y’Amerika ibihumbi mirongo irindwi na bitanu (75,000 USD); - Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd igomba kwishyura Muhittin Isildak umwenda ukomoka ku bukode bw’inzu ungana na 75,000 USD, amafaranga yatakaje

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muri uru rubanza angana na miliyoni imwe (1.000.000 Frw) y’igihembo cya Avoka n’ibihumbi ijana (100.000 Frw) y’ikurikiranarubanza. - ifatira ry’umutungo wimukanwa w’utishyuye ubukode rigaragazwa n’inyandiko yo ku wa 30/10/2024 yakozwe n’Abahesha b’inkiko Me Fortunée Nyirabizeyimana na Me Shakila Liliane Nyirarugwiro rihindutse ifatirabwishyu; - Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd igomba gusubiza Muhittin Isildak 20.000 Frw yatanzeho ingwate y’amagarama arega. [7] Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd yajuririye Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi inenga Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi ko rutubahirije ibiteganywa mu ngingo za 91, 9,10 na 24 z’Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi, isaba urwo Rukiko gutegeka uregwa kugaruza amafaranga yahawe. Muhittin Isildak yireguye avuga ko ubujurire bwa Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd nta shingiro bufite. [8] Mu rubanza RCOMA 00737/2024/HCC rwaciwe ku wa 19/12/2024, Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi rwemeje ko ubujurire bwatanzwe na PLateforme Company Rwanda Ltd, nta shingiro bufite, ko imikirize y’urubanza RCOM 01630/2024/TC, rwaciwe ku wa 20/11/2024 n’Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi, idahindutse. Ruvuga ko amagarama aherera ku isanduku ya Leta. [9] Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd yajuririye uru Rukiko, ubujurire bwayo bwandikwa kuri RCOMAA 00007/2025/CA. Urubanza rwaburanishijwe mu ruhame ku wa 05/03/2025, Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd ihagarariwe na Me Ditchou Tchounja Charles Claude Duplex, naho Muhittin Islidak ahagarariwe na Me Ndorimana Arnaud, haburanishwa inzitizi yo

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kutubahiriza ibihe byo kujurira yatanzwe n’uhagarariye MUHITTIN ISILDAK. II. ISESENGURA RY’IBIBAZO

BIGIZE URUBANZA i. Kumenya niba Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd yaratinze kujurira [10] Uhagarariye Muhittin Isildak avuga ko ikirego cy’ubujurire cyatanzwe na Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd kitagomba kwakirwa kuko yatinze kujurira. Asobanura ko ikirego gishingiye ku ifatira ry’umwenda w’ubukode gisaba Urukiko kwemeza umwenda ndetse ko n’ifatira rihinduka ifatirabwishyu biba ari ibirego biburanishwa mu buryo bw’ibirego byihutirwa nk’uko bivugwa mu gika cya 5 cy’ingingo ya 231 y’Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi iteganya ko bene urwo rubanza ruburanishwa mu buryo bw’ikirego cyihutirwa, ko kandi ingingo ya 188, igika cya 2 y’Itegeko No 22/2018 rimaze kuvugwa, iteganya ko igihe cyo kujuririra icyemezo ari iminsi itarenze itatu (3) y’akazi uhereye ku munsi icyemezo cyasomeweho cyangwa ababuranyi bakimenyeyeho. [11] Akomeza asobanura ko urubanza rujuririrwa RCOMA 00737/2024/HCC rwaciwe ku wa 19/12/2024 Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd ijurira ku wa 15/01/2025, hashize hafi ukwezi, ko ari nayo mpamvu Umwanditsi w’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire yari yanze kwakira ubujurire bwa Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd, aho mu cyemezo Nº 0001/2025/GCA/COM cyo ku wa 16/01/2025, mu gika cya 5 yashingiye ku biteganywa n’ingingo ya 21 y’Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru. Bityo ko ubujurire bwa Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd budakwiye kwakirwa kuko yatinze kujurira.

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[12] Uhagarariye Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd avuga ko urubanza rujuririrwa rwaciwe ku wa 19/12/2024, rujuririrwa ku wa 15/01/2025, ko rero ibihe byo kujurira byubahirijwe, kuko ubujurire bugomba gutangwa mu gihe cy’iminsi mirongo itatu, kuko urubanza yajuririye atari ikirego cyihutirwa (référé). Asobanura ko ashingiye ku ngingo ya 231, igika cya 4, y’Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi, iteganya ko bene uru rubanza ruburanishwa mu mizi, asanga bivuze ko atari ikirego cyihutirwa (référé). Bityo ko Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd yubahirije ibihe byo kujurira.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [13] Ingingo ya 232 y’Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi iteganya ibikurikira: “Umuntu wese: 1° ufite urwandiko rw’ubucuruzi rutegeka urimo umwenda kwishyura; 2° ufite urwandiko rw’amasezerano y’ubwishyu; 3° ufite sheki itazigamiwe; 4° uberewemo umwenda ushingiye ku gikorwa cy’ubucuruzi; ashobora gusaba umuhesha w’inkiko gufatira ibintu by’umubereyemo umwenda amaze kugenzura agaciro k’inyandiko zavuzwe haruguru no guhamya ko umwenda utishyuriwe”. Igika cya kabiri cy’iyo ngingo, giteganya ko mu gihe kitarenze amasaha mirongo ine n’umunani (48), uberewemo umwenda agomba kandi kuba yagejeje ikirego cy’iremezo mu rukiko rubifitiye ububasha kugira ngo hemezwe umwenda aberewemo. Naho igika cya gatatu cy’iyo ngingo iteganya ko ifatira rivugwa mu gika cya 2 cy’iyi ngingo rigumaho, keretse iyo muri urwo rubanza uwafatiriwe asabye ko rivaho akabyemererwa n’urukiko. Urubanza rwa burundu ku kirego cy’iremezo rutuma ifatira rihinduka ifatirabwishyu iyo uwareze atsinze. Bene urwo rubanza ruburanishwa mu buryo bw’ibirego byihutirwa.

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[14] Ingingo ya 231, igika cya 1, n’icya 5 y’Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru iteganya ibikurikira: “Iyo ukodesha inzu, umurima cyangwa ibindi bintu yanze kwishyura ubukode, nyir’umutungo ukodeshwa ashobora gusaba umuhesha w’inkiko gufatira ibintu byimukanwa, ibihingwa cyangwa ibindi biri muri uwo mutungo by’ukodesha ndetse n’ibyahakuwe atabyemeye. Urubanza rwa burundu ku kirego cy’iremezo rutuma ifatira rihinduka ifatirabwishyu iyo uwareze atsinze. Bene urwo rubanza ruburanishwa mu buryo bw’ikirego cyihutirwa”. [15] Ingingo ya 188, igika cya kabiri, y’Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru itaganya ibikurikira: “Igihe cyo kujuririra icyemezo ni iminsi itarenze itatu (3) y’akazi uhereye ku munsi icyemezo cyasomeweho cyangwa ababuranyi bakimenyeyeho. Urubanza narwo rucibwa mu gihe kitarenze iminsi itatu (3) y’akazi”. [16] Mu rubanza RCOMAA 00040/2022/CA rwaciwe ku wa 23/09/2022, haburana Balton CP na New Century Development Ltd, uru Rukiko rwasobanuye ko rusesenguye ingingo ya 188 y’Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru rusanga yumvikanisha ko icyemezo ku kirego cyihutirwa kijuririrwa mu minsi itarenze itatu (3) y’akazi ibarwa kuva ku munsi icyemezo cyasomeweho cyangwa kuva ku munsi ababuranyi bakimenyeyeho. Mu yandi magambo iyi minsi itatu ibarwa kuva ku munsi icyemezo cyasomeweho ku baburanyi bari bahari mu

iburanisha ry’urubanza cyangwa ikabarwa kuva ku munsi ababuranyi bamenyeshejwe icyemezo ku muburanyi utari uhari urubanza ruburanishwa. [17] Nk’uko byibukijwe haruguru, ingingo ya 231, n’iya 232 z’Itegeko N° 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/4/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, ziteganya ko ibirego bisaba kwemeza umwenda ukomoka ku gikorwa cy’ubucuruzi no kwemeza ko ifatira ryakozwe rihinduka ifatirabwishyu biburanishwa mu buryo bw’ibirego byihutirwa.

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Ibi bikaba byumvikanisha ko ibyo birego nubwo atari ibirego byihutirwa (référé), kuko nta kirego cy’iremezo biba bishamikiyeho, ariko nabyo biburanishwa, bigasomwa kandi bikajuririrwa mu bihe byagenewe ibirego byihutirwa. [18] Ku birebana n’uru rubanza, dosiye igaragaza ko urubanza rujuririrwa RCOMA 00737/2024/HCC rwasomwe ku wa 20/12/202479, Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd ijurira ku wa 15/01/2025. [19] Urukiko rushingiye ku biteganywa n’ingingo ya 188, igika cya 2, ndetse n’ingingo za 231 na 232 z’Itegeko n° 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/4/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, rusanga igihe cyo kujurira cyaragombaga gutangira kubarwa ku wa 20/12/2024, umunsi icyemezo cyasomeweho, hakabarwa igihe cy’iminsi itatu y’akazi, bityo kuba tariki ya 20/10/2024 hari ku wa gatanu (Friday/Vendredi), birumvikana ko uhereye kuri uwo munsi, iminsi itatu y’akazi yuzuye ku wa kabiri (Tuesday/Mardi) tariki ya 24/12/2024, kuko ku wa 21/12/2024 no ku wa 21/12/2024, yari iminsi y’impera z’icyumweru, bikaba rero byumvikana ko itariki Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd itagombaga kurenza ari ku wa 24/12/2024, kugira ngo ibe yubahirije ibihe byo kujurira biteganywa n’amategeko. Kuba rero yarajuriye ku wa 15/01/2025, hashize hafi ukwezi, biragaragara ko itubahirije ibihe byo kujurira biteganywa n’Itegeko nk’uko byibukijwe haruguru, bityo ubujurire bwayo bukaba butagomba kwakirwa ngo busuzumwe kuko bwatanzwe impitagihe. [20] Ku byo uhagarariye Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd avuga ko uru rubanza atari ikirego cyihutirwa (référé), ahubwo ari urubanza rusanzwe, ko rero yubahirije ibihe byo kujurira,

79 Ikigaragara ni uko nubwo kuri Kopi y’urubanza handitse ko urubanza rwasomwe ku wa 19/12/2024, ariko rwasomwe ku wa 20/12/2024 nk’uko bigaragazwa n’inyandiko-mvugo y’isomwa ry’urubanza, kandi ni nabyo bigaragara muri IECMS mu gice cyitwa “COURT SESSIONS”.

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Urukiko rurasanga nta shingiro byahabwa, kuko ikibazo nyamukuru atari ukumenya ko ari ikirego cyihutirwa (référé), kuko atari cyo koko nk’uko byibukijwe haruguru, ahubwo ni ukumenya niba bene iki kirego kiburanishwa nk’ikirego gisanzwe, cyangwa nk’ikirego cyihutirwa. Urukiko rurasanga nk’uko biteganywa n’ingingo ya 231 n’iya 232, z’Itegeko N° 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/4/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, ibirego bisaba kwemeza umwenda ukomoka ku gikorwa cy’ubucuruzi no kwemeza ko ifatira ryakozwe rihinduka ifatirabwishyu biburanishwa mu buryo bw’ibirego byihutirwa, bivuze ko bijuririrwa mu bihe byagenewe ibirego byihutirwa, ni ukuvuga mu minsi itarenze itatu (3) y’akazi. ii. Kumenya niba amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cya Avoka asabwa muri uru rubanza afite ishingiro [21] Uhagarariye Muhittin Isildak ashingiye ku ngingo 111 y’Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi, no ku ngingo ya 26 y’Amabwiriza no 01/2014 agena ibihembo mbonera by’Abavoka, asaba Urukiko rw’Ubujurire gutegeka Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd guha Muhittin Islidak amafaranga miliyoni enye (4.000.000 Frw), akubiyemo miliyoni eshatu (3,000,000 Frw) y’igihembo cya Avoka na miliyoni imwe (1.000.000 Frw) y’ikurikiranarubanza. [22] Uhagarariye Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd avuga ko amafaranga y’ibyagiye ku rubanza Muhittin Islidak asaba asanga akabije, ko Urukiko rwazayasuzuma mu bishishozi bwarwo.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [23] Ingingo ya 111 y’Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, iteganya ibikurikira: “Ikirego cy’amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza ni ikirego gishamikira ku

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kirego cy’iremezo kigamije kwishyuza ibyakoreshejwe mu rubanza. Ikirego cy’amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza kiburanishirizwa rimwe n’ikirego cy’iremezo. Gishobora kandi kwakirwa kikanaburanishwa n’iyo ikirego cy’iremezo cyaba kitakiriwe”. [24] Urukiko rurasanga, kuba Plateforme Company Rwanda RWANDA Ltd yarajuririye uru Rukiko byaratumye Muhittin Islidak ashaka Avoka wo kumuburanira, hashingiwe rero ku ngingo ya 111 y’Itegeko No 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, birumvikana ko amafaranga y’igihembo cya Avoka n’ay’ikurikiranarubanza Muhittin Islidak asaba akwiye kuyahabwa, ariko ayo asaba ni menshi harebwe ibyakozwe ku rubanza; bityo mu bushishozi bwarwo rukaba rumugeneye ibihumbi magana atanu (500.000 Frw) y’igihembo cya Avoka n’ibihumbi magana abiri (200.000 Frw) y’ikurikiranarubanza, kuri uru rwego, agomba gutangwa na Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd. III. ICYEMEZO CY’URUKIKO [25] Rwemeje ko inzitizi yo kutubahiriza ibihe byo kujurira yatanzwe na Muhittin Isildak, ifite ishingiro. [26] Rwemeje ko ubujurire bwatanzwe na Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd butakiriwe kuko yatinze kujurira. [27] Rutegetse Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd kwishyura Muhittin Isildak amafaranga ibihumbi magana atanu (500.000 Frw) y’igihembo cya Avoka n’amafaranga ibihumbi magana abiri (200.000 Frw) y’ikurikiranarubanza, kuri uru rwego. [28] Ruvuze ko ingwate y‘amagarama yatanzwe ihwanye n’ibyakozwe mu rubanza.

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UWINEZA N’ABANDI v POSADA PLUS LTD [Rwanda URUKIKO RW’UBUJURIRE – RCOMAA 00071/2024/CA (Rutazana, P.J.) 29 Ugushyingo 2024] Amategeko agenga imanza z’ubucuruzi – Cyamunara – Kumenyesha cyamunara – amatangazo ya cyamunara – Uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate nta nshingano afite yo gushyikiriza nyir’umutungo amatangazo ya cyamunara; ahubwo nyir’mutungo amenyeshwa Amabwiriza y’igurisha akubiyemo ingengabihe y’uburyo cyamunara zizakurikirana. Incamake y’ikibazo: Uru rubanza rwatangiye Posada Plus Ltd itanga ikirego mu Rukiko rw’Ubucuruzi irega Uwineza (uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate) isaba gutesha agaciro cyamunara y’umutungo wayo ufite UPI:1/03/05/04/1106 yari yatanzeho ingwate muri Equity Bank Rwanda Plc kuko iyo cyamunara itatangajwe mu buryo buteganyijwe n’amategeko. Urukiko rwasanze mbere y’uko urubanza ruburanishwa ari ngombwa ko hagobokeshwamo Equity Bank Rwanda Plc kuko ari yo yari iberewemo umwenda na Mukamurenzi waguze uwo mutungo muri cyamunara. Uwineza na Equity Bank Rwanda Plc bireguye bavuga ko impamvu zose Posada Plus Ltd ishingiraho isaba ko cyamunara iteshwa agaciro nta shingiro zifite, naho Mukamurenzi avuga ko yaguze umutungo uburanwa mu buryo bukurikije amategeko akaba atagombye kuba ari muri uru rubanza kuko ntacyo abazwa; bose basaba kugenerwa amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cya Avoka. 193

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Urukiko mu rubanza RCOM01185/2024/TC, rwemeje ko impamvu Posada Plus Ltd ishingiraho isaba gutesha agaciro cyamunara y’umutungo wayo nta shingiro zifite, ruyitegeka kwishyura Uwineza amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza, no kwishyura Equity Bank Rwanda Plc na Mukamurenzi Annet amafaranga y’igihembo cya Avoka buri wese. Posada Plus Ltd yajuririye Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi irusaba gusuzuma:Niba amatangazo ya cyamunara yarakurikije amategeko, Niba cyamunara y’umutungo uburanwa yari ikwiye kugumaho mu gihe umwenda yashingiyeho ukigibwaho impaka, Niba Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi rwaragombaga gutegeka Posada Plus Ltd kwishyura abaregwa amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cya Avoka rwirengagije ko ari rwo rwategetse ko Equity Bank Rwanda Plc na Mukamurenzi bagobokeshwa mu rubanza, naho Uwineza akaba ari we washoye Posada Plus Ltd mu manza;Niba mu gihe cyamunara isubitswe cyangwa abaguzi bakabura itongera gutangazwa nk’uko biteganywa n’amategeko,niba amatangazo ya cyamunara ataragombaga gushyikirizwa Umunyamabanga Nshingwabikorwa w’Akagari aho kuba CEDO. Abaregwa bose bavuze ko impamvu z’ubujurire zatanzwe na Posada Plus Ltd nta shingiro zifite, kuko amategeko agenga cyamunara yubahirijwe, basaba indishyi z’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cya avoka. Urukiko mu rubanza RCOMA 00577/2024/HCC rwemeje ko ubujurire bwa Posada Plus Ltd bufite ishingiro kuko uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate atamenyesheje

Posada Plus Ltd itangazo rya kabiri n’irya gatatu ya cyamunara, maze rutegeka ko iteshejwe agaciro, rutegeka Equity Bank Rwanda Plc gusubiza Mukamurenzi amafaranga yishyuye mu cyamunara y’uwo mutungo, runategeka Uwineza Angélique kwishyura Posada Plus Ltd amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cya Avoka, Mukamurenzi, Equity Bank Rwanda Plc na Uwineza bajuririye Urukiko rw’Ubujujurire, bahuriye ku mpamvu y’uko Urukiko

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Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi rwirengagije ibimenyetso rwashyikirijwe bigaragaza ko Posada Plus Ltd yamenyeshejwe itangazo rya cyamunara rya kabiri n’irya gatatu; EQUITY BANK RWANDA Plc na Uwineza bongeraho ko ariko hashingiwe ku ngingo ya 29 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru agenga ibyerekeye gucunga, gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara, no kwegukana ingwate; uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate nta n’inshingano yari afite yo kumenyesha nyir’umutungo amatangazo ya cyamunara. Posada Plus Ltd yireguye ivuga ko ubwo ubujurire nta shingiro bufite, asaba ko buri wese mu bajuriye ko yategekwa kwishyura Posada Plus Ltdisaba indishyi zo kuyishora mu rubanza ku maherere. Urukiko mu rubanza RCOMAA00071/2024/CA rwemeje ko uburire Mukamurenzi, EQUITY BANK RWANDA Plc na Uwineza bufite ishingiro ko cyamunara yakozwe ku mutungo uburanwa igumanye agaciro kayo. Incamacye y’icyemezo: Itegeko ryihariye riza mbere y’itegeko riri rusange (Specialia generalibus derogant). Ntabwo hakurikizwa ingingo ya 253 y’Itegeko N° 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/4/2018 ryekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umulimo n’iz’ubutegetsi kandi hari amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru N° 001/2020/ORG agenga ibyerekeye gucunga, gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara no kwegukana ingwate. Bityo, uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate nta nshingano afite yo gushyikiriza nyir’umutungo amatangazo ya cyamunara; ahubwo nyir’mutungo amenyeshwa Amabwiriza y’igurisha akubiyemo ingengabihe y’uburyo cyamunara zizakurikirana. Ubujurire bufite ishingiro.

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Amategeko yashingiweho: Itegeko N° 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi, Ingingo ya 111 Itegeko N° 13/2010 ryo ku wa 07/5/2010 rihindura kandi ryuzuza Itegeko N°10/2009 ryo ku wa 14/5/2009 ryerekeye ubugwate ku mutungo utimukanwa ingingo ya 2,3 Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru N° 001/2020/ORG yo ku wa 12/05/2020 agenga ibyerekeye gucunga, gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara no kwegukana ingwate Ingingo ya 1, 24,26,27, 28,29 Nta manza zifashishijwe. Urubanza I. IMITERERE Y’URUBANZA [1] Posada Plus Ltd yasabye inguzanyo muri Equity Bank Rwanda Plc irayihabwa ariko ntiyayishyura nk’uko amasezerano y’iguriza yabiteganyaga, bituma ku wa 09/08/2024 umutungo wayo yatanzeho ingwate ubaruye kuri UPI :1/03/05/04/1106 ugurishwa mu cyamunara, wegukanwa na Mukamurenzi Anne. Ku wa 19/8/2024 Posada Plus Ltd yandikiye Umwanditsi Mukuru imusaba gutesha agaciro iyo cyamunara, ishingiye ku mpamvu zikurikira: kuba amatangazo ya cyamunara atarubahirije amategeko kandi ntamenyeshwe nyir’umutungo; kuba ingano y’umwenda wishyuzwa ugibwaho impaka mu rubanza RCOM 00389/2023/TC no kuba imihango ijyanye na cyamunara, ifatira n’ishinganisha itarubahirijwe.

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[2] Posada Plus Ltd ibonye Umwanditsi Mukuru atayisubije, yatanze ikirego mu Rukiko rw’Ubucuruzi irega Uwineza Angélique (uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate) isaba gutesha agaciro cyamunara y’umutungo wayo wavuzwe haruguru ivuga ko itatangajwe mu buryo buteganyijwe n’ingingo ya 253 y’Itegeko N° 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/4/2018 ryekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umulimo n’iz’ubutegetsi, n’ingingo ya 10 y’Iteka rya Minisitiri N° 005/MOJ/AG/21 ryo kuwa 07/06/2021, hashingiwe ku mpamvu zikurikira: Kuba Posada Plus Ltd itaramenyeshejwe amatangazo ya cyamunara kuko atashyikirijwe Umuyobozi wayo witwa Ntakirutimana Sandrine ; Kuba mu matangazo ya cyamunara hatagaragaramo uwishyuzwa n’umwenda yishyuzwa ; Kuba mu matangazo ya cyamunara hatagaragaramo ifoto y’umutungo, nyamara igomba kugaragazwa kugira ngo abaguzi bitabire cyamunara ; ngo bikaba byaratumye cyamunara ya mbere n’iya kabiri zititabirwa ; Kuba Umuyobozi w’Akagari umutungo wagurishijwe uherereyemo yaremeje ko atarashyikirijwe amatangazo ya cyamunara kandi bikorwa kugira ngo atange uburenganzira bwo kuyamanika. [3] Urukiko rwasanze mbere y’uko urubanza ruburanishwa ari ngombwa hagobokeshwamo Equity Bank Rwanda Plc kuko ari yo yari iberewemo umwenda ikaba ari nayo yasabye ko hakorwa cyamunara y’umutungo yahaweho ingwate, na Mukamurenzi Annet waguze uwo mutungo muri cyamunara. [4] Uwineza Angélique na Equity Bank Rwanda Plc bireguye bavuga ko impamvu zose Posada Plus Ltd ishingiraho isaba ko cyamunara iteshwa agaciro nta shingiro zifite, naho Mukamurenzi Annet avuga ko yaguze umutungo wavuzwe

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haruguru mu buryo bukurikije amategeko akaba atagombye kuba ari muri uru rubanza kuko ntacyo abazwa ; bose basaba kugenerwa amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cya Avoka. [5] Mu rubanza RCOM01185/2024/TC rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi ku wa 18/09/2024, rwemeje ko impamvu Posada Plus Ltd ishingiraho isaba gutesha agaciro cyamunara y’umutungo wayo nta shingiro zifite, ruyitegeka kwishyura Uwineza Angélique 500.000 Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka na 100.000Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza, no kwishyura Equity Bank Rwanda Plc na Mukamurenzi Annet 500.000 Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka buri wese. [6] Posada Plus Ltd yajuririye Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi irusaba gusuzuma : - Niba amatangazo ya cyamunara yo kuwa 9/8/2024 yarakurikije amategeko cyane ingingo ya 253 y’Itegeko N° 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/4/2018 ryekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umulimo n’iz’ubutegetsi, ingingo ya 10 y’Iteka rya Minisitiri N° 005/MOJ/AG/2021 ryo kuwa 07/06/2021, n’ingingo ya 2 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru N° 002/2021/ORG yo kuwa 29/6/2021 ; - Niba inyandiko mpesha ivugwa mu ngingo ya 241 y’Iteko N° 22/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, mu gaka ka yo ka 5, itandukanye n'izindi nyandikompesha ku buryo mu itangazo ryayo hatagomba kugaragaramo nyirumutungo, uwishyurwa n'amafoto y'umutungo hashingiwe ku iteganywa mu ngingo ya 253 yavuzwe haruguru ; - Niba cyamunara y’umutungo wa Posada Plus Ltd yari ikwiye kugumaho mu gihe umwenda

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yashingiyeho ukigibwaho impaka mu rubanza RCOM00398/2024/TC; - Niba Urukiko rw’Ubucuruzi rwaragombaga gutegeka Posada Plus Ltd kwishyura abaregwa amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cya Avoka rwirengagije ko ari rwo rwategetse ko Equity Bank Rwanda Plc na Mukamurenzi Annet bagobokeshwa mu rubanza, naho Uwineza Angélique (uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate) akaba ari we washoye Posada Plus Ltd mu manza ; - Niba mu gihe cyamunara isubitswe cyangwa abaguzi bakabura itongera gutangazwa nk’uko biteganywa n’ingingo ya 29 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru N° 001/2020/ORG yo ku wa 12/05/2020 agenga ibyerekeye gucunga, gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara, no kwegukana ingwate ; - Niba amatangazo ya cyamunara ataragombaga gushyikrizwa Umunyamabanga Nshingwabikorwa w’Akagari aho kuba CEDO. [7] Abaregwa bose bavuze ko impamvu z’ubujurire zatanzwe na Posada Plus Ltd nta shingiro zifite, kuko amategeko agenga cyamunara yubahirijwe, basaba indishyi z’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cya avoka. [8] Mu rubanza RCOMA00577/2024/HCC rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi ku wa 25/10/2024 rwemeje ko ubujurire bwa Posada Plus Ltd bufite ishingiro kuko uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate atamenyesheje Posada Plus Ltd itangazo rya kabiri n’irya gatatu ya cyamunara, maze rutegeka ko cyamunara y’umutungo wa Posada Plus Ltd yakozwe ku wa ku wa 09/08/2024 iteshejwe agaciro, rutegeka Equity Bank Rwanda Plc gusubiza Mukamurenzi Annet amafaranga yishyuye mu cyamunara y’uwo mutungo, runategeka Uwineza Angélique (uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate) kwishyura Posada Plus Ltd

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1.200.000 Frw y’ikurikiranarubanza n’igihembo cya Avoka, na 60.000 Frw y’amagarama yishyuye irega ku rwego rwa mbere no ku rwego rw’ubujurire. [9] Mukamurenzi Annet, Equity Bank Rwanda Plc na Uwineza Angélique bajuririye Urukiko rw’Ubujujurire, bahuriye ku mpamvu y’uko Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi rwirengagije ibimenyetso rwashyikirijwe bigaragaza ko Posada Plus Ltd yamenyeshejwe itangazo rya cyamunara rya kabiri n’irya gatatu; Equity Bank Rwanda Plc na Uwineza Angélique bongeraho ko ariko hashingiwe ku ngingo ya 29 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru yavuzwe haruguru, uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate nta n’inshingano yari afite yo kumenyesha nyir’umutungo amatangazo ya cyamunara. [10] Posada Plus Ltd yireguye ivuga ko ubwo ubujurire nta shingiro bufite kuko abajuriye bavuga ko cyamunara yubahirije ibiteganywa n’amategeko kandi babizi neza ko ataribyo nk’uko byasobanuwe mu rubanza rwajuririwe ; asaba ko buri wese mu bajuriye yategekwa kwishyura Posada Plus Ltd 1.000.000Frw y’indishyi zo kuyishora mu rubanza ku maherere. [11] Iburanisha mu ruhame ryabaye ku wa 18/11/2024, Mukamurenzi Annet ahagarariwe na Me Hakizimana Francois Xavier, Equity Bank Rwanda Plc ihagarariwe na Me Mukandoli Brigitte, Uwineza Angélique yunganiwe na Twizeyimana Théophile naho Posada Plus Ltd ihagarariwe na Me Gahamanyi Justin. [12] Hashingiwe ku mpaka zagaragajwe haruguru, Urukiko rurasuzuma ibibazo bikurikira bigize urubanza : - Kumenya niba uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate yaragombaga kumenyesha Posada Plus Ltd, nka nyir’umutungo UPI:1/03/05/04/1106 watanzweho ingwate, amatangazo ya cyamunara;

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- Mu gihe Urukiko rwasanga Posada Plus Ltd yaragombaga kumenyeshwa ayo matangazo, ruranasuzuma niba byarakozwe ; - Kumenya niba ishingiro ry’indishyi zisabwa muri uru rubanza ; II. ISESENGURA RY’IBIBAZO BIGIZE

URUBANZA 1. Kumenya niba uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate yaragombaga kumenyesha Posada Plus Ltd, nka nyir’umutungo UPI:1/03/05/04/1106 watanzweho ingwate, amatangazo ya cyamunara. [13] Mu myanzuro ye no mu iburanisha, Me Uwineza Angélique (uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate) na Me Twizeyimana Théophile umwunganira, na Me Mukandoli Brigitte uhagarariye Equity Bank Rwanda Plc bavuga ko ubujurire bwabo bugamije kugaragaza ko cyamunara itagombaga guteshwa agaciro, bashingiye ku mpamvu zikurikira: - Kuba, hashingiwe ku ngingo ya 29 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru yo ku wa 12/05/2020 agenga ibyerekeye gucunga, gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara, no kwegukana ingwate iteganya uburyo itangazwa rya cyamunara y’ingwate rikorwa, nta shingano uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate yari afite yo gushyikiriza Posada Plus Ltd itangazo rya cyamunara; - N’ubwo iyo ngingo itabiteganya, Posada Plus Ltd yamenyeshejwe itangazo rya cyamunara kuko ku wa 02/7/2024 Umuhesha w’inkiko yarishyikirije uwitwa Sindayigaya Firmini (umugabo washyiranywe n’Umuyobozi Mukuru wa Posada Plus Ltd witwa Ntakirutimana Sandrine) akaba ari

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nawe nyir’umutungo, amusanze ku biro bya Posada Plus Ltd yanga kuryakira no gusinya nk’uko byemejwe mu nyandikomvugo y’Umuhesha w’inkiko ariko ibi bikaba bidakuraho ko yarishyikirijwe, kuko uyu Sindayigaya Firmini ari nawe wari warakiriye mbere (ku itariki 20/6/2024) Amabwiriza y’igurisha ry’ingwate mu cyamunara, Icyemezo cyo kugurisha ingwate (Permit to sale the mortgage); igenagaciro ry’ingwate, n’inyandiko isaba Posada Plus Ltd umwirondoro wayo kugira ngo ihuzwe n’urubuga rw’ikoranabuhanga rurangirizwamo imanza n’izindi nyandikompesha, kandi ibyo Posada Plus Ltd ikaba idahakana ko yabyakiriye, ndetse Sindayigaya Firmini akaba ari nawe wakurikiranaga uko cyamunara igenda akoresheje telefone ye ifite numero 0787277377 nk’uko bigaragazwa n’ubutumwa bugufi buri muri dosiye yandikiranaga na Uwineza Angélique, bityo Posada Plus Ltd ikaba itakwitwaza ko itahawe itangazo rya cyamunara kandi yararihawe ikanga kuryakira nk’uko byasobanuwe ; - Kuba, ku wa 20/06/2024 uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate yarandikiye Posada Plus Ltd ayisaba kugaragaza imyirondoro yayo kugirango ihuzwe n’urubuga rurangirizwaho inyandikompesha bityo ijye ikurikirana uko cyamunara izajya igenda, ibaruwa yakirwa na Sindayigaya Firmin ku italiki ya 20/06/2024 ariko ntiyatanga imyirondoro, bityo Posada Plus Ltd ikaba ariyo yiyambuye uburenganzira bwo gukurikirana cyamunara. [14] Mu myanzuro yo kujurira Me Hakizimana François Xavier uhagarariye Mukamurenzi Annet nawe avuga ko icyo anenga urubanza rwajuririwe ari uko Urukiko Rukuru

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rw’Ubucuruzi rwemeje ko cyamunara y’umutungo ubaruye kuri UPI:1/03/05/04/1106 iteshwa agaciro, rushingiye ku mpamvu y’uko Posada Plus Ltd nka nyir’umutungo itamenyeshejwe itangazo rya cyamunara, rwirengagije ibimenyetso rwahyikirijwe byerekana ko ku wa 02/07/2024 Umuhesha w’inkiko witwa P fakwandika yashyikirije Posada Plus Ltd itangazo rya cyamunara rikubiyemo inshuro eshatu cyamunara yagombaga gukorwamo n’amatariki yazo, ko kandi iryo tangazo ryanashyizwe mu Kinyamakuru IGIHE.COM no ku biro by’Akagari, kandi kuri iyo tariki ya 02/07/2024 Posada Plus Ltd inamenyeshwa Amabwiriza ya cyamunara. [15] Uhagarariye Mukamurenzi Annet kandi avuga ko ibyo Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi rwavuze ko uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate atahuje Posada Plus Ltd n’urubuga rw’ikoranabuhanga rurangirizwaho imanza atari ukuri, kuko ku wa 20/06/2024 Me Uwineza Angélique yandikiye umuyobozi wa Posada Plus Ltd amusaba email ye kugira ngo amuhuze n’urwo rubuga ariko uyu ntagire icyo amusubiza, hakaba rero nta bundi buryo bwari gukoreshwa; ahubwo Posada Plus Ltd ikaba yarabikoze nkana igamije kuzashora imanza. Mu iburanisha kandi uhagarariye Mukamurenzi Annet yasobanuye ko Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi rwitiranyije ibintu kuko cyamunara itagombaga guteshwa agaciro hashingiwe ku ngingo ya 253 y’Itegeko 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo

n’iz’ubutegetsi kuko yari ishingiye ku Cyemezo cy’Umwanditsi Mukuru, bityo hakaba haragombaga gushingirwa ku ngingo ya 29 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru N° 001/2020/ORG yo ku wa 12/05/2020 yavuzwe haruguru, agenga ibyerekeye gucunga no gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara no kwegukana ingwate; kandi iyo ngingo ikaba idateganya ko uwatije ingwate cyangwa nyir’umutungo amenyeshwa ibijyanye na cyamunara; ko ariko n’ubwo iyo ngingo itabiteganya ushinzwe gucunga ingwate we yabikoze

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nk’uko babisobanuye mu myanzuro. Ashingiye kuri izo mpamvu zose agasaba uru Rukiko kwemeza ko cyamunara igumaho. [16] Abajuriye bombi kandi bavuga ko urubanza RCOMAA00064/2019/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 03/10/2019, haburana Kayumba Godfrey na SIMACO Ltd, RDB na Safari (mu gika cya 23) n’urubanza RCOMAA00028/2023/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 20/10/2023 haburana Amajyambere Industry CO Ltd, Valérien Munyaneza na Compagnie Generale de Banque Plc zitagombaga gushingirwaho mu rubanza rwajuririwe, kuko zatanze umurongo ku bijyanye n’iyubahirizwa ry’ibihe byo gutangaza cyamunara, kanidi ibi bikaba atari byo biburanwa muri uru rubanza. [17] Me Gahamanyi Justin uhagarariye Posada Plus Ltd, mu myanzuro ye no mu iburanisha avuga ko ubujurire bwose bwatanzwe nta shingiro bufite. Ku bijyanye n’ubujurire bwa Mukamurenzi Annet, uhagarariye Posada Plus Ltd avuga ko mu rubanza rwajuririwe Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi rwasanze itaramenyeshejwe itangazo rya cyamunara rya kabiri n’irya gatatu kandi ko ayo matangazo atanamanitswe ku Biro by’Akagari, ndetse n’ibijyanye n’itangazo rya mbere Urukiko rwemeje ko ryatangajwe kandi ko yarimenyeshejwe byakozwe mu buryo budakurikije amategeko. [18] Ku bijyanye no kumenyesha Posada Plus Ltd amatangazo ya cyamunara yavuzwe haruguru, Me Gahamanyi Justin asobanura ko ibyo Uwineza Angélique avuga ko Posada Plus Ltd yamenyeshejwe itangazo rya cyamunara bikozwe n’Umuhesha w’Inkiko w’umwuga witwa Pfakwandika bitashingirwaho hemezwa ko Posada Plus Ltd ihagarariwe n’Umuyobozi wayo Ntakirutimana Sandrine yamenyeshejwe iryo tangazo mu buryo bukurikije amategeko, kuko Umuhesha w’inkiko atagaragaje aho uwo avuga ko yamenyesheje iryo tangazo akanga gusinya ahuriye na Posada Plus Ltd ndetse n’umwirondoro we, kandi ingingo ya

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47 y’Itegeko Nº 22/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi ikaba isobanura neza uburyo ibigo bifite ubuzima gatozi bimenyeshwa hakoreshwa uburyo bw’ikoranabuhanga. [19] Me Gahamanyi Justin akomeza asobanura ko ingingo ya 29 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru Nº 001/2020/ORG yavuzwe haruguru iteganya ko iyo cyamunara yasubitswe cyangwa ititabiriwe yongera igatangazwa nyamara bikaba bitarakozwe kuko Posada Plus Ltd yabajije amakuru ku bijyanye n’imanikwa ry’amatangazo ya cyamunara ku Biro by’Akagari ka Rubirizi ingwate iherereyemo, Umunyamabanga Nshingwabikorwa ababwira ko mu bitabo byabo nta handitse ko bakiriye ayo matangazo; ko n’Umuhesha w’inkiko wagiye kugenzura niba iryo tangazo ryaramanitswe ku Biro by’Akagari abisabwe na Posada Plus Ltd bamweretse aho amatangazo amanikwa kandi hafungwa, asangamo amatangazo menshi ahamanitse harimo n’ay’umwaka ushize wa 2023 ariko abura itangazo na rimwe ryamamaza igurishwa ry’umutungo wa wa Posada Plus Ltd. [20] Akomeza asobanura Posada Plus Ltd yanitabaje Rwanda Forensic Institute ngo igenzure amatangazo uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate avuga ko yatangaje mu kinyamakuru IGIHE.COM, igenzura ryakozwe rikagaragaza ko itangazo ryo kuwa 02/07/2024 ari ryo ryonyine ryatangajwe muri icyo kinyamakuru, ko kandi ibi binahura n’ibyo Urukiko Rukuru rw’Ubucuruzi rwagaragaje mu rubanza rwajuririwe

aho rwemeje ko n’itangazo rya cyamunara rya kabiri n’irya gatatu atamenyeshejwe Posada Plus Ltd kuko itari kumenyeshwa amatanagzo atarabayeho; ko rero hashingiwe kuri ibyo bisobanuro, nyuma y’uko cyamunara ya mbere isubitswe uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate atongeye kuyitangaza gihe cy’amasaha 24 nk’uko biteganywa n’ingingo ya 253 y’Itegeko Nº 22/2018 bigashimangirwa Iteka rya Minisitiri Nº 005/MOJ/AG/2021 mungingo yaryo ya 4 niya 13 ndetse n’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru Nº 002/AG/2021 mu

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ngingo yayo ya 2. Akomeza kandi gushimangira ko amatangazo ya cyamunara Mukamurenzi Annet avuga ko yamenyeshejwe Posada Plus Ltd atagaragaza uwishyuzwa, uwishyuza ndetse n’ifoto y’umutungo wagurishijwe, nyamara akaba atabivuguruza cyangwa ngo agaragaze icyo banenga ibyashingiweho n’Urukiko mu rubanza rwajuririwe rwemeza ko ibiteganywa n’ingingo ya 10 y’Iteka rya Minisitiri ryavuzwe haruguru Minijust No 005/MOJ/AG/2021 bitubahirijwe. [21] Me Gahamanyi Justin avuga ko imiburanire y’uko uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate yandikiye Posada Plus Ltd ayisaba kumumenyesha email yayo kugira ngo ifungurirwe konte ku rubuga rurangirizwaho inyandikompesha nabyo nta shingiro bikwiriye guhabwa, kuko no kuba iyo baruwa itarashyikirijwe ubishinzwe cyangwa ngo inyuzwe mu nzira ziteganywa n’amategeko, bigaragara ko yatanzwe n’Amabwiriza ya cyamunara atarasohoka bityo hakibazwa aho cyamunara basabaga Posada Plus Ltd kwihuza nayo yafunguriwe. [22] Ku bijyanye n’ubujurire bwa Uwineza Angélique, uhagarariye Posada Plus Ltd avuga ko nta shingiro bufite kuko mu rubanza rwajuririwe Urukiko rwatanze umurongo ku bijyanye n’itangazwa rya cyamunara n’inyungu zabyo kimwe n’izo kumenyesha nyir’umutungo amatangazo ya cyamunara, harimo no kwishakira abakiriya, nyamara ibyo byose Uwineza Angélique akaba atarabyubahirije kuko atamenyesheje Posada Plus Ltd amatangazo ya cyamunara ngo anayamanike cyangwa ayatangaze ahateganyijwe mu buryo buteganywa n’amategeko nk’uko byasobanuwe ku birebana n’ubjurire bwa Mukamurenzi Annet. [23] Ku bijyanye n’imiburanire ya Uwineza Angélique y’uko mu rubanza rwajuririwe Urukiko rwasuzumye ingingo zitaburanyweho mbere, uhagarariye Posada Plus Ltd avuga ko ibi atari ukuri kuko hasuzumwe ibijyanye n’uko cyamunara yatangajwe mu buryo budakurikije amategeko, Urukiko

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rugaragaza neza ko Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru adakuraho amategako ahubwo ayuzuza.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [24] Impaka kuri iki kibazo zishingiye ku kumenya niba uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate yaragombaga kumenyesha Posada Plus Ltd, nka nyir’umutungo UPI:1/03/05/04/1106 watanzweho ingwate, amatangazo ya cyamunara. Abajuriye bavuga ko cyamunara y’ingwate zandikishwa mu Biro by’Umwanditsi Mukuru zikurikiza imihango yihariye iteganywa n’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru yo ku wa 12/05/2020 agenga ibyerekeye gucunga, gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara, no kwegukana ingwate, kandi hashingiwe ku ngingo ya 29 y’ayo Mabwiriza iteganya uburyo itangazwa rya cyamunara y’ingwate rikorwa, uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate nta shingano yari afite yo kumenyesha Posada Plus Ltd itangazo rya cyamunara; naho Posada Plus Ltd yo ikavuga ko hagombaga gukurikizwa ibiteganyijwe mu ngingo ya 253 y’Itegeko N° 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/4/2018 ryekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umulimo n’iz’ubutegetsi, n’ingingo ya 10 y’Iteka rya Minisitiri N° 005/MOJ/AG/2021 ryo kuwa 07/06/2021 ngo bigashimangirwa n’ingingo ya 2 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru N° 002/2021/ORG yo kuwa 29/6/2021. Mu gihe Urukiko rwasanga uwashinzwe kugurisha ingwate yari afite inshingano yo kumenyesha nyir’umutungo amatangazo ya cyamunara, nibwo rusuzuma niba byarakozwe kandi hubahirijwe amategeko. [25] Ingingo ya 2, igika cya mbere n’icya 2, y’Itegeko N° 13/2010 ryo ku wa 07/5/2010 rihindura kandi ryuzuza Itegeko N°10/2009 ryo ku wa 14/5/2009 ryerekeye ubugwate ku mutungo utimukanwa igira iti: “Amasezerano y’ubugwate agaragaza ingingo ziha ububasha uwahawe ingwate bwo kuyicunga, kuyikodesha, kuyigurisha cyangwa kuyegukana igihe uwatanze ingwate atabashije kwishyura. Amasezerano kandi agaragaza

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igihe, ahantu n’ibikurikizwa kugira ngo ubwo buryo bushyirwe mu bikorwa. Igihe uwatanze ingwate atabashije kwishyura, uwahawe ingwate amenyesha mu nyandiko uwatanze ingwate ko agiye gukoresha bumwe mu buryo bwavuzwe mu gika kibanziriza iki akagenera kopi Umwanditsi Mukuru. [26] Ingingo ya 3 y’iryo tegeko, yerekeye ibijyanye n’igurisha ry’ingwate, iteganya mu gika cyayo cya 3, ko Umwanditsi Mukuru ategura amabwiriza rusange agenga cyamunara ijyanye n’igurisha ry’ingwate n’ubundi buryo bwavuzwe mu gika cya mbere cy’ingingo ya 2 y’iri tegeko”. [27] Ingingo ya 1 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru N° 001/2020/ORG yo ku wa 12/05/2020 agenga ibyerekeye gucunga, gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara no kwegukana ingwate nk’uko yahinduwe kugeza ubu, iteganya ko ayo mabwiriza ashyiraho uburyo bwo gucunga, gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara cyangwa kwegukana ingwate ku mutungo utimukanwa watanzweho ingwate mu gihe uwatanze ingwate atishyuye. [28] Urukiko rusanga izi ngingo zivuzwe haruguru zirebewe hamwe, zumvikanisha ko ibijyanye n’ubugwate ku mutungo utimukanwa, uburyo uwahawe ingwate yitabaza iyo atishyuwe, n’ibijyanye no kugurisha mu cyamunara cyangwa kwegukana ingwate ku mutungo utimukanwa watanzweho ingwate mu gihe uwatanze ingwate atishyuye, bigengwa n’Itegeko ryavuzwe haruguru ryerekeye ubugwate ku mutungo utimukanwa, n’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru nayo yavuzwe haruguru arishyira mu bikorwa, agenga ibyerekeye gucunga, gukodesha no kugurisha mu cyaunara no kwegukana ingwate. By’umwihariko ku bijyanye no kugurisha ingwate ari nabyo birebana n’uru rubanza, ayo mabwiriza ateganya ingingo zinyuranye zirebana n’itangazwa rya cyamunara, ibikubiye mu Itangazo rya cyamunara, uburyo cyamunara ikoreshwa, n’ibindi.

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[29] Urukiko rushingiye kuri ibyo bisobanuro no ku ihame ry’amategeko rivuga ko itegeko ryihariye riza mbere y’itegeko riri rusange (Specialia generalibus derogant), rurasanga ayo mategeko yihariye ariyo agomba kureberwamo niba imihango yo kugurisha mu cyamunara ingwate yandikishijwe mu Bitabo by’Umwanditsi Mukuru yarakozwe mu buryo bukurikije amategeko, aho kuba ingingo ya 253 y’Itegeko N° 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/4/2018 ryekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umulimo n’iz’ubutegetsi, kuko n’ubwo iyi ngingo nayo iteganya ibijyanye n’itangazwa rya cyamunara, Itegeko iherereyemo ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza muri rusange, by’umwihariko mu mutwe ujyanye no kurangiza imanza, ibyo iteganya bikaba bitashingirwaho mu gusuzuma ibijyanye no kugurisha mu cyamunara ingwate yandikishijwe mu Biro by’Umwanditsi Mukuru, mu gihe nk’uko byasobanuwe hari amategeko yihariye abigenga. [30] Ingingo ya 26 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru N° 001/2020/ORG yo ku wa 12/05/2020 yavuzwe haruguru, agenga ibyerekeye gucunga no gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara no kwegukana ingwate nk’uko yahinduwe kugeza ubu, iteganya ko ushinzwe gucunga ingwate ategura inyandiko y’amabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara ikubiyemo nibura amakuru akurikira: nimero y’umutungo wagwatirijwe, aho uherereye, ubuso bwawo, kuwugaragaza uko uri, agaciro kawo kari ku isoko kagenwe n’umugenagaciro w’umutungo

utimukanwa wemewe, itariki cyamunara izaberaho, aho izabera n’isaha izatangiriraho, ingengabihe y’uburyo cyamunara zizakurikirana mu gihe habayeho iyimura rya cyamunara, amakuru ya konti izakoreshwa mu kubika ibivuye muri cyamunara, ingwate y’ipiganwa, uko amafaranga azava mu ngwate igurishwa azakoreshwa hakurikijwe urutonde rw’uko ibigomba kwishyurwa bikurikirana, andi makuru uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate abona ari ngombwa. [31] Ingingo ya 28 y’ayo Mabwiriza yo iteganya ko nibura iminsi icumi (10) mbere y’umunsi wa cyamunara, uwashinzwe

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gucunga ingwate amenyesha uwahawe ingwate n’uwayitanze iyo nyandiko y’amabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara, akagenera kopi Umwanditsi Mukuru na nyir’umutungo iyo anyuranye n’uwatanze ingwate; naho ingingo ya 27 y’ayo Mabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru igateganya ko Inyandiko y’amabwiriza y’igurisha mu cyamunara iherekezwa n’imigereka igizwe na Kopi y’icyemezo cyo kugurisha mu cyamunara ingwate cyamenyeshejwe uwatanze ingwate na nyir’umutungo iyo atandukanye n’uwatanze ingwate; na kopi ya Raporo y’igenagaciro ry’umutungo ryakozwe igihe cyo kugurisha ingwate mu cyamunara n’umugenagaciro w’imitungo itimukanwa wemewe kandi ryamenyeshejwe uwatanze ingwate na nyir’umutungo watanzweho ingwate iyo atandukanye n’uwatanze ingwate. Ingingo ya 24 y’ayo Mabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru igateganya ko mu byo icyo cyemezo cyo kugurisha mu cyamunara kigaragaza harimo uwatanze ingwate, ibiranga ingwate, uwashinzwe kugurisha ingwate nk’uko biteganywa mu ngingo ya 24 nayo y’ayo Mabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru. [32] Ingingo ya 29 y’Amabwiriza y’Umwanditsi Mukuru N° 001/2020/ORG yo ku wa 12/05/2020 yavuzwe haruguru, agenga ibyerekeye gucunga no gukodesha, kugurisha mu cyamunara no kwegukana ingwate, niyo iteganya ibijyanye n’itangazwa rya cyamunara, igira iti: “Ushinzwe gucunga ingwate amenyekanisha igurisha mu cyamunara nibura iminsi icumi (10) mbere y’umunsi wa cyamunara kuri radiyo cyangwa televiziyo no

mu kinyamakuru cyandikirwa mu icapiro cyangwa gikorera kuri interineti bikorera mu Rwanda. Iyo minsi ibarwa uhereye ku munsi ukurikira uwo cyamunara yatangarijweho habariwemo umunsi cyamunara izaberaho”. [33] Urukiko rurasanga mu biteganyijwe mu ngingo z’Amabwiriza y’umwanditsi Mukuru zimaze kuvugwa haruguru, nta hagaragara ko uwashinzwe gucunga ingwate agomba gushyikiriza nyir’umutungo amatangazo ya cyamunara ; ahubwo

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icyo izo ngingo ziteganya ni uko nyir’mutungo amenyeshwa Amabwiriza y’igurisha akubiyemo ingengabihe y’uburyo cyamunara zizakurikirana mu gihe habayeho iyimura rya cyamunara (ingingo ya 26), kandi ko cyamunara itangazwa mu buryo bwavuzwe haruguru buteganywa mu ngingo ya 29. Hashingiwe kuri ibyo bisobanuro byose, uwashinzwe kugurisha ingwate akaba atari ategetswe gushyikiriza Posada Plus Ltd nka nyir’umutungo ugurishwa, amatangazo ya cyamunara; bityo akaba atari ngombwa gusuzuma niba byarakozwe n’uburyo byakozwemo. [34] Urukiko rurasanga kandi imiburanire y’uhagarariye Posada Plus Ltd y’uko kumanika amatangazo ku Kagari no yatangaza mu kinyamakuru IGIHE.COM nabyo bitakurikije amategeko bitasuzumwa muri uru rubanza, kuko uretse no kuba bitarasuzumwe ngo bifatweho icyemezo mu rubanza rwajuririwe, bitanajuririwe muri uru Rukiko, kuko hajuriye Mukamurenzi Annet, Uwineza Angélique na Equity Bank Rwanda Plc, bakaba barajuririye gusa ibijyanye no kuba Posada Plus Ltd itaramyenyeshejwe amatangazo ya cyamunara, naho Posada Plus Ltd yo ikaba itarajuriye muri uru Rukiko. [35] Hashingiwe ku bisobanuro byose byatanzwe, ubujurire bwatanzwe na Mukamurenzi Annet, Uwineza Angélique na EQUITY BANK RWANDA Plc bukaba bufite ishingiro.

2. Kumenya niba amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza n’ay’igihembo cya Avoka asabwa n’ababuranyi muri uru rubanza afite ishingiro. [36] Uwineza Angelique yasabye Urukiko gutegeka Posada Plus Ltd amafaranga y'igihembo cya avoka n'ikurikiranarubanza yose hamwe angana na 3.000.000Frw) kuko yishyuye Avoka mu manza eshatu guhera mu Rukiko rw'Ubucuruzi. Equity Bank Rwanda Plc nayo yasabye Urukiko gutegeka Posada Plus Ltd kuyishyura cya 500.000Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka kuri uru rwego na 500.000Frw yo ku rwego rubanza.

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UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [37] Ingingo ya 111 y’Itegeko N° 22/2018 ryo ku wa 29/04/2018 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi igira iti: “Ikirego cy’amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza ni ikirego gishamikira ku kirego cy’iremezo kigamije kwishyuza ibyakoreshejwe mu rubanza. Ikirego cy’amafaranga y’ikurikiranarubanza kiburanishirizwa rimwe n’ikirego cy’iremezo. Gishobora kandi kwakirwa kikanaburanishwa n’iyo ikirego cy’iremezo cyaba kitakiriwe”. [38] Urukiko rurasanga Uwineza Angélique na Equity Bank Rwanda Plc barajuriye muri uru Rukiko kandi nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru ubujurire bwabo bukaba bufite ishingiro, bityo hashingiwe ku biteganywa mu ngingo ya 111 yibukijwe, Posada Plus Ltd ikaba igomba kubishyura ibyo batakaje mu gukurikirana no kuburana uru rubanza; mu bushishozi bw’Urukiko rukaba rubageneye 1.000.000Frw y’igihembo cya Avoka kuri buri wese, kuri Me Uwineza Angélique na Equity Bank Rwanda Plc, hakiyongeraho 600.000Frw yo gukurikirana urubanza kuko yayasabye. III. ICYEMEZO CY’URUKIKO [39] Rwemeje ko ubujurire bwatanzwe na Mukamurenzi Annet, Uwineza Angélique na Equity Bank Rwanda PLC bufite ishingiro. [40] Rwemeje ko imikirize y’urubanza RCOMA00577/2024/HCC rwajuririwe ihindutse kuri byose.

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[41] Rwemeje ko cyamunara yakozwe ku itariki 09/08/2024 ku mutungo ubaruye kuri UPI:1/03/05/04/1106 igumanye agaciro kayo. [42] Rutegetse Posada Plus Ltd kwishyura Uwineza Angélique amafaranga y’u Rwanda miliyoni imwe (1.000.000Frw) y’igihembo cya Avoka n’amafaranga ibihumbi magana atandatu (600.000frw) y’ikurikiranarubanza. [43] Rutegetse Posada Plus Ltd kwishyura Equity Bank Rwanda Plc amafaranga miliyoni imwe (1.000.000Frw) y’igihembo cya Avoka. [44] Ruvuze ko amagarama yatanzwe ahwanye n’ibyakozwe mu rubanza.

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IMANZA Z’INSHINJABYAHA

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UBUSHINJACYAHA v MUNYAKAZI N’ABANDI [Rwanda URUKIKO RW’IKIRENGA - RS/INJUST/RP 00003/2023/SC (Hitiyaremye, P.J, Kazungu na Muhumuza J.) 27 Kamena 2025] Amategeko agenga imanza z’inshinjabyaha – Umugambi wo gukora icyaha – Icyaha cyo gucura umugambi wo gukora icyaha kiba cyuzuye igihe cyose abantu 2 cg benshi basangiye igitecyerezo cyo gukora icyaha, bakaba bumva kimwe uko icyaha kiri bukorwe, kabone nubwo icyaha ubwacyo cyakorwa numwe muribo cg ntigikorwe. Incamake y’ikibazo: Muri uru rubanza, Ubushinjacyaha bwakurikiranye abaregwa buvuga ko Munyakazi na bagenzi be bacuze umugambi wo kwica uwitwa Sifa nk’uko byemejwe n’abatangabuhamya batandukanye nuko ku mugoroba wo ku wa 22/02/2020 hagati ya saa kumi n’ebyiri (18h00) na saa moya (19h00) hatwikwa abana 2 ba Manifashe na Sifa ubwo bari mu nzu yabo, bikorwa habanje kumenwa ikirahure cy’idirishya ry’icyumba bari baryamyemo, umwana wari ufite imyaka 2 yahise apfa, undi wari ufite imyaka 3.5 arashya bikomeye biza no kumuviramo ubumuga bwo gucika akaguru. Ubwo urubanza rwagera mu Rukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Musanze, abaregwa bahanaguweho ibyaha mu rubanza RPA 00395/2021/HC/MUS rwaciwe ku wa 07/07/2022 muri urwo rubanza abitwa Nsengiyumva, Munyakazi, Mugiraneza na Uwamariya bahamijwe icyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko ariko ko ntibahamwa n’ibyaha by’ubwicanyi naho abitwa 217

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Munyamahoro na Hitimana ntibahamwa n’icyaha. Ubushinjacyaha bwasubirishijemo urubanza ku mpamvu z’akarengane, rucibwa n’Urukiko Rw’Ikirenga, bukaba bwaravugaga ko Urukiko rwirengagije ibimenyetso bihagije bishinja abaregwa ibyaha baregwaga birimo icyaha cy’ubwicanyi, Gutwikira undi ku bushake inyubako, Gukomeretsa ku bushake byateye ubumuga buhoraho n’icyaha cy’ivangura ko kandi ibyo byaha byabanjirijwe n’ivangura bakoreraga uwitwa Sifa kuva agishakana n’uwitwa Manifashe. Ubushinjacyaha rero bwasubirishijemo urubanza buvuga ko Urukiko Rukuru rwagize abere abaregwa ku byaha byavuzwe rushingiye ku kuba nta wababonye babikora cyangwa bava kubikora, ko ndetse nta bimenyetso bihari bibahuza n’aho byakorewe igihe byakorwaga, ngo ibyo rukaba rwarabikoze rwirengagije ubuhamya burimo ubwa Munyamahoro mu Bugenzacyaha wagaragaje ko habayeho gucura umugambi wo kugirira nabi Sifa kuko Nsengiyumva yazaga iwabo (kwa Munyakazi), akabashishikariza kwifatanya na we, aho yakoresheje ijambo “kumwiyungaho”, kugira ngo bazice Sifa. Mu bibazo byasumwe n’Urukiko Rw’Ikirenga harimo ikijyanye no kumeya niba hari ibimenyetso Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Musanze, rwirengagije bihamya Munyakazi, Mugiraneza, Uwamariya, Munyamahoro na Nsengiyumva icyaha cy’ubwicanyi, icyo gutwikira undi ku bushake n’icyo gukomeretsa umuntu ku bushake bikamuviramo ubumuga buhoraho. Urukiko rwasanze hari ibikorwa byakozwe mu bihe bitandukanye ariko mu rwego rw’umugambi wakozwe n’imiryango ya Munyakazi na Nsengiyumva ugamije kugirira nabi umuryango wa Sifa na Jérôme, kubera ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko. Ko ibyashingiweho n’Urukiko Rukuru mu guhamya abaregwa icyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko, ari na byo

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byari gushingirwaho rubahamya icyaha cy’ubwicanyi, icyo gutwikira undi inyubako ku bushake n’icyo gukubita no gukomeretsa ku bushake byateye ubumuga buhoraho. Incamake y’icyemezo: Icyaha cyo gucura umugambi wo gukora icyaha kiba cyuzuye igihe cyose abantu 2 cg benshi basangiye igitecyerezo cyo gukora icyaha, bakaba bumva kimwe uko icyaha kiri bukorwe, kabone nubwo icyaha ubwacyo cyakorwa numwe muribo cg ntigikorwe. Gusubirishamo urubanza ku mpamvu z’akarengane bifite ishingiro; Munyakazi, Mugiraneza, Munyamahoro, Uwamariya na Nsengiyumva bahamwa n’ibyaha bakurikiranyweho icy’ivangura, icy’ubwicanyi, icyo gutwikira undi ku bushake, n’icyo gukomeretsa ku bushake byateye ubumuga buhoraho; Hitimana ahamwa n’icyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko. Amategeko yashingiweho: Itegeko No 062/2024 ryo ku wa 20/06/2024 rigenga ibimenyetso, Ingingo ya 48, 53 n’iya 81. Itegeko No 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange, Ingingo ya 20,61,62,107,121,163 n’iya 180. California Penal Code Section 182-185

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Imanza zifashishijwe: Ubushinjacyaha vs Nshimiyimana Alexis n’abandi, RPAA 0059/08/CS rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rw’Ikirenga ku wa 19/11/2010. Inyandiko z’aabahanga: Charles Montaldo, What Is a Conspiracy? Crime and Criminal Justice,http://crime.about.com/od/Crime_101. Raoul Declercq, La preuve en matière pénale, Bruxelles, Editions juridiques Swinnen H., 1988, p.25. H-D. Bosly et Damien Vandermeersch, Droit de la procédure pénale, Bruxelles, La Charte, 2001, p.926. Michel Franchimont, Ann Jacobs et Adrien Masset, Manuel de procédure pénale, Bruxelles, Larcier, 2012, 4è édition, p.1191 Urubanza I. IMITERERE Y’URUBANZA [1] Ku mugoroba wo ku wa 22/02/2020 hagati ya saa kumi n’ebyiri (18h00) na saa moya (19h00) mu Mudugudu wa Marantima, Akagari ka Rwebeya, Umurenge wa Cyuve, Akarere ka Musanze, hatwitswe abana 2 ba Manifashe Jerôme na Sifa Célestine ubwo bari mu nzu yabo, bikorwa habanje kumenwa ikirahure cy’idirishya ry’icyumba bari baryamyemo. Umwana witwa Ikirezi Kundwa Délice wari ufite imyaka 2 yahise apfa, undi witwa Umutoniwacu Agatako Winner wari ufite imyaka 3.5 arashya bikomeye biza no kumuviramo ubumuga bwo gucika akaguru.

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[2] Ibyo bimaze kuba, hakozwe iperereza hafatwa Munyakazi Evariste, umukobwa we Uwamariya Visensiya, abahungu be Munyamahoro Innocent na Mugiraneza Ildephonse, hafatwa na Nsengiyumva Théoneste wari SEDO w’Akagari ka Cyamvumba mu Murenge wa Kabatwa, ndetse na Hitimana Jean de Dieu wari Umukuru w’Umudugudu wa Marantima. Munyakazi Evariste, abahungu be n’umukobwa we ndetse na Nsengiyumva Théoneste, Ubushinjacyaha bwabakurikiranyeho icyaha cy’ivangura, icy’ubwicanyi, icyo gutwikira undi ku bushake n’icyo gukubita no gukomeretsa undi ku bushake byateye ubumuga buhoraho, naho Hitimana Jean de Dieu bumukurikiranaho icyaha cy’ivangura, maze bubaregera Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Musanze. [3] Mu rubanza N° RP 00209/2020/TGI/MUS, rwaciwe ku wa 08/04/2021, urwo Rukiko rwemeje ko Nsengiyumva Théoneste, Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Munyamahoro Innocent na Uwamariya Visensiya bahamwa n’ibyaha by’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko, ubwicanyi, gutwikira undi ku bushake no gukomeretsa ku bushake, rubahanisha igifungo cya burundu buri wese. Rwemeje kandi ko Hitimana Jean de Dieu ahamwa n’icyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko, maze rumuhanisha igifungo cy’imyaka 7 n’ihazabu ya 1.000.000 Frw. [4] Abaregwa bose bajuririye uru rubanza mu Rukiko Rukuru, Urugereko Rwa Musanze, ubujurire bwabo bwandikwa kuri N° RPA 00395/2021/HC/MUS, maze ku wa 07/07/2022, urwo Rukiko rwemeza ko Nsengiyumva Théoneste, Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse na Uwamariya Visensiya bahamwa n’icyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko ariko ko badahamwa n’ibyaha by’ubwicanyi, gutwika ku bushake

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inyubako y’undi no gukomeretsa ku bushake umuntu byateye ubumuga buhoraho, rubahanisha igifungo cy’imyaka 7 n’ihazabu ya 1.000.000 Frw. Rwemeje kandi ko Munyamahoro Innocent na Hitimana Jean de Dieu ari abere ku byaha bari bakurikiranyweho, rutegeka ko bahita bafungurwa. [5] Rwasobanuye ko nta bimenyetso bihari bihagije kandi bidashidikanywaho ku byaha by’ubwicanyi, gutwika ku bushake inyubako y’undi no gukomeretsa ku bushake umuntu byateye ubumuga buhoraho ku baregwa bose bari babikurikiranyweho. Rwasobanuye kandi ko nta kimenyetso kidashidikanywaho gihamya Hitimana Jean de Dieu icyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko; ko kandi nta kimenyetso cy’igikorwa cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko cyagaragajwe kuri Munyamahoro Innocent. [6] Ubushinjacyaha bwandikiye Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire busaba ko urwo rubanza rwasubirwamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane. Amaze gusuzuma ubwo busabe, yasabye Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ko rwasubirwamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane, uyu amaze gusuzuma raporo yarukorewe, ku wa 03/11/2023 afata icyemezo N° 165/CJ/2023 ko rwongera kuburanishwa, rwandikwa kuri N° RS/INJUST/RP00003/2023/SC. [7] Urubanza rwahamagawe ku wa 15/05/2024, ababuranyi bose baritaba, ariko ntirwaburanishwa1, ndetse rugenda rusubikwa kubera impamvu zitandukanye2, rwongera

1 Kugira ngo Ubushinjacyaha bubaze abatangabuhamya bagarutsweho mu rubanza rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru Urugereko rwa Musanze butigeze bubaza, ndetse bubaza n’abandi batangabuhamya bashyize ubuhamya bwabo bwanditse muri system ku munsi w’iburanisha. 2 Zirimo kuba umwe mu bacamanza bagize inteko atari akibarizwa mu Rukiko rw’Ikirenga no kuba Urukiko rwarakoze iperereza aho icyaha cyakorewe.

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kuburanishwa ku wa 07/05/2025, Ubushinjacyaha buhagarariwe na PN Gakwerere Javan; Munyakazi Evariste, Nsengiyumva Théoneste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Uwamariya Visensiya na Munyamahoro Innocent bunganiwe na Me Uwamahoro Nyiranzayino Christine; Hitimana Jean de Dieu yunganiwe na Me Nyirabera Josephine. [8] Mu myanzuro hamwe no mu miburanire ye, uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Musanze, rwirengagije ibimenyetso bihagije bishinja abaregwa ibyaha byavuzwe, ko kandi ibyo byaha byabanjirijwe n’ivangura bakoreraga Sifa Célestine kuva agishakana na Manifashe Jerôme, nyuma bakaza no gucura umugambi wo kumwica nk’uko byemejwe n’abatangabuhamya batandukanye. [9] Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Uwamariya Visensiya, Munyamahoro Innocent na Nsengiyumva Théoneste bavuga ko nta mugambi wo kwica Sifa Célestine bigeze bacura, ko nta n’ibimenyetso bihari bibahuza n’aho ibyaha baregwa byakorewe, kuko ku wa 22/02/2020 batiriwe mu rugo, ndetse mu masaha abana batwikiweho ko batari bakageze mu rugo. Hitimana Jean de Dieu na we avuga ko nta bimenyetso bihari bimuhamya icyaha cy’ivangura akurikiranweho kuko atigeze yirengagiza ikibazo cyose Sifa Célestine yaba yaramugejejeho. [10] Muri uru rubanza, Urukiko rwasuzumye ibibazo bikurikira: a. Kumenya niba hari ibimenyetso bihamya Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Uwamariya Visensiya, Munyamahoro Innocent na Nsengiyumva Théoneste icyaha cy’ubwicanyi, icyo gutwikira undi ku bushake n’icyo gukomeretsa umuntu ku bushake bikamuviramo ubumuga

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buhoraho, Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Musanze, rwirengagije; b. Kumenya niba hari ibimenyetso bihamya Munyamahoro Innocent na Hitimana Jean de Dieu alias Bondo, icyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko, byirengagijwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Musanze; c. Kumenya ibihano byahabwa abaregwa. II. ISESENGURWA RY’IBIBAZO

BIGIZE URUBANZA 1. Kumenya niba hari ibimenyetso bihamya Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Uwamariya Visensia, Munyamahoro Innocent na Nsengiyumva Théoneste icyaha cy’ubwicanyi, icyo gutwikira undi ku bushake n’icyo gukomeretsa umuntu ku bushake bikamuviramo ubumuga buhoraho, Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Musanze, rwirengagije. [11] Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko Urukiko Rukuru rwagize abere abaregwa ibyaha byavuzwe rushingiye ku kuba nta wababonye babikora cyangwa bava kubikora, ko ndetse nta bimenyetso bihari bibahuza n’aho byakorewe igihe byakorwaga, ibyo rukaba rwarabikoze rwirengagije ubuhamya bwa Munyamahoro Innocent mu Bugenzacyaha wagaragaje ko habayeho gucura umugambi wo kugirira nabi Sifa Célestine kuko Nsengiyumva yazaga iwabo (kwa Munyakazi), akabashishikariza kwifatanya na we, aho yakoresheje ijambo “kumwiyungaho”, kugira ngo bazice Sifa.

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[12] Yakomeje avuga ko muri ubu buhamya bwe, Munyamahoro yavuze ko abo akeka batwitse abana ba SIFA Célestine ari Nsengiyumva, Mugiraneza na Uwamariya kuko bahoranaga amakimbirane na we. Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha yasobanuye kandi ko Munyamahoro yavuze ko Mugiraneza yahoraga abasaba (ababyeyi be n’abavandimwe be) guhagurukira SIFA bakamwica, bitaba ibyo bakagurisha bakimuka. Avuga ko iki gitekerezo cya Mugiraneza na Uwamariya yakigarutseho mu ibazwa rye mu Bugenzacyaha, avuga ko uyu musaza we yakivuze koko. [13] Munyakazi Evariste yireguye avuga ko atemera ibyaha aregwa, ko inzego z’umutekano zageze ahabereye icyaha zigasanga nta kindi kintu cyahiye, akibaza uburyo inzu itwikishwa lisansi ntikongoke, kandi ko zanasanze nta muriro wazimijwe, ndetse n’umwana umwe yamaze kuvanwa mu nzu, bityo SIFA Célestine akaba akwiye kugaragaza uwamufashije kuzimya ndetse no gukura umwana umwe mu nzu. [14] Mugiraneza aburana ahakana ibyaha aregwa. Avuga ko ntacyo apfa na Sifa Célestine ku buryo yashaka kumugirira nabi, ko Nsengiyumva amwanga kuko yafungishije umuvandimwe we, bityo akaba nta mugambi bashobora gukorana, ko atemera ubuhamya bwa Gakara Danani na Habyarimana Emmanuel kuko hari ibyo bapfa. [15] Uwamariya Visensiya ahakana ibyaha aregwa, avuga ko nta mugambi wo kugirira nabi Sifa Célestine wabayeho, ko abo aregwana nabo ari abantu bakuru ku buryo adashobora gukorana na bo umugambi. Na we avuga ko atemera ubuhamya bwa Gakara Danani, ubwa Habyarimana Emmanuel n’ubwa Rucagu Boniface kuko bafitanye amakimbirane n’iwabo.

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[16] Munyamahoro Innocent avuga ko atemera ibyaha aregwa, ko Nsengiyumva ataje iwabo ngo abashishikarize kugirira nabi Sifa Célestine, ko nta mugambi wo gukora ibyo byaha wabayeho, ko umunsi icyaha kiba yari yasuwe n’ababyeyi b’umugore we, akaba atari gusurwa ngo ajye no mu gikorwa cyo kugirira nabi Sifa. Asoza avuga ko atemera ubuhamya bwa Gakara Danani, ubwa Habyarimana Emmanuel n’ubwa Rucagu Boniface, kuko hari amakimbirane hagati yabo. [17] Nsengiyumva Théoneste yiregura avuga ko atari inshuti y’umuryango wa Munyakazi ku buryo bari gucura umugambi uvugwa, ko nta kibazo yari afitanye na Jérôme kuko yamugurishije ubutaka kugira ngo imodoka ye ibone inzira, mu gihe abandi baturanyi bari bayimwimye. Avuga ko atemera ubuhamya bwa Munyamahoro kuko ntaho bari buhurire ngo bacure umugambi avuga, ko nta mwanya yagiraga. Asaba ko Urukiko rwaha ishingiro ubuhamya bwa Uwimbabazi Providence n’ubwa Mukundente Liliane bavuze ko nta vangura ryari mu Mudugudu wa Marantima. Asoza avuga ko atemera ubuhamya bwa Habyarimana Emmanuel. [18] Me Uwamahoro Nyiranzayino Christine wunganira Munyakazi, Nsengiyumva, Munyamahoro, Mugiraneza na Uwamariya, avuga ko ubuhamya Munyakazi na Munyamahoro batanze mu Bugenzacyaha nta gaciro bwahabwa, ko icyo bavuze ari ugukeka, ko ibyo Munyamahoro yavuze yabitewe n’igihunga. Yongeraho ko batemera ubuhamya bwa Habyarimana Emmanuel n’ubwa Gakara Danani. Yakomeje asobanura ko ikibazo cyabayeho ari icy’inzira y’imodoka ya Jérôme ariko kikaba cyarakemutse, ko ubuyobozi bwemeje ko Jérôme azagura na Munyakazi aho akeneye kunyuza imodoka ye, ibyo bikaba byarakorewe raporo. Avuga ko mu maraporo yose yakozwe nta

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n’imwe igaragaza ko ivangura rivugwa ryabayeho, bityo akaba nta kimenyetso cyatanzwe kigaragaza umugambi uvugwa muri iyi dosiye. Yavuze kandi ko batemera ubuhamya bwa HABYARIMANA Emmanuel n’ubwa Gakara Danani.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [19] Muri uru rubanza, ipfundo ry’ikibazo gihari ni ukumenya niba hari ibimenyetso bihamya abaregwa bavuzwe haruguru, icyaha cy’ubwicanyi, gutwikira undi ku bushake n’icyo gukomeretsa umuntu ku bushake bikamuviramo ubumuga buhoraho, Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Musanze, rwirengagije. [20] Ingingo ya 20 y’Itegeko N° 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange, nk’uko ryahinduwe, iteganya : « Gucura umugambi wo gukora icyaha ni ubwumvikane hagati y’abantu babiri (2) cyangwa benshi bugamije gukora icyaha cyakorwa n’umwe cyangwa benshi muri bo. Gukora umugambi wo gukora icyaha bihanishwa igihano giteganyirijwe icyaha cyacuriwe umugambi. Umuntu wese uru mu mugambi wo gutegura, akabimenyesha ubutegetsi bw’igihugu, inzego z’ubutabera cyangwa iz’umutekano, ko hategurwa ibyaha, akabumenyesha n’amazina y’abagome n’ay’ibyitso byabo, asonerwa igihano giteganyirijwe icyaha cyo gucura umugambi mu gihe ibyo abikoze mbere y’uko icyaha gicurirwa umugambi gikorwa ». [21] Nk’uko bisobanurwa muri California Penal Code Section 182-185, ntabwo ari ngombwa ko habaho igikorwa runaka kidashikanywaho cy’intangiriro yo gukora icyaha kugira ngo habeho umugambi wo gukora icyaha (Conspiracy), igikuru ni

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uko hagaragazwa ko abantu 2 cyangwa barenze bari bagamije kandi bumvikanye gukora icyaha3. [22] Uwitwa Charles Montaldo na we asobanura ko atari ngombwa ko hagaragazwa igikorwa (action) runaka kigamije gushyira mu bikorwa icyaha cyo gucura umugambi wo gukora icyaha ; ko ubwumvikane bwo gukora icyaha buhagije n’iyo nta gikorwa cyo kugerageza gukora icyaha cyabayeho4. [23] Ibivuzwe haruguru byumvikanisha ko kugira ngo umugambi wo gukora icyaha ubeho, bisaba ubwumvikane bwo gukora igikorwa gifatwa nk’icyaha n’itegeko. Uko gusangira igitekerezo cyo gukora icyaha, kumva kimwe ko icyaha muri bugikore, ni cyo kivamo gucura umugambi wo gukora icyaha uhanwa n’itegeko kabone nubwo icyaha ubwacyocyakorwa n’umwe mu bacuze umugambi cyangwa ntigikorwe, ko ubwumvikane bwo gukora icyaha buhagije. [24] Ingingo ya 81 y’Itegeko N° 62/2024 ryo ku wa 20/06/2024 rigenga ibimenyetso, iteganya ko Urwego rufite ububasha rwemera gusa ikimenyetso gicukumbuwe n’ubwenge

3 Conspiracy is when “two or more persons conspire to commit a crime.” They do not actually have to take any action towards committing the crime, but it must be proven that they both intended and agreed on that end. California Penal Code of 2005, Section 182-185. 4 The crime of conspiracy can be charged whether or not the crime is ever actually carried out. And in some jurisdictions, no action toward carrying out the crime has to be proven for a conspiracy to exist. For example, if two people plan to rob and bank and they go buy ski masks to wear during the robbery, they can be charged with conspiracy to commit bank robbery, even if they never actually rob the bank or even attempt to rob the bank. Buying ski masks is not a crime, but it furthers the conspiracy to commit a crime, Charles Montaldo, What Is a Conspiracy?, Crime and Criminal Justice,http://crime.about.com/od/Crime_101.

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bw’umuntu iyo ari ingirakamaro, gisobanuye, gihuje n’ibivugwa mu kibazo kandi gusa ari uko itegeko ryemera gutanga ikimenyetso hashingiwe ku mpamvu zose z’ibyabaye. [25] Umuhanga mu mategeko Raoul Declercq, avuga ko haseguriwe ku biteganywa n’amategeko, mu gufata icyemezo, umucamanza mu bwigenge no bwisanzure ari we uha agaciro ibimenyetso afite muri dosiye5. Naho abahanga H-D. Bosly na Damnien Vandermeersch, bakavuga ko, iyo itegeko ridateganya uburyo bwihariye bwo gutanga ikimenyetso, umucamanza uburanisha urubanza mu bwisanzure ari we ugena agaciro k’ibyo [k’ibimenyetso] ashingiraho aca urubanza, afata icyemezo6. [26] Ibivuzwe haruguru na byo byumvikanisha ko amategeko yemera ko umucamanza mu bwigenge no bwisanzure bwe, ari we uha agaciro ibimenyetso afite muri dosiye, kandi ko ibimenyetso bishingira ku mpamvu zose z'ibyabaye. [27] Dosiye y’urubanza igaragaza ko Manifashe Jérôme yaje gutura mu Mudugudu wa Marantima mu mwaka wa 2008; icyo gihe abaturanyi be harimo umuryango wa Munyakazi n’uwa Nsengiyumva bamwakiriye neza, babana neza nta kibazo. [28] Dosiye ikomeza yerekana ko mu mwaka wa 2016 ari bwo yashyingiranywe na Sifa Céléstine, maze guhera ubwo ibibazo

5 « Sous réserves des exceptions prévues par la loi, le juge apprécie librement et souverainement la valeur probante des éléments qui se trouvent à sa disposition pour fonder sa décision » (Raoul Declercq, La preuve en matière pénale, Bruxelles, Editions juridiques Swinnen H., 1988, p.25). 6 « Lorsque la loi n’établit pas un mode spécial de preuve, le juge du fond apprécie souverainement en fait la valeur probante des éléments sur lesquels il fonde sa conviction » (H-D. Bosly et Damien Vandermeersch, Droit de la procédure pénale, Bruxelles, La Charte, 2001, p.926).

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biratangira bigizwemo uruhare n’imiryango ya Munyakazi Nansengiyumva yacuze umugambi wo kugirira nabi umuryango wa Manifashe na Sifa Célestine, kuva icyo gihe haba ibikorwa by’urugomo birimo : kwita SIFA inzoka, indyanyi, kumubwira ngo azajye gutura i Karwasa aho abandi batutsi batuye, kumukomera asohotse, kumushungera bamubonye, kumutera amabuye, kubwira Jérôme ko bazabonana kuko yabazanyemo indyanyi, kubaka urukuta rw’amabuye mu nzira rugamije kubuza imodoka ye gusohoka mu rupangu, kumutera ibuye bakamukoretsa, gutera umwanda wo mu musarani iwabo mu rugo nk’uko byemejwe n’umutangabuhamya Murwanashyaka Célestin wabajijwe n’Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Musanze. Dosiye igaragaza ko ibyo bikorwa byageze n’aho Uwamariya akubita SIFA, Urukiko rw’Ibanze rwa Muhoza rukamuhanisha igifungo cy’imyaka itatu (3) n’ihazabu ya 500.000 Frw. [29] Nk’uko byasobanuwe n’Ubushinjacyaha, ibi bikorwa byakozwe mu bihe bitandukanye ariko mu rwego rw’umugambi wakozwe n’imiryango ya Munyakazi na Nsengiyumva ugamije kugirira nabi umuryango wa Sifa Céléstine na Jérôme, kubera ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko. a. Ku bireba Munyakazi Evariste [30] Urukiko rusanga Munyakazi Evariste ashinjwa n’umuhungu we Munyamahoro Innocent, aho mu ibazwa rye, ku wa 23/02/2020, mu Bugenzacyaha, yabajijwe uruhare rw’ababyeyi be mu itwikwa ry’abana ba Sifa, agahita asubiza ko atabahakanira, kuko bari bafitanye amakimbirane yateye imanza

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hagati yabo, yongeraho ko bashobora kuba barafatanyije na Nsengiyumva ku buryo atazi7. [31] Undi mutangabuhamya witwa Gakara Danani yabwiye Ubugenzacyaha ko akeka ko abana batwitswe n’abo mu muryango wa Munyakazi kubera urwango bafitiye Sifa kuko ari umututsikazi8. Ndetse na Uwamariya Visensiya ku kibazo cyo kumenya uwabayaragize uruhare mu gutwikira abana ba Sifa mu nzu, nubwo yashubije ko atamuzi, ariko yongeyeho ko nta muturanyi ubanye neza na we.9 b. Ku bireba UWAMARIYA Visensiya [32] Umutangabuhamya Mukantazinda Béatha, mu ibazwa rye mu Bugenzacyaha, ku wa 25/02/2020, yavuze ko igihe bari mu nzu kwa Munyakazi umwana w’umukobwa (Uwamariya) yaje yiruka avuga ngo bazimye amatara kwa Sifa abana barahiye. Uyu mutangabuhamya yasobanuye kandi ko uwo mukobwa yaje Innocent (Munyamahoro) amaze gusohoka agiye ku muhanda10. [33] Mu ibazwa rye mu Bugenzacyaha twabonye hejuru, Munyamahoro Innocent yavuze ko mu bo akeka batwitse abana ba Sifa harimo Uwamariya Visensiya. Munyakazi na we yavuze

7 Inyandikomvugo y’ibazwa rya Munyamahoro Innocent yo ku wa 23/02/2020, p.3, C29. 8 Inyandikomvugo y’ibazwa rya Gakara Danani yo ku wa 26/02/2020, p.2, C 73 9 Inyandikomvugo y’ibazwa rya Uwamariya Visensia ryo ku wa 25/02/2020, p.3, C25. 10 Inyandikomvugo y’ibazwa rya Mukantazinda Béatha yo ku wa 25/02/2020, p.2, C50.

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ko mu bo akeka bagize uruhare muri icyo cyaha harimo Uwamariya11. [34] Urukiko rusanga kandi mu nyandikomvugo y’iburanisha mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Musanze, ku wa 23/02/2021, Uwamariya yaravuze ko [umunsi icyaha kiba] musaza we yamuhamagaye bajya ahantu12, nyuma aza kugaruka kwanura imyenda bamesaga ku kiliziya. Muri iryo buranisha kandi yavuze ko yageze mu rugo ajya kuvoma, avuyeyo asanga ikibazo cyabaye n’abapolisi bamaze kuza. Nyamara imbere y’urwo Rukiko, mu iburanisha ryo ku wa 31/05/2021, yavuze ko ku wa 22/02/2020 yari ku kiliziya arimo gufura imyenda ya korari, ageze mu rugo ajya mu itorero, avuyeyo asubira ku kiliziya, avayo asanga batwitse abana bavugwa, aribwo hahise haza abantu bakamubaza Nsengiyumva na Munyakazi. Mu Rukiko Rukuru ho yavuze ko avuye kuvoma yabonye moto 4 zishoreranye, hanyuma ageze iwabo asanga barimo bavuga ngo abana ba Sifa bahiye. [35] Urukiko rusanga kuba Uwamariya mu mvugo ze mu nzego zitandukanye yararanzwe no kwivuguruza, hamwe akavuga ko icyaha cyabaye ari iwabo mu rugo ahandi akavuga ko yavuye kuvoma asanga byabaye, iyo bihujwe n’imvugo za Munyakazi na Munyamahoro mu Bugenzacyaha aho ku Ikubitiro bamukeka mu bakoze icyaha ndetse n’iya Mukantazinda Béatha, uku kwivuguruza kugaragaza ko ashaka guhunga uruhare rwe mu gukora icyaha. c. Ku bireba Nsengiyumva Théoneste

11 Inyandikomvugo y’ibazwa rya Munyakazi Evariste yo ku wa 23/02/2020, p.2, C13 12 Inyandikomvugo y’iburanisha yo ku wa 23/02/2021, p.6.

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[36] Urukiko rusanga ashinjwa na Munyakazi wavuze mu ibazwa rye mu Bugenzacyaha ko amukeka mu bagize uruhare mu cyaha kuko yari afitanye amakimbirane na SIFA, ko igihe icyaha kiba yari yiriwe mu rugo. Ashinjwa kandi na Munyamahoro Innocent wavuze mu ibazwa rye mu Bugenzacyaha ko amukeka mu bakoze icyaha, ko ndetse yazaga iwabo kubasaba gufatanya na we bakazica Sifa. Ibi bishimangirwa n’imvugo z’umutangabuhamya Habyarimana Emmanuel uvuga ko umuryango wa Sifa watotezwaga na Nsengiyumva Théoneste na Munyakazi babaziza ko ari umututsikazi, ko igihe icyaha cyabaga Nsengiyumva yanze gutabara ahubwo akajya kwihisha mu rugo rw’umuturanyi. Ibi ni na byo bivugwa na Uwabera Alice wari Umunyamabanga Nshingwabikorwa w’Umurenge wa Cyuve uvuga ko icyaha kikimara kuba yatabaye, Sifa akamubwira ko abo akeka ari Nsengiyumva Théoneste n’umuryango wa Munyakazi kuko ari bo bahora bamutoteza bamuziza ko ari umututsikazi. [37] Rusanga uretse aba batangabuhamya bamushinja, ubwe yararanzwe no kwivuguruza aho yagiye abazwa ku kibazo cyo kumenya aho yiriwe umunsi icyaha kiba : mu Bugenzacyaha yavuze ko yari yagiye muri gahunda zitandukanye mu Murenge wa Kabatwa, agataha yagera mu rugo akimara gukuramo inkweto akumva induru iravuze kwa Sifa, ahita ajya gutabara. Nyamara abazwa mu Bushinjacyaha, yavuze ko yageze iwe nyuma ya saa moya n’igice (19h30) asanga inzego z’umutekano zahageze, yinjiye mu rugo rwa SIFA na Jérôme nk’utabaye ahita afatwa na polisi. Bigaragagara kandi ko umunsi abazwa mu Bushinjacyaha ku wa 02/03/2020 ari nabwo yahawe inyandiko n’Umunyamabanga Nshingwabikorwa w’Umurenge wa Kabatwa ivuga ko ku wa 22/02/2020 yiriwe muri uwo Murenge akangurira abantu ubuhinzi bw’ibireti nyamara mu byo we

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yivugiye yakoze byose ku wa 22/02/2020 mu Murenge wa Kabatwa, ibyo gukangurira abantu ubuhinzi bw’ibireti ntibirimo. Igihe uru Rukiko rwakoraga iperereza, umugore we Ikitegetse na Ntamabyariro Daphrose, umugore wa Munyakazi, bavuze ko Nsengiyumva yaje avuye ku kazi ahetse igikapu asanga ibyaha byamaze kuba. Umugore we yavuze ko yari amaze icyumweru akora adataha imuhira, ko aribwo yari atashye. d. Ku bireba Mugiraneza Ildephonse [38] Umutangabuhamya Gakara Danani mu Bugenzacyaha yasobanuye ko abo akeka gutwikira abana mu nzu ari Munyakazi n’abahungu be kuko bari bafitanye amakimbirane n’umuryango wa Jérôme, aho banabwiraga uyu ko bazabonana kuko yabazanyemo umugore w’umutsikazi. Uruhare rwe kandi mu cyaha rugaragazwa nuko yabwiraga abavandimwe be ko bakwiye kwikiza SIFA, byakwanga bakimuka bakamuhunga, iki gitekerezo cye kikaba cyaremejwe na Munyamahoro na Uwamariya. e. Ku bireba MUNYAMAHORO Innocent [39] Urukiko rusanga ashinjwa na Gakara Danani wavuze ko akeka ko abatwitse abana ba SIFA ari Munyakazi n’abahungu be; hakiyongeraho ubuhamya bwa nyirabukwe Mukantazinda Béatha wavuze ko ubwo Uwamariya yazaga yiruka avuga ngo nibazimye amatara abana ba SIFA bahiriye mu nzu, ni bwo Innocent yasohotse. Hejuru y’ibi kandi Munyamahoro yivugiye mu Bugenzacyaha ko Nsengiyumva yazaga iwabo kubashishikariza kwica SIFA, ariko ntiyabibwira ubuyobozii kugira ngo bukumire ikorwa ry’icyaha hakiri kare. Byongeye

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kandi aho Munyamahoro Innocent yabajijwe hose ntiyigeze avuga ko yageze iwabo ku mugoroba w’icyaha cyabereyeho. f. Umwanzuro rusange [40] Urukiko rusanga Munyamahoro Innocent yaravuze mu Bugenzacyaha ko abo akeka bakoze icyaha cyo gutwika abana ba SIFA na Jérôme ari: Nsengiyumva, Mugiraneza na Uwamariya. Naho Munyakazi (papa we) yavuze ko abo akeka bagize uruhare muri icyo cyaha ari: Nsengiyumva, Uwamariya n’umugore we. Ibi akaba ari ikigaragaza umugambi wo gukora icyaha kuko aba batangabuhamya bombi bavuga ko cyakozwe n’umuntu urenze umuntu umwe. [41] Urukiko rusanga Urukiko Rukuru rwarahamije gusa Munyakazi Evariste, Nsengiyumva Théoneste, Uwamariya Visensiya na Mugiraneza Ildephonse icyaha cy’ivangura, rushingiye ku bimenyetso birimo ubuhamya bwa Munyamahoro Innocent mu Bugenzacyaha ndetse n’abatangabuhamya nka Habyarimana Emmanuel na Gakara Danani; nyamara uko bigaragara urwango bari bafitiye Sifa kandi rushingiye ku ivangura ni rwo rwatumye bacura umugambi wo gutiwika abana be, mu gihe we (Sifa) bamubuze. Uwamariya abazwa mu Bugenzacyaha yavuze ko nta muturanyi wari ubanye neza na Sifa; Mukantazinda Béatha yavuze ko igihe icyaha cyari kimaze gukorwa, Uwamariya yaje iwabo abwira abari mu nzu ngo bazimye amatara kwa Sifa abana bahiriye mu nzu, hakaba hibazwa aho yavaga, uburyo yamenye ko abana bahiye, n’impamvu atasabye abantu gutabara. [42] Urukiko rukaba rusanga ibyashingiweho n’Urukiko Rukuru mu guhamya abaregwa icyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko, ari na byo byari gushingirwaho rubahamya icyaha

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cy’ubwicanyi, icyo gutwikira undi inyubako ku bushake n’icyo gukubita no gukomeretsa ku bushake byateye ubumuga buhoraho ; kuko iryo vangura ari ryo ryaje kugira ubukana bwavuyemo ubugome, abaregwa bacura umugambi wo gutwikira abana mu nzu, contexte ibyaha byakozwemo ni iyo, irasobanutse; kwemeza ko ari abere kuko ntawababonye bajya gukora icyaha cyangwa bava kugikora, ni ukwigiza nkana kuko n’ubundi ntibari kujya kugikora kumugaragaro cyangwa umuntu abareba. [43] Urukiko rusanga kandi abakoze icyaha ntawari bubabone kuko ukurikije uko batuye, nk’uko bigaragara ku gishushanyo kiri muri dosiye cyakozwe n’Ubugenzacyaha, ndetse Urukiko rwiboneye uko amazu yabo yegeranye, ku buryo abaregwa byari biboroheye gucunga ko SIFA agiye, asize abana bonyine mu rugo no gucunga ko agaruka, kugira ngo bashyire mu bikorwa umugambi mubisha wabo; ikindi kandi icyumba abana bari baryamyemo giherereye inyuma y’inzu batuyemo, mu gikari, hariherereye, harihishe cyane ku buryo usanzwe utahazi, utari umuturanyi wa bugufi, utamenya ko ariho baryamye. [44] Urukiko mu iperereza rwakoze ku wa 18/03/2025, Sifa yavuze ko umunsi no ku masaha icyaha cyakoreweho ubwo yari avuye guhaha, yabonye Ntamabyariro Daphrose, uyu na we amubonye ariruka ajya mu rugo iwe ; Sifa ageze mu rugo asanga abana be bamaze kubatwika, ahita yumva ko Ntamabyariro yamucungaga. Urukiko rusanga iyi ari indi mpamvu yumvikanisha ko icyaha cyateguriwe mu rugo kwa Munyakazi, ndetse ko n’abagikoze baturutse muri urwo rugo kimwe n’urwa Nsengiyumva, kuko ingo zabo ziregeranye kandi iyo miryango yombi ni yo yashakaga kugirira nabi Sifa. [45] Urukiko rusanga imvugo zakorewe mu Bugenzacyaha ku wa 23/02/2020 icyaha cyaraye kibaye, ari zo zikwiye guhabwa

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agaciro. Iri sesengura rihuye n’ibyandikwa na Michel Franchimont, Ann Jacobs, na Adrien Masset, mu gitabo cyabo Manuel de procédure pénale, aho bavuga ko umucamanza ashobora guha agaciro ibyavuzwe n’umutangabuhamya mu gihe cy’iperereza, akakima ibyo avugiye mu iburanisha13 ; ibi bigahura n’ibyo aba bahanga bandika muri icyo gitabo, aho bavuga ko umucamanza ashobora gushingira [ icyemezo ] ku byavuzwe nta ndahiro ikozwe igihe cy’iperereza cyangwa igihe cy’anketi nubwo bitasubirwamo [ uko byavuzwe mbere ] hakozwe indahiro mu iburanisha14. [46] Urukiko rushingiye ku ngingo z’amategeko zibukijwe, ibyanditswe n’abahanga mu mategeko n’ibisobanuro byatanzwe, rurasanga mu rubanza No RPA 00395/2021/HC/MUS, Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Musanze, rwarirengagije ibimenyetso bigaragarira buri wese byari gutuma abaregwa bahamwa n’ibyaha byose bashinjwa, bityo bakaba bahamwa n’icyaha cyo gutwikira undi inyubako ku bushake, icyo kwica, n’icyo gukubita no gukomeretsa byateye ubumuga buhoraho.

2) Kumenya niba hari ibimenyetso bihamya Munyamahoro Innocent na Hitimana Jean de Dieu alias Bondo, icyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko, byirengagijwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Musanze.

13 « (…) le juge peut légalement décider que la déclaration d’un témoin entendu sans serment au cours de l’information préparatoire présente plus de crédit que celle faite ultérieurement par celui-ci à l’audience, fût-ce sous serment » (Michel Franchimont, Ann Jacobs et Adrien Masset, Manuel de procédure pénale, Bruxelles, Larcier, 2012, 4è édition, p.1191). 14 « Le juge peut fonder sa conviction sur des déclarations faites sans serment au cours de l’instruction préparatoire ou au cours de l’information alors même qu’elles ne sont pas confirmées sous serment à l’audience » (Michel Franchimont et alii, op.cit. p.1160).

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[47] Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko umunsi Sifa Célestine yakubiswe na Uwamariya, ku wa 19/02/2019, umutangabuhamya wari uhari, Rucagu Boniface, yavuze ko mu magambo yavugiwe aho, yumvise Munyamahoro yita Sifa indyanyi, ko baboherereje indyanyi ngo ize ibarye, bityo akavuga ko bitumvikana uko yaba umwere kuri iki cyaha. [48] Asobanura ko kuri Hitimana Jean de Dieu, Munyakazi yavuze ko ari we wamugiriye inama yo kubaka rwa rukuta rw’amabuye mu nzira y’imodoka ya Jérôme, ibi bikaba ari uburyo bugaragaza ko na we yari ashyigikiye umugambi wo kubangamira umuryango wa Jérôme na Sifa. [49] Asoza avuga ko Munyamahoro na Hitimana bari bazi umugambi wacuzwe wo kugirira nabi Sifa ariko ntihagire uwubwira ubuyobozi. Yagarutse ku buhamya bwa Gakara Danani n’ubwa Murwanashyaka Célestin bavuze ko umuryango wa Jérome na Sifa watotezwaga kuko umugore ari umututsikazi, kandi ko Hitimana Jean de Dieu icyo kibazo yari akizi ntagire icyo agikoraho, ariko ubwo buhamya bukaba bwarirengagijwe. [50] Munyamahoro Innocent aburana avuga ko ibyo kuvuga ko SIFA ari indyanyi cyangwa inzoka yabishinjwe na Rucagu Boniface, ariko ko atari byo kuko iyo biza kuba byo icyo gihe yari bubikurikiranweho. [51] Me Uwamahoro Nyiranzayino Christine umwunganira, avuga ko Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwagendeye ku marangamutima, kuko abatangabuhamya rwabajije barimo n’abayobozi bavuze ko ikibazo cy’ivangura batigeze bakimenya kandi aricyo bivugwa ko ari intandaro y’ibindi byaha byakozwe. Anavuga ko Ubushinjacyaha budakwiye gushingira ku mvugo zishinja Munyamahoro zavugiwe mu rubanza Uwamariya Visensiya

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yashinjwagamo icyaha cyo gukubita no gukomeretsa, ngo buzikoreshe muri uru rubanza kuko bitafatwa nk’ingingo nshya azanye. [52] Hitimana Jean de Dieu aburana avuga ko nta kibazo cy’ivangura cyigeze kigaragara mu Mudugudu wa Marantima, ko mu mwaka wa 2017, Manifashe yatewe ibuye bakurikirana ikibazo cy’urwo rugomo, ko mu mwaka wa 2019, habaye ikibazo cy’inzira gusa hagati ya Manifashe no kwa Munyakazi, nta kibazo cy’ivangura cyagaragajwe. Avuga kandi ko burangare yigeze agira mu gukemura ibibazo yagezwagaho, ko ahubwo yabikemuraga vuba agakora na raporo, ko rero ibivugwa na Gakara Danani, Rucagu Boniface, Habyarimana Emmanuel na Murwanashyaka bitahabwa agaciro, cyane cyane nka Habyarimana Emmanuel ari we wamusimbuye ku buyobozi bw’umudugudu, bityo akaba ashaka kumufungisha kugira ngo atazamubangamira. [53] Anavuga ko atigeze agira Munyakazi inama yo kubaka urukuta rw’amabuye mu nzira ya Jérôme, kuko icyo yashakaga ari ingurane. Asoza avuga ko igihe ikibazo cyabaga kwa Sifa batabaye bakahasanga SIFA, bamusaba kwerekana ahantu umuriro wakomotse, abereka akantu gato katurutseho umuriro, aba ari we uhamagara Exécutif w’Akagari iperereza riratangira na we ahita ashyirwa mu bakekwa. [54] Ku bijyanye n’ibyavuye mu iperereza ryakozwe n’Urukiko, Hitimana Jean de Dieu avuga ko ubuhamya bwa Habyarimana Emmanuel budakwiye guhabwa agaciro kuko yivuguruza: mu iperereza yavuze ko Hitimana yafashwe avuye gutabara, mu gihe ahandi yavuze ko yareberaga. Akomeza avuga ko imvugo y’uko Mugiraneza yaba yarabaye secrétaire we nk’umuyobozi w’umudugudu atari byo, ndetse n’iby’uko

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yavanguraga Manifashe na Sifa yanga gukora raporo z’ibyo bamuregeye atari ukuri kuko yakoze raporo ku rugomo rwakorewe Manifashe igihe yaterwaga amabuye. [55] Me Nyirabera Josephine umwunganira, avuga ko imvugo z’abamushinja, Uwabera Alice na Gakara Danani nta kuri kurimo kuko ari we wasabye buyobozi bw’akagari gukemura ikibazo cy’inzira y’imodoka cyari hagati ya Munyakazi na Manifashe Jérôme, kandi ko Munyakazi yivugiye imbere y’Urukiko ko nta nama yo kubaka urukuta Hitimana yigeze amugira, ibyavugiwe mu Rukiko akaba ari byo bikwiriye kugenderwaho. [56] Anavuga ko Ubushinjacyaha bwatangiye bushinja Hitimana kuba icyitso mu cyaha cy’ivangura, bugeraho buvuga ko ari gatozi, ibyo na byo bikaba bigaragaza ko nta ruhare yagize mu ikorwa ry’icyaha aregwa, bityo Urukiko rukaba rukwiye kubona ko ibyagarutsweho byose birimo gushidikanya, kubera iyo mpamvu rukemeza ko atigeze aba icyitso mu cyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko, ndetse rukemeza ko nta mpamvu zituma urubanza rusubirwamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane. [57] Asoza avuga ko atemera ubuhamya bwa Murwanashyaka Célestin n’ubwa Habyarimana Emmanuel kuko ibyo bavuga atari ukuri : urugero nivwe wakoze raporo yo ku wa 20/4/2017 ku muntu wari wateye amabuye Manifashe Jérôme. Asaba ko hazashingirwa ku buhamya bwa Mukandutiye Albertine, ubwa Mukamarara Espérance n’ubwa Ntibarikure Vicentien. Asaba Urukiko kuzareba raporo zigaragara ku rupapuro (cote) rwa 79 n’urwa 87 kuko zishinjura Hitimana.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA

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[58] Ikibazo kiri muri uru rubanza ni ukumenya niba hari ibimenyetso bifatika bihamya Munyamahoro Innocent na Hitimana Jean de Dieu alias Bondo, icyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko, byirengagijwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Musanze. [59] Ingingo ya 163 y’Itegeko No 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange nk’uko ryahinduwe, iteganya ko umuntu wese ukoze kimwe mu bikorwa bikurikira aba akoze icyaha: 1o Igikorwa kibangamira umuntu umwe cyangwa abantu benshi cyangwa gitandukanya umuntu cyangwa abantu benshi hashingiwe ku isano muzi, ubwoko, inkomoko, umuryango, inzu, ibara ry’uruhu, igitsina, akarere, ubwenegihugu, idini, ibitekerezo bya politiki, ibyiciro by’ubukungu, umuco, ururimi, imibereho muri sosiyete, ubumuga bw’umubiri cyangwa bwo mu mutwe cyangwa isura y’umubiri; 2o Igikorwa kigamije kuvutsa umuntu umwe cyangwa benshi uburenganzira bwabo buteganywa mu mategeko y’u Rwanda cyangwa mu masezerano mpuzamahanga u Rwanda rwemeje hashingiwe ku isano muzi, ubwoko, inkomoko, umuryango, inzu, ibara ry’uruhu, igitsina, akarere, ubwenegihugu, idini, ibitekerezo bya politiki, ibyiciro by’ubukungu, umuco, ururimi, imibereho muri sosiyete, ubumuga bw’umubiri cyangwa bwo mu mutwe cyangwa isura y’umubiri; 3o Igikorwa cyose gishishikariza umuntu kuvutsa undi muntu cyangwa abantu benshi uburenganzira bwabo buteganywa mu mategeko y’u Rwanda cyangwa mu masezerano mpuzamahanga u Rwanda rwemeje hashingiwe ku isano muzi, ubwoko, inkomoko, umuryango, inzu, ibara ry’uruhu, igitsina, akarere,

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ubwenegihugu, idini, ibitekerezo bya politiki, ibyiciro by’ubukungu, umuco, ururimi, imibereho muri sosiyete, ubumuga bw’umubiri cyangwa bwo mu mutwe cyangwa indi miterere y’umubiri. [60] Ingingo ya 53 y’Itegeko No 062/2024 ryo ku wa 20/06/2024 rigenga ibimenyetso, iteganya ko Urwego rufite ububasha rusuzuma ukwemerwa cyangwa ukutemerwa n’agaciro by’ikimenyetso gishingiye ku buhamya, ko rutita ku mubare w’abatangabuhamya, ko ahubwo rwita cyane ku bumenyi bw’ibyabaye no ku budakemwa bw’ubuhamya batanga. [61] Ingingo ya 48 y’Itegeko No 062/2024 ryo ku wa 20/06/2024 rigenga ibimenyetso, iteganya ko umuntu wese wagize uruhare mu ikorwa ry’icyaha cyangwa uwakorewe icyaha ashobora kumvwa nk’umutangabuhamya. [62] Ibirebana n’agaciro k’ubuhamya byatanzweho umurongo mu rubanza No RPAA 0059/08/CS rwaciwe ku wa 19/11/2010 haburana Ubushinjacyaha, Nshimiyimana Alexis, Twagirumukiza Anastase na Habimana Bosco, aho Urukiko rw’Ikirenga rwavuze ko ubuhamya bw’abantu budateshwa agaciro n’uko bafitanye amasano hagati yabo, cyangwa se bafite inyungu mu rubanza, kuko agaciro kabwo kadashingiye ku babutanga, ahubwo gashingiye ku kuri gukubiye muri ubwo buhamya, kwemezwa gusa n’Urukiko nyuma yo gusesengura imvugo z’abatangabuhamya. a. Ku bireba Munyamahoro Innocent [63] Urukiko rusanga kuba ashinjwa n’umutangabuhamya Gakara Danani ko we na se ndetse na Mugiraneza bahoraga babwira Manifashe Jérôme ko bazabonana kuko yashatse

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umugore w’umututsikazi; rusanga kandi umutangabuhamya RUCAGU Boniface, mu Bugenzacyaha, muri dosiye y’urubanza Uwamariya Visensiya yarezwemo icyaha cyo gukubita no gukomeretsa SIFA, yaravuze ko barwana yari ahari, maze yumva MUNYAMAHORO Innocent yita SIFA indyanyi yaje kubarya; iyi mvugo ye ikaba ari ikimenyetso cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko. b. Ku bireba HITIMANA Jean de Dieu [64] Kuri Hitiimana Jean de Dieu, kuba Munyakazi Evariste mu ibazwa rye mu Bugenzacyaha yaravuze ko ari we wamugiriye inama yo kubaka urukuta rw’amabuye mu nzira kugira ngo imodoka ya Manifashe na SIFA niyinjira mu rupangu ntizasohoke, no kuba umutangabuhamya Gakara Danani avuga ko itotezwa ryakorerwaga SIFA yaribonaga, akarebera, ntagire icyo abikoraho, ibyo bikaba byanashimangiwe n’umutangabuhamya Murwanashyaka Célestin wabajijwe n’Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Musanze ubwo rwakoraga iperereza ku wa 05/03/2021, wavuze ko Hitimana atajyaga agaragaza ibibazo kwa Manifashe bamugezagaho, ndetse ko yavuze ko abatutsi bafite ahandi bakwiye gutura, Urukiko rusanga ibi ari ibimenyetso bigaragaza ko na we yakoreye ivangura Sifa Célestine. [65] Urukiko rusanga nta raporo n’imwe Hitimana yigeze akora irimo itotezwa rishingiye ku ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko ryakorewe umuryango wa Manifashe na Sifa, kandi muri dosiye rigaragara ndetse bamwe bakaba barahamijwe icyo cyaha n’inkiko zombi zibanza, icyo akaba ari ikimenyetso cy’uko yari arishyigikiye. Kuba Urukiko Rukuru rutarakimuhamije akaba ari ukwirengagiza ibimenyetso.

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[66] Hashingiwe ku bisobanuwe haruguru, Urukiko rurasanga hari ibimenyetso bihagije bihamya Munyamahoro Innocent na Hitimana Jean de Dieu alias Bondo, icyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko.

3) Kumenya ibihano byahabwa abaregwa [67] Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha asaba ko Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Uwamariya Visensiya, Nsengiyumva Théoneste na Munyamahoro Innocent bahamwa n’impurirane mbonezabyaha y’icyaha cy’ubwicanyi, icyo gutwikira undi inyubako ku bushake, icyaha cyo gukomeretsa undi ku bushake byateye ubumugabuhoraho n’icyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko bakoreye umuryango wa Manifashe Jerôme n’umugore we Sifa Célestine, rukabahanisha buri wese igifungo cya burundu. [68] Akomeza avuga ko Hitimana Jean de Dieu alias Bondo yahamwa n’icyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko yakoze afatanyije na Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Munyamahoro Innocent, Uwamariya Visensiya na Nsengiyumva Théoneste, rukamuhanisha igifungo cy’imyaka irindwi (7) n’ihazabu ya 1.000.000 Frw. [69] Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Munyamahoro Innocent, Uwamariya Visensiya, nsengiyumva Théoneste na Me Uwamahoro Nyiranzayino Christine ubunganira basaba Urukiko kwemeza ko bose bagizwe abere ku byaha byose bakurikiranyweho muri uru Rukiko. [70] Hitimana Jean de Dieu na Me Nyirabera Josephine umwunganira bavuga ko nta mpamvu zituma uru rubanza rusubirishwamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane kuko ingingo zose

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zitangwa, Urukiko Rukuru rwazisuzumye rugasanga nta shingiro zifite, agasaba Urukiko gutegeka ko urubanza rusubirishwamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane rudahindutse kuri HITIMANA Jean De Dieu.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [71] Ikibazo kiri muri uru rubanza ni ukumenya ibihano byahabwa abaruregwamo. [72] Ingingo ya 180, igika cya kabiri, y’Itegeko No 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange nk’uko ryahinduwe, iteganya ko iyo umuntu ahamijwe n’Urukiko icyaha cyo gutwikira undi inyubako ku bushake ahanishwa igifungo kitari munsi y’imyaka icumi (10) ariko kitarenze imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda atari munsi ya miliyoni eshatu (3.000.000 Frw) ariko atarenze miliyoni eshanu (5.000.000 Frw). [73] Ingingo ya 107 y’Itegeko No 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 rimaze kuvugwa, iteganya ko umuntu wica undi abishaka, aba akoze icyaha. Iyo abihamijwe n’Urukiko, ahanishwa igifungo cya burundu. [74] Ingingo ya 121, igika cya 3, y’Itegeko No 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 rimaze kuvugwa, iteganya ko iyo gukubita cyangwa gukomeretsa byateye indwara cyangwa kudashobora kugira icyo umuntu yikorera ku buryo budahoraho, igihano kiba igifungo kitari munsi y’imyaka icumi (10) ariko kitarenze imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda atari munsi ya miliyoni eshatu (3.000.000 Frw) ariko atarenze miliyoni eshanu (5.000.000 Frw). Iyo byateye indwara idakira,

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ubumuga buhoraho butuma ntacyo yikorera, kubuza burundu urugingo rw’umubiri gukora no gutakaza igice cy’umubiri, igihano kiba igifungo kitari munsi y’imyaka icumi (10) ariko kitarenze imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda atari munsi ya miliyoni eshatu (3.000.000 Frw) ariko atarenze miliyoni eshanu (5.000.000 Frw). [75] Ingingo ya 163, igika cya 2, y’Itegeko No 68/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, iteganya ko umuntu uhamijwe n’Urukiko gukora kimwe mu bikorwa bivugwa mu gika cya mbere cy’iyi ngingo ahanishwa igifungo kitari munsi y’imyaka itanu (5) ariko kitarenze imyaka irindwi (7) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda atari munsi y’ibihumbi magana atanu (500.000 Frw) ariko atarenze miliyoni imwe (1.000.000 Frw). [76] Ingingo ya 61, igika cya 3, y’Itegeko No 68/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, iteganya ko impurirane mbonezamugambi ibaho iyo: 2° ibikorwa bitandukanye bigize ubwabyo ibyaha bitandukanye, bihujwe n’uko bigamije umugambi w’icyaha kimwe. [77] Ingingo ya 62, igika cya 2, y’itegeko No 68/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru, iteganya ko mu gihe cy’impurirane mbonezamugambi ivugwa mu gaceka 2° k’igika cya 3 cy’ingingo ya 61 y’iri tegeko, umucamanza atanga igihano ntarengwa cyo hejuru giteganyirijwe icyaha kirusha ibindi gukomera. [78] Urukiko rusanga harabayeho impurirane mbonezamugambi ku byaha byakozwe na Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Munyamahoro Innocent, Uwamariya Visensiya na Nsengiyumva Théoneste kuko bakoreye Sifa Célestine ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko, baramutoteza bamuziza ko ari umututsikazi bagamije kumugirira nabi, ari byo byaje

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kuvamo gutwika aho abana bari baryamye mu nzu umwe agapfa, undi agasigarana ubumuga buhoraho, bityo rugasanga igihano ntarengwa cyo hejuru bagomba guhanishwa ari igifungo cya burundu giteganyijwe ku cyaha cy’ubwicanyi. [79] Urukiko rusanga ku bireba Hitimana Jean de Dieu, kuko ahamwa n’icyaha cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko, agomba guhanishwa igifungo cy’imyaka irindwi (7) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga miliyoni imwe (1.000.000 Frw). III. ICYEMEZO CY’URUKIKO [80] Rwemeje ko ikirego cyatanzwe n’Ubushinjacyaha gisaba gusubirishamo ku mpamvu z’akarengane, urubanza No RPA 00395/2021/HC/MUS rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Musanze, ku wa 07/07/2022, gifite ishingiro; [81] Rwemeje ko imikirize y’urubanza No RPA 00395/2021/HC/MUS rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Musanze ku wa 07/07/2022 ihindutse kuri byose; [82] Rwemeje ko Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Munyamahoro Innocent, Uwamariya Visensiya na Nsengiyumva Théoneste bahamwa n’ibyaha bakurikiranyweho icy’ivangura, icy’ubwicanyi, icyo gutwikira undi ku bushake, n’icyo gukomeretsa ku bushake byateye ubumuga buhoraho; [83] Rwemeje ko Hitimana Jean de Dieu ahamwa n’icyaha akurikiranyweho cy’ivangura rishingiye ku bwoko;

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[84] Ruhanishije Nsengiyumva Théoneste, Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Munyamahoro Innocent na Uwamariya Visensiya igifungo cya burundu kuri buri wese; [85] Ruhanishije Hitimana Jean de Dieu igifungo cy’imyaka irindwi (7) n’ihazabu ya miliyoni imwe (1.000.000 Frw);

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UBUSHINJACYAHA v MUTIGANDA N’ABANDI [Rwanda URUKIKO RW’UBUJURIRE - RPA 00103/2021/CA (Tugireyezu, P.J.) 14 Gashyantare 2025] Amategeko agenga imanza z’inshinjabyaha – Icyaha cy’iterabwoba – Imitwe cyangwa amashyirahamwe ashamikiye ku mutwe w’iterabwoba – Mu gihe bigaragaye ko umutwe wamaze kwemezwa nk’umutwe w’iterabwoba wari usanzwe ugizwe n’indi mitwe cyangwa amashyirahamwe bifite intego imwe bituma n’iyo mitwe cyangwa amashyirahamwe awugize bihita bihinduka imitwe y’iterabwoba. Amategko agenga imanza z’inshinjabyaha – Icyaha cy’iterabwoba – Ubwinjiracyaha – Ibikorwa bigize icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba ni ukwinjira mu mutwe w’iterabwoba, ukwemera kuwinjiramo cyangwa gutangira kuwugiramo uruhare cyangwa gukora ikintu cyose kiwongerera ubushobozi. Nta bwinjiracyaha bwo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba bubaho kuko gukora igikorwa kimwe mu bigize icyo cyaha ubwacyo icyaha kiba cyatsotsobwe. Incamake y’ikibazo: Muri Mata 2019, Ndayisenga Vedaste amaze gupanga na Haragirimana Abdallah bagahuza umugambi wo kujya mu gisirikare kitemewe cya Kayumba Nyamwasa, yagiye mu Karere ka Nyanza, ahura na Niyonizeye Claude, Mutiganda Thierry, Nshimiye Eric, Maniraho Théoneste na Ndayisenga Claude abashishikariza kujya muri icyo gisirikare, abizeza ko hari umukobwa witwa Umugwaneza Shakira wari kuzabafasha kugera Uganda. Nyuma y’ibyo biganiro Ndayisenga 249

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Claude ageze iwabo yahise abibwira ababyeyi be nabo bihutira kubigeza ku bayobozi b’inzego z’ibanze, batangira gukurikiranwa n’inzego z’iperereza. Ubushinjacyaha bwabareze mu Rukiko Rukuru, urugereko rwihariye ruburanisha ibyaha byo mu rwego mpuzamahanga n’ibyaha birenga imbibe icyaha cyo gushishikariza abantu kujya mu mutwe w'ingabo utemewe, icyaha cyo kwemera kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba, n’icyaha cyo kuba icyitso cy'abaregwa kuri Umugwaneza Shakila, busaba ko abaregwa bahamwa n’ibyaha baregwa, Umugwaneza Shakira agahanishwa igifungo cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15), naho abandi buri wese agahanishwa igifungo cy’imyaka makumyabiri (20). Urukiko rwasanze abaregwa uretse Umugawaneza, bahamwa n’icyaha bashinjwaga rubahanisha igifungo cy’imyaka 15. Abaregwa bajuririye icyo cyemezo mu rukiko rw’ubujurire batanga inzitizi bavuga ko bakwiye kurekurwa kuko bashinjwe n’umushinjacyaha utabifitiye ububasha kuko icyaha cyo kurema umutwe w’ingabo utemewe gikurikiranwa n’umushinjacyaha mukuru cyangwa uwo yabihereye uruhushya kandi kuri bo akaba atariko byagenze. Bakomeza bavuga ko ibyaha byo kuba mu mutwe w’ingabo utemewe n’icyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba bitabangikanwa ko bo icyo bemera ari icyo kuba mu mutwe w’ingabo utemewe. Ubushinjacyaha busobanura ko ibyo byaha koko bitabangikanywa ariko ko abaregwa bakoze icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba. Urukiko rwasanze icyaha abaregwa bakurikiranyweho ari icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba. Hakomeje hasuzumwa ibindi bibazo byajuririwe aho Haragirimana yavugaga ko atigeze akora icyaha yahamijwe ahubwo ko Ndayisenga amushinja kubera urwango amufitiye ko n’abandi bamushinja bavuga ibyo babwiwe na Ndayisenga kuko

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atigeze ahura nabo. Ubushinjacyaha buvuga ko ibyo uregwa avuga nta shingiro bifite kuko ubwe yivugiye mu bugenzacyaha ko nta kibazo yari asanzwe afitanye na Ndayisenga. Bukomeza buvuga ko Haragirimana ari we wahaye amakuru Ndayisenga amubwira ko Uganda hari igisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa. Ndayisenga na Mutiganda kandi basaba ko inyito y’icyaha bahamijwe yahinduka bagahanirwa ubwinjiracyaha bwo kwemera kujya mu mutwe w’iterabwoba kuko n’ubwo bari bemeye kujya mu gisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa bafashwe bataragerayo bityo bagasaba ko bagabanyirizwa igihano. Ubushinjacyaha buvuga ko igikorwa cyo kwemera kujya mu ngabo zitemewe n’umutwe w’iterabwoba bakoze kigize icyaha cyuzuye kuko bafashwe biteguye kugenda bityo n’igihano kikaba kitagabanywa kuko bagabanyirijwe bihagije. Incamake y’icyemezo: 1. Mu gihe bigaragaye ko umutwe wamaze kwemezwa nk’umutwe w’iterabwoba wari usanzwe ugizwe n’indi mitwe cyangwa amashyirahamwe bifite intego imwe bituma n’iyo mitwe cyangwa amashyirahamwe awugize bihita bihinduka imitwe y’iterabwoba.

2. Ibikorwa bigize icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba ni ukwinjira mu mutwe w’iterabwoba, ukwemera kuwinjiramo cyangwa gutangira kuwugiramo uruhare cyangwa gukora ikintu cyose kiwongerera ubushobozi.

3. Nta bwinjiracyaha bwo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba bwabaho kuko gukora igikorwa kimwe mu bigize icyo cyaha ubwacyo icyaha kiba cyatsotsobwe Ubujurire nta shingiro bufite;

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Abaregwa bahamwa n’icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba. Amategeko yashingiweho: Itegeko Nº 46/2018 ryo ku wa 13/08/2018 ryekeye kurwanya iterabwoba, ingingo ya 18 Imanza zifashishijwe: Urubanza, Ubushinjacyaha v Maj (Rtd) Mudathiru n’abandi, RPA 00047/2021/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 14/03/2024. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Abayisenga Venant n’abandi, RPA 00016/2020/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 22/03/2024. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Lt Mutabazi Joël n’abandi, RPA 00012/2019/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 22/11/2019. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Habineza, RPA 00029/2022/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire, ku wa 23/02/2024. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Abayisenga n’abandi RPA 00016/2020/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 22/03/2024. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Murindahabi,

RPAA 00293/2021/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 15/07/2022. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Nsabimana Callixte RPA 00060/2021/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 04/04/2022; Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Munyanshoza Eric, RPAA 00086/2022/CA, rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 24/03/2023.

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Urubanza I. IMITERERE Y’URUBANZA [1] Mu kwezi kwa kane k’umwaka wa 2019, uwitwa Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah wari umuhamagazi wa adhan ku musigiti uri Nyagatare yaketsweho ko nyuma yo kuvugana n’uwitwa Haragirimana Abdallah yagiye mu gace avukamo mu Karere ka Nyanza, mu Murenge wa Kibirizi, Akagari ka Cyeru, mu Mudugudu wa Muyebe ahura na Niyonizeye Claude, Mutiganda Thierry, Nshimiye Eric, Maniraho Théoneste na Ndayisenga Claude baganira ku byerekeranye n’igisirikare kitemewe cya Kayumba Nyamwasa n’ibyo kukijyamo n’inzira banyura bakagera Uganda, abizeza ko hari umukobwa witwa Umugwaneza Shakira wamusezeranyije kumuhuza n’umusore witwa Kabila uzabageza Uganda batanyuze mu nzira zemewe n’amategeko. Nyuma y’ibyo biganiro Ndayisenga Claude ageze iwabo yahise abwira ababyeyi be ko hari umuhungu ufite umugambi wo kumujyana hamwe na bagenzi be mu gisirikare cy’iterabwoba cya Kayumba Nyamwasa, maze nabo bihutira kubigeza ku bayobozi b’inzego z’ibanze, batangira gukurikiranwa n’inzego z’iperereza. [2] Iperereza rirangiye, Ubushinjacyaha bwatanze ikirego mu Rukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwihariye ruburanisha ibyaha byo mu rwego mpuzamahanga n’ibyaha birenga imbibi bukurikiranyeho Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah na bagenzi be icyaha cyo gushishikariza abantu kujya mu mutwe w'ingabo utemewe, icyaha cyo kwemera kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba, n’icyaha cyo kuba icyitso cy'abaregwa kuri Umugwaneza Shakila. Ubushinjacyaha bwasabye Urukiko guhamya abaregwa ibyaha baregwa, Umugwaneza Shakira agahanishwa igifungo

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cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15), naho abandi buri wese agahanishwa igifungo cy’imyaka makumyabiri (20). [3] Abaregwa bose baburanye bahakana icyaha ahubwo bagasaba kurenganurwa bavuga ko nta ruhare bagize mu byaha baregwa. [4] Mu rubanza No RP 00001/2020/HC/HCCIC rwaciwe ku wa 18/11/2021, Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwihariye ruburanisha ibyaha byo mu rwego mpuzamahanga n’ibyaha birenga imbibi rwasanze hari ibimenyetso byemeza ko abaregwa bahamwa icyaha birimo: - Inyandikomvugo za Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah mu Bugenzacyaha zo ku wa 29/11/2019; - Ubuhamya bwa Ndayisenga Claude; - Imvugo za Mutiganda Thierry abazwa mu Bugenzacyaha. Urukiko rushingiye kuri ibyo bimenyetso, rwemeje ko Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, Mutiganda Thierry na Nshimiye Eric bahamwa n’icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba; rwemeza ko Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, Mutiganda Thierry na Nshimiye Eric bahamwa n’icyaha cyo kwemera, ku bushake, kwinjira cyangwa gutorerwa kujya mu mutwe w’ingabo zitari ingabo zemewe z’igihugu; rwemeza ko Haragirimana Damien Alias Abdallah na Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah bahamwa n’icyaha cyo gushishikariza abantu kujya mu mutwe w'ingabo utemewe; ariko kuko ibikorwa bakoze nta ngaruka zikomeye byagize kuko n’ubwo bari bafite imigambi mibi ku mutekano w’u Rwanda n’abarutuye, batahuwe nta kibi barakora, rwabagabanyirije igihano, ruhanisha buri wese igifungo cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15). Rwasanze kandi Umugwaneza

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Shakira, Niyonizeye Claude na Maniriho Théoneste badahamwa n’ibyaha baregwa kuko nta bimenyetso bidashidikanywaho bibibahamya, rutegeka ko bahita barekurwa urubanza rukimara gusomwa. [5] Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, Mutiganda Thierry na Nshimiye Eric ntibishimiye imikirize y’urwo rubanza, bajuririra mu Rukiko rw’Ubujurire, urubanza ruhabwa Nº RPA 00103/2021/CA, iburanisha ryarwo rishyirwa ku wa 13/11/2024 ariko kuri uwo munsi ntirwaburanishwa kubera umucamanza yari arwaye, rwimurirwa ku wa 14/11/2024, Mutiganda Thierry yunganiwe na Me Rugamba Jules, Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah yunganiwe na Me Nshuti Salim, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah yunganiwe na Me Ntazika Nehemie, Nshimiye Eric yunganiwe na Me Mukakalisa Jeanne d’Arc naho Ubushinjacyaha buhagarariwe na Ninahazwa Roselyne, Umushinjacyaha ku rwego rw’Igihugu. Urubanza rwaraburanwe rurapfundikirwa ababuranyi bamenyeshwa ko urubanza ruzasomwa ku wa 27/11/2024. Uwo munsi ugeze, urukiko rwasanze mbere y’uko rufata icyemezo, ababuranyi bagomba kubanza kugira icyo barusobanurira ku birebana n’inyito z’ibyaha abaregwa bahamijwe, maze rwemeza ko urubanza ruzongera gupfundurwa ku wa 05/12/2024 saa tatu. Kuri uwo munsi, urubanza ntibwaburanishijwe kuko hari ababuranyi bamwe batari bitabye, maze rwimurirwa ku wa 09/12/2024 ababuranyi bunganiwe nka mbere. [6] Ku wa 09/12/2024, iburanisha ryarakomeje, maze urukiko rubaza ababuranyi ibibazo bitandukanye birimo, kumenya niba umutwe w’igisirikare cya RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa ari umutwe w’iterabwoba, kumenya niba icyaha cyo

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kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba n’icyo kuba mu mutwe w’ingabo utemewe byabangikanywa hashingiwe ku bikorwa bimwe nk’uko abaregwa babihamijwe. Abaregwa n’ababunganira bahise bazamura inzitizi irebana na procedure basaba ko abaregwa bakwiye guhita barekurwa kuko bakurikiranwe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko badakurikiranwe n’Umushinjacyaha Mukuru ubwe cyangwa uwo yabihereye uburenganzira nk’uko biteganywa n’ingingo ya 200 y’itegeko no 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/06/2018 riteganya ibyaha n'ibihano muri rusange, ko rero kuba abaregwa barakurikiranywe atari Umushinjacyaha Mukuru ubikoze cyangwa ngo abitangire uburenganzira/ uruhushya abaregwa bakwiye guhita barekurwa nk’uko byemejwe mu rubanza No RPA 00029/2022/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 23/02/2024, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Habineza. Kuri uwo munsi urubanza rwongeye gusubikwa rwimurirwa ku wa 07/01/2025 kuko Abavoka bunganira abaregwa n’Ubushinjacyaha bari basabye umwanya wo gukora ubushakashatsi kuri ibyo bibazo. Ku wa 07/01/2025, urubanza rwarakomeje ariko kuri uwo munsi ntirwarangira, iburanishwa ryimurirwa ku wa 27/01/2025 ari nabwo rwapfundikiwe. [7] Mu mwanzuro w’ubujurire no mu miburanire yabo, Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah n’umwunganira bavuga ko urukiko rwamuhamije ibyaha nta bimenyetso bidashidikanywaho bikimuhamya basaba ko yarenganurwa kuko Urukiko rwamuhamije icyaha atakoze rushingiye ku mvugo za Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah rwirengagije impamvu y’urwango amufitiye yarugaragarije yatumye amushinja ibinyoma kandi agenda yivuguruza. Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah n’umwunganira bavuga kandi ko Urukiko rwemeje ko yashishikarije Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah gukora

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ibyaha akurikiranyweho akoresheje Youtube, nyamara rwirengagiza ko nta channel ya Youtube agira kandi nta kimenyetso rwashingiyeho cyemeza ko yaganiriye nawe ibiganiro byerekeranye n’ibyaha yakoze. Naho mu mwanzuro w’inyongera wo ku wa 04/12/2023, Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah yasabye ko hakorwa iperereza kugira ngo urukiko rwibonere ko yarangwaga n’imico myiza ndetse runamenye n’amakimbirane yari afitanye na Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah umushija. [8] Mu mwanzuro w’ubujurire no mu miburanire yabo, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah n’umwunganira bavuga ko n’ubwo yaburanye ahakana icyaha ariko mu ibazwa mu Bugenzacyaha yemeye icyaha anasobanura uko yagikoze, ko uko kwemera icyaha kwe kwashingirwaho akagabanyirizwa igihano agahanishwa igifungo cy’imyaka itatu (3) n’amezi atandatu (6), bingana na ½ cy’igifungo cy’imyaka irindwi (7), igihano gito giteganyirijwe icyaha cyo kwemera ku bushake kwinjira cyangwa gutorerwa kujya mu mutwe w’ingabo zitari ingabo zemewe z’igihugu akanagisubikirwa. basaba kandi ko inyito y’icyaha yahinduka ikaba ubwinjiracyaha mu kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba bitewe n’uko baganiriye kugeza n’aho barengera bakajya mu buzima bw’igisirikare gikorera hanze y’u Rwanda. [9] Mu mwanzuro w’ubujurire no mu miburanire yabo, Mutiganda Thierry n’umwunganira basaba guhindurirwa inyito y’icyaha agahanirwa ubwinjiracyaha bwo kwemera kujya mu mutwe w’iterabwoba, ndetse akagabanyirizwa igihano no kugisubikirwa. Asobanura kandi ko n’ubwo mu rukiko rubanza yari yahakanye icyaha ariko ko yari yacyemeye mbere mu Bugenzacyaha asaba ko uko kwemera kwe kwakwakirwa kukamubera impamvu nyoroshyacyaha maze kugashingirwaho

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ahabwa igihano gito gishobora gituma asubira mu buzima busanzwe kuko na mbere hose atari asanganwe imico mibi. [10] Mu mwanzuro w’ubujurire no mu miburanire yabo, Nshimiye Eric n’umwunganira bavuga ko icyaha yemera ari uko atatanze amakuru nk’uko Ndayisenga Claude yayatanze, kuko yasanze bagenzi be baganira ibirebana n’igisirikare abatega amatwi, akaba ahakana icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba ngo kuko uwo mugambi ntawo yigeze agira kuva yabaho. Nshimiye Eric n’umwunganira basaba Urukiko kumugabanyiriza igihano ku cyaha yemera cyo kuba ataratanze amakuru nk’uko Ndayisenga Claude yayatanze maze n’ibyo rumuhanishije rukemeza ko bisubitswe. [11] Mu myanzuro yakozwe n’Ubushinjacyaha, bwavugaga ko impamvu z’ubujurire z’abaregwa bose nta shingiro zifite kuko urukiko rwasobanuye mu buryo burambuye ibimenyetso rwashingiyeho, ko n’ubwo impamvu zabo nta shingiro zifite, Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah, Mutiganda Thierry, Nshimiye Eric bakongera kugabanyirizwa igihano hashingiwe ku biteganywa n’ingingo ya 2 y’itegeko Nº 059/2023 ryo ku wa 04/12/2023 rihindura Itegeko nº 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange maze bagahanishwa igifungo cy’imyaka irindwi (7) n’amezi atandatu (6), kingana na kimwe cya kabiri (½) cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15), igihano gito giteganyirijwe icyaha cyo kwemera kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba, kuko aricyo cyaha kirusha ibindi bahamijwe gukomera. Naho ku birebana n’isubika gihano basabye, uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko batarihabwa kuko igihano bahawe kirenze imyaka 5 ishobora gusubikwa. Mu gihe cy’iburanisha, uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha yasabye ko ibyo kugabanyirizwa abaregwa byari byanditse mu mwanzuro

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wakozwe n’Ubushinjacyaha byahinduka, hakagenderwa kubyo avugira mu iburanisha maze asaba ko abaregwa batakongera kugabanyirizwa igihano kuko bagabanyirijwe kandi icyo bahawe kikaba kingana n’uburemere bw’icyaha bakoze. [12] Mu gihe cy’iburanisha abaregwa n’abavoka babunganira bazamuye inzitizi basaba ko ko barekurwa kuko bakurikiranwe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko naho Ubushinjacyaha bwo buvuga ko iyo nzitizi nta shingiro igomba guhabwa kuko ntaho ingingo ya 200 y’Itegeko rihana ibyaha ivuga ko urwo ruhushya rugomba kuba rwanditse kuko uruhushya rushobora kuba rwanditse cyangwa ruri mu magambo, ko kuba rero abaregwa barakurikiranywe Umushinjacyaha Mukuru ntabitambamire bivuze ko yabitangiye uruhushya. [13] Urukiko ruhereye kuri izo mpaka, rurasanga ibibazo bikwiye gusuzumwa muri uru rubanza ari: 1. Kumenya niba inzitizi yatanzwe n’abaregwa basaba ko barekurwa kuko bakurikiranywe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko ifite ishingiro; 2. Kumenya niba Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah yarahamijwe icyaha nta bimenyetso simusiga bikimuhamya bishingiweho; 3. Kumenya niba inyito y’icyaha Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry bahamijwe yahinduka bagahanirwa ubwinjiracyaha bwo kwemera kujya mu mutwe w’iterabwoba; 4. Kumenya niba igihano Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry bahanishijwe cyakongera kugabanywa ndetse bakagisubikirwa;

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5. Kumenya niba Nshimiye Eric yarahamijwe icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba kandi ntacyo yakoze no kumenya niba Nshimiye Eric yaganyirizwa igihano ku cyaha yemera cyo kuba ataratanze amakuru. II. IBIBAZO BIGIZE URUBANZA N’ISESENGURA RYABYO II.1. Kumenya niba inzitizi yatanzwe n’abaregwa basaba ko barekurwa kuko bakurikiranywe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko ifite ishingiro. [14] Abaregwa n’ababunganira bazamuye inzitizi basaba guhita barekurwa kuko bakurikiranwe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko kuko batakurikiranwe n’Umushinjacyaha Mukuru ubwe cyangwa uwo yabihereye uburenganzira nk’uko biteganywa n’ingingo ya 200 y’itegeko no 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/06/2018 riteganya ibyaha n'ibihano muri rusange, ko rero kuba abaregwa barakurikiranywe atari Umushinjacyaha Mukuru ubikoze cyangwa ngo abitangire uburenganzira/uruhushya abaregwa bakwiye guhita barekurwa nk’uko byemejwe mu rubanza No RPA 00029/2022/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 23/02/2024, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Habineza Olivier1.

1 Muri urwo rubanza, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rwasanze ikirego cyatanzwe ku rwego rwa mbere kitaragombaga gusuzumwa mu mizi mu gihe Umushinjacyaha Mukuru ku giti cye atatanze uruhushya rwo gukora iperereza no gukurikirana Habineza Olivier ku cyaha cyo kurema umutwe w’ingabo utemewe cyangwa kuwujyamo. Kubera izo mpamvu zose, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rwasanze icyo kirego cyaratanzwe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko, bityo rero ibyakozwe byose bikaba bigomba guteshwa agaciro,

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[15] Abaregwa n’ababunganira bakomeza basobanura ko ikirego cy’Ubushinjacyaha kitagombaga kwakirwa ku rwego rwa mbere hashingiwe ku biteganywa n’ingingo ya 200, igika cya 3, y’Itegeko riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange, kuko mu byaha baregwa byo gushishikariza abantu kujya mu mutwe w’ingabo utemewe n’icyo kwemera, ku bushake, kwinjira cyangwa gutorerwa kujya mu mutwe w’ingabo zitari ingabo zemewe z’igihugu bidashobora gukurikiranwa cyangwa kuregerwa bidakozwe n’Umushinjacyaha Mukuru ubwe cyangwa ngo bikurikiranwe n’uwo yabihereye uburenganzira/uruhushya, bakaba bakwiye kurekurwa Ubushinjacyaha bwabona ari ngombwa bukazabakurikirana bushya. [16] Abaregwa n’ababunganira basobanura ko ingingo ya 200 y’itegeko ryavuzwe haruguru iteganya ko kugira ngo umuntu akurikiranweho icyaha cyo kurema umutwe w’ingabo utemewe cyangwa kuwujyamo bikurikiranwa biregewe cyangwa bitangiwe uruhushya n’Umushinjacyaha Mukuru cyangwa Umushinjacyaha Mukuru wa Gisirikare bitewe n’uwakoze icyaha, ko n’ubwo hatanditswemo uburyo urwo ruhushya rutangwamo n’Umushinjacyaha Mukuru ariko ko bigaragara ko urwo ruhushya rugomba kuba rwanditse ndetse ko muri pratique basanzwe babona ibyo byangombwa biba byanditse, bityo ko ibyaha abaregwa bakurikiranyweho byagombaga gukurikiranwa ari uko bikozwe n’Umushinjacyaha Mukuru ubwe cyangwa akabitangira uburenganzira bwanditswe.

Habineza Olivier akaba agomba kurekurwa uru rubanza rukimara gusomwa, Ubushinjacyaha bukubahiriza ibiteganywa n’Umushingamategeko. Reba igika cyarwo cya 16 na 17.

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[17] Abaregwa n’ababunganira kandi bahuriza ku kuba ingingo ya 200 yavuzwe haruguru itareba ibirebana n’icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba cyangwa kuwujyamo ariko bakavuga ko umutwe w’igisirikare wa RNC atari umutwe w’iterabwoba kuko ntaho wigeze ugaragazwa ku rutonde rw’imitwe y’iterabwoba, ko icyo bemera ari uko bari bagiye mu mutwe w’ingabo utemewe ariko ko batari bagiye mu mutwe w’iterabwoba, banavuga kandi ko hakurikijwe imirongo yagiye itangwa n’inkiko, icyaha cyo kurema umutwe w’ingabo utemewe cyangwa kuwujyamo bidashoboka ko cyabangikanywa n’icyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba hashingiwe ku bikorwa bimwe. [18] Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko ibyo abaregwa n’ababunganira bavuga ko abaregwa bakurikiranwe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko bashingiye ku kuba abaregwa barakurikiranwe bidakozwe n’Umushinjacyaha Mukuru ubwe cyangwa ngo abitangire uruhushya kuko nta rugaragara muri dosiye, bityo ko bakwiye kurekurwa Ubushinjacyaha bwabona ari ngombwa bukazabakurikirana bushya, nta shingiro bifite kuko ntaho ingingo ya 200 y’Itegeko riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange bitsitsaho ivuga ko urwo ruhushya rugomba kuba rwanditse kuko uruhushya rushobora kuba rwanditse cyangwa ruri mu magambo, ko rero kuba ikirego cyaratanzwe n’Umushinjacyaha ku rwego rw’igihugu ari uko Umushinjacyaha Mukuru yemeje ko bakurikiranwa kuko nta kibazo yabigizeho ngo ahagarike ikurikiranacyaha kuko iyi ngingo igomba kurebwa mu nyungu z’umutekano w’igihugu, kuba byarakozwe rero byumvikanisha ko Umushinjacyaha Mukuru ari uko yabyemeye cyangwa yabitangiye uburenganzira. [19] Ku bijyanye n’urubanza No RPA 00029/2022/CA rwaciwe ku wa 23/02/2024 n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire, haburana

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Ubushinjacyaha na Habineza, abunganira abaregwa bavuga ko rwatanze umurongo ko Umushinjacyaha Mukuru ari we ubwe utanga urwo ruhushya, uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rukwiye kongera gusuzuma iki kibazo, ndetse rugasobanura ingingo ya 200 y’itegeko neza rukabihuza n’icyo Umushingamategeko yari agamije, rugasuzuma umurongo rwari rwafashe kuko bigaragara ko rwari rwibeshye mu kuwufata kubera isesengura ritariryo rwakoze, rugasobanura impamvu udakwiye gukomeza kugenderwaho mu nyungu z’ubutabera, hanyuma rukemeza ko uwo murongo uhindutse maze rukemeza ko kuba ikirego cyaratanzwe bisabwe n’Umushinjacyaha ku rwego rw’Igihugu wabiherewe ububasha n’Umushinjacyaha Mukuru nta tegeko ryishwe. [20] Ku birebana n’ibivugwa n’abaregwa n’ababunganira ko umutwe w’igisirikare cya RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa atari umutwe w’iterabwoba kuko utagaragara ku rutonde rw’imitwe y’iterabwoba, uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko nta shingiro bikwiye guhabwa kuko hari imanza zitandukanye zemeje ko RNC ari umutwe w’iterabwoba. Akomeza asobanura ko mu rubanza No RPA 00047/2021/CA, rwaciwe ku wa 14/03/2024, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Rtd Maj Mudathiru n’abandi, mu gika cya [117], uru rukiko rwasobanuye ko umutwe wa P5 ari umutwe w’iterabwoba kuko wari ufite umugambi wo gukora ibikorwa by’iterabwoba ugaragazwa n’uburyo washakishije abarwanyi ukabaha imyitozo ya gisikare nyuma ukabajyana mu bikorwa by’iterabwoba naho mu rubanza No RPA 00016/2020/CA rwaciwe ku wa 22/03/2024, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Abayisenga Venant n’abandi, mu gika cya [178], rugaruka ku byasobanuwe mu rubanza No RPA 00047/2021/CA, rwemeje ko P5 ari umutwe w’iterabwoba, ndetse ko hari amasezerano ashyiraho ihuriro ry’amashyaka

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atavuga rumwe na Leta y’u Rwanda yiswe plat form five (P5) yakorewe i Buruseli ku wa 14/08/2015, iryo huriro rigizwe n’amashyaka 5 ariyo: Amahoro PC, FDU Inkingi, PDP  Imanzi, PS - Imberakuri na RNC, ko rero kuba RNC yari iri muri P5 yagaragaye ko ari umutwe w’iterabwoba byumvikana ko nayo ari umutwe w’iterabwoba kuko abayigize aribo bajyaga mu mutwe w’iterabwoba P5 yabaga yakoze, byumvikana rero ko n’iyo mitwe iyigize ari imitwe y’iterabwoba. [21] Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha akomeza asobanura ko ikindi kigaragaza ko RNC ari umutwe w’iterabwoba ari ibyemejwe mu rubanza No RPA 00012/2019/CA, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Gatabazi Joel n’abandi, kuva ku gika cya [103] kugera ku cya [105] urukiko rwasesenguye ibikorwa by’uwitwa Nshimiyimana Joseph rusanga hari ibimenyetso bigaragaza ko yakoranye na FDLR na RNC ibikorwa by’iterabwoba, ko rero kuba umutwe wa RNC uri muri P5, uyu nawo ukaba waremejwe nk’umutwe w’iterabwoba, ndetse RNC ku giti cyayo ukaba waremejwe nk’umutwe ukora ibikorwa by’iterabwoba, bihagije kwemeza mu buryo bweruye ko RNC ari umutwe w’iterabwoba. [22] Ku birebana n’ibivugwa n’abaregwa ko icyaha cyo kurema umutwe w’ingabo utemewe cyangwa kuwujyamo bidashoboka ko cyabangikanywa n’icyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba hashingiwe ku bikorwa bimwe, uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko yemeranya n’abaregwa kuko mu rubanza No RPA 00060/2021/CA mu gika cya [97] no mu rubanza No RPA 00047/2021/CA, mu gika cya [134] rwasobanuye ko igihe umutwe umaze kwemezwa nk’uw’iterabwoba bidashoboka kuregwa icyaha cyo kuba mu

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mutwe w’ingabo utemewe, ahubwo abakurikiranywe baregwa gusa kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba harebwe ko uba ugamije ibikorwa by’iterabwoba nk’uko biteganywa mu ngingo ya 2, iya 18 n’iya 19 z’Itegeko N° 46/2018 ryo ku wa 13/08/2018 ryerekeye kurwanya iterabwoba. [23] Mu gusoza, uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko n’ubwo urukiko rwasanga inzitizi y’abaregwa ifite ishingiro rukabona koko ko uruhushya rutatanzwe nk’uko biteganywa n’ingingo ya 200 yagarutsweho haruguru, abaregwa batafungurwa nk’uko babisaba ahubwo urukiko rwasuzuma niba ibikorwa bakurikiranyweho bigize icyaha cyo kwemera kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba kuko ibivugwa mu ngingo ya 200 bashingiyeho batanga inzitizi bitareba icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba kiri mu byaha bahamijwe kuko n’ubwo icyo icyaha cyo kwemera, ku bushake, kwinjira cyangwa gutorerwa kujya mu mutwe w’ingabo zitari ingabo zemewe z’igihugu n’icyo gushishikariza abandi kujya mu mutwe w’ingabo utemewe byavanwa mu byaha bagomba kuregwa, bitatuma icyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba batagikurikiranwaho.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [24] Impaka zishingiye ku kumenya niba inzitizi yatanzwe n’abaregwa basaba ko barekurwa kuko bakurikiranywe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko ifite ishingiro. Mu gusuzuma iyo nzitizi akaba ari ngombwa kubanza kumenya ibi bikurikira: - Kumenya niba umutwe w’igisirikare cya RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa abaregwa bari bagiye kujyamo ari umutwe w’iterabwoba cyangwa umutwe w’ingabo

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zitemewe no kumenya niba byari ngombwa gusaba icyemezo cy’Umushinjacyaha Mukuru mu gukurikirana abaregwa ku buryo abaregwa bagomba kurekurwa kuko hatatanzwe uruhushya rw’Umushinjacyaha Mukuru ruteganywa mu ngingo ya 200 y’itegeko no 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/06/2018 riteganya ibyaha n'ibihano muri rusange - Kumenya niba ibikorwa abaregwa bakurikiranyweho byo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba bishobora kubangikanywa n’ibyaha byo kurema umutwe w’ingabo utemewe ku buryo abaregwa babikurikiranwaho byombi ndetse bakanabihamywa byombi. a. Kumenya niba umutwe w’igisirikare cya RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa abaregwa bari bagiye kujyamo ari umutwe w’iterabwoba cyangwa umutwe w’ingabo zitemewe no kumenya niba byari ngombwa gusaba icyemezo cy’Umushinjacyaha Mukuru mu gukurikirana abaregwa ku buryo abaregwa bagomba kurekurwa kuko hatatanzwe icyemezo cy’Umushinjacyaha Mukuru giteganywa mu ngingo ya 200 y’itegeko no 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/06/2018 riteganya ibyaha n'ibihano muri rusange [25] Kugira ngo hamenyekane niba abaregwa barakurikiranywe mu buryo bunyuranyije cyangwa bukurikje amategeko ku buryo byari ngombwa ko mu kubakurikirana no kubarega hagomba gutangwa uruhushya rw’Umushijacyaha Mukuru rutegeka kubakurikirana, ni ngombwa kubanza kumenya niba RNC abaregwa bari bagiye kujyamo ari umutwe w’iterabwoba cyangwa umutwe n’ingabo zitemewe.

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[26] Nk’uko byagarutsweho haruguru, abaregwa bavuga ko RNC atari umutwe w’iterabwoba kuko utari ku rutonde rw’imitwe y’iterabwoba, ko ahubwo ari umutwe w’ingabo zitemewe naho Ubushinjacyaha bwo bukemeza ko RNC ari umutwe w’iterabwoba ndetse ko n’inkiko zamaze kubyemeza. [27] Ku birebana no kumenya niba RNC ari umutwe w’iterabwoba cyangwa umutwe w’ingabo zitemewe, urubanza N° RPA 00047/2021/CA2 rwaciwe ku wa 14/03/2024 haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Maj (Rtd) Mudathiru Habib alias Mussa na bagenzi be, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rwemeje ko umutwe wa P5 ari umutwe w’iterabwoba kuko ufite umugambi wo gukora ibikorwa by’iterabwoba ugaragazwa n’uburyo washakishije abarwanyi ukabaha imyitozo ya gisikare, irangiye ukabavana muri Kivu y’Amajyepfo (Bijabo) ukabajyana muri Kivu y’Amajyaruguru hafi y’umupaka w’u Rwanda, nyuma mu ijoro ryo ku wa 04/10/2019, bamwe muri abo barwanyi bagafatanya n’umutwe wa RUD- URUNANA gukora ibitero by’iterabwoba mu Kinigi mu Karere ka Musanze byishe abaturage cumi na bane (14), bikomeretsa abandi cumi n’umunani (18) binasahura imitungo yabo nk’uko abarwanyi ba RUD-URUNANA bari muri icyo gitero babigarukaho mu mvugo zabo. [28] Mu rubanza No RPA 00016/2020/CA3rwaciwe ku wa 22/03/2024, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Abayisenga Venant n’abandi, Urukiko rwagaragaje ko nk’uko bigaragazwa n’amasezerano ashyiraho ihuriro ry’amashyaka atavuga rumwe na Leta y’u Rwanda yiswe plat form five (P5) yakorewe i Buruseli ku wa 14/08/2015, iryo huriro rigizwe n’amashyaka 5 ariyo: Amahoro PC, FDU-Inkingi, PDP – Imanzi, PS –

2 Reba igika cyarwo cya 117 3 Reba igika cyarwo cya 180

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Imberakuri na RNC, ndetse ko iyo P5 ari ishyirahamwe ry’iterabwoba ukorera muri DRC ugamije gukora ibikorwa by’iterabwoba ku butaka bw’u Rwanda4. [29] Mu rubanza Nº RPA 00012/2019/CA5 rwaciwe ku wa 22/11/2019 n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Lt Mutabazi Joël n’abandi, uru rukiko mu gusobanura iby’uwitwa Nshimiyimana Joseph rwasanze hari ibimenyetso bigaragaza ko yakoranye na FDLR na RNC ibikorwa by’iterabwoba birimo gukora inama yateguye igitero cyabereye ku isoko rya Kicukiro kigahitana abantu 2, hagakomereka 46. [30] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga harebwe ibivugwa muri izi manza zimaze kuvugwa haruguru, bigaragara ko RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa ari imwe mu mitwe yari igize ihuriro rya P5 kandi nk’uko byemejwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire mu rubanza N° RPA 00047/2021/CA uwo mutwe byagaragaye ko ari umutwe w’iterabwoba aho wakoze ibikorwa bitandukanye by’iterabwoba birimo kuba mu ijoro ryo ku wa 04/10/2019, bamwe muri abo barwanyi barafatanyije n’umutwe wa RUD-URUNANA gukora ibitero by’iterabwoba mu Kinigi mu Karere ka Musanze byishe abaturage cumi na bane (14), bikomeretsa abandi cumi n’umunani (18) binasahura imitungo yabo nk’uko abarwanyi ba RUD-URUNANA bari muri icyo gitero babigarukaho mu mvugo zabo, bikaba byumvikana rero ko kuba P5 yarakoze ibikorwa by’iterabwoba na RNC nk’imwe mu bagize iryo huriro nayo yabigizemo uruhare. Ibyo bikaba byumvikanisha ko mu gihe bigaragaye ko umutwe wamaze kwemezwa nk’umutwe w’iterabwoba wari usanzwe ugizwe n’indi mitwe cyangwa amashyirahamwe bifite intego imwe bituma n’iyo mitwe

4 Reba igika cyarwo cya 207 5 Reba igika cyarwo cya 103 na 105

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cyangwa amashyirahamwe awugize bihita bihinduka imitwe y’iterabwoba. Ku bw’ibyo, kuba RNC yari imwe mu mitwe igize P5 yamaze kwemezwa nk’umutwe w’iterabwoba bikaba bikwiye guhita byumvikanisha ko RNC nayo ari umutwe w’Iterabwoba. [31] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga, uretse no kuba RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa igirwa umutwe w’iterabwoba no kuba ari umwe mu bagize umutwe w’iterabwoba wa P5 nk’uko bisobanuwe haruguru, ikindi kigaragaza ko ari umutwe w’iterabwoba ni ibikorwa wakoze ubwayo kuko nk’uko byemejwe mu rubanza Nº RPA 00012/2019/CA haburana MUTABAZI Joel n’Ubushinjacyaha na RNC ubwayo ifatanyije na FDLR bakoze ibikorwa by’iterabwoba birimo gukora inama yateguye igitero cyabereye ku isoko rya Kicukiro kigahitana abantu 2, hagakomereka 46. [32] Urukiko rw’ubujurire rurasanga rero n’ubwo muri izo manza zavuzwe haruguru nta rubanza rwavuze mu buryo bweruye ko RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa ari umutwe w’iterabwoba, ariko bigaragara ko zerekanye uruhare rutaziguye RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa yagize mu bikorwa bitandukanye by’iterabwoba bigizwe n’ibitero bitandukanye RNC iri muri P5 cyangwa ifatanyije na FDLR bagiye bagaba ku Rwanda, bikica abantu abandi bikabakomeretsa ndetse bigasenya n’ibikorwa remezo bitandukanye. Uru rukiko rurasanga rero ibyo bikorwa by’iterabwoba RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa yagiye ikora bigaragaza nta gushidikanya ko RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa atari umutwe w’ingabo utemewe kuko utari ugamije kugaba igitero cy’intambara ku Rwanda nk’uko bivugwa mu ngingo ya 200, igika cya 1 n’icya 2, y’itegeko No 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/06/2018 riteganya ibyaha n'ibihano muri rusange, ko ahubwo nk’uko ibikorwa byayo byayigaragaje mu bitero yagabye ku

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butaka bw’u Rwanda, mu Turere twa Musanze na Kicukiro aho yabaga iri muri P5 cyangwa ifatanyije na FDLR, byemeza ko uwo mutwe wa RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa ari umutwe w’Iterabwoba. [33] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga rero kuba RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa ari umutwe w’iterabwoba, byumvikana ko abaregwa bagombaga gukurikiranwaho icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba bityo mu kubakurikirana akaba atari ngombwa ko bagombaga gukurikiranwa n’Umushinjacyaha Mukuru cyangwa uwo yabihereye uruhushya kuko Itegeko N° 46/2018 ryo ku wa 13/08/2018 ryerekeye kurwanya iterabwoba ridategeka ko mu gukurikirana abakekwaho kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba ari ngombwa ko bitangirwa uruhushya rw’Umushinjacyaha Mukuru, ahubwo icyo cyemezo kikaba kivugwa gusa mu ngingo ya 200, igika cya 3 y’itegeko Nº 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange ku birebana gusa n’icyaha cyo kurema no kwemera kuba mu mutwe w’ingabo utemewe, ku bw’ibyo inzitizi yatanzwe n’abaregwa basaba kurekurwa kuko bakurikiranywe mu buryo bunyuranije n’amategeko ikaba nta shingiro ifite. [34] Ku birebana n’urubanza No RPA 00029/2022/CA rwaciwe ku wa 23/02/2024 n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Habineza, abunganira abaregwa bavuga ko rwatanze umurongo ko Umushinjacyaha Mukuru ari we ubwe utanga urwo ruhushya, Urukiko rw’ubujurire rurasanga uru rubanza bitsitsaho rutakwifashisha muri uru rubanza kuko rurebana n’icyaha cyo kurema no kwemera kuba ku bushake mu mutwe w’ingabo utemewe nyamara muri uru rubanza uru rukiko rwamaze kugaragaza ko abaregwa bari bakwiye gukurikiranwaho icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba.

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b. Kumenya niba ibikorwa abaregwa bakurikiranyweho byo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba bishobora kubangikanywa n’ibyaha byo kurema umutwe w’ingabo utemewe ku buryo abaregwa babikurikiranwaho ndetse bakabihamywa byombi. [35] Impaka kuri iyi ngingo zishingiye ku kumenya niba abaregwa byamaze kwemezwa ko bagomba gukurikiranwaho ibyaha byo kuba mu mutwe w’Iterabwoba bashobora no kongera gukurikiranwa ku byaha byo kurema umutwe w’ingabo utemewe ndetse bakanabihamywa byombi hashingiwe ku bikorwa bimwe. [36] Mu gika cya 43 na 44 by’urubanza rujuririrwa, Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwihariye ruburanisha ibyaha byo mu rwego mpuzamahanga n’ibyaha byambuka imbibi rwakurikiranyeho Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdallah, Mutiganda Thierry na Nshimiye Eric ndetse rubahamya icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba n’icyo kuba mu mutwe w’ingabo bitemewe hashingiwe ku bikorwa bimwe naho Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah na Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah bo banakurikiranwa ku cyaha cyo gushishikariza abantu kujya mu mutwe w’ingabo utemewe. [37] Nyamara ikibazo cyo kumenya niba icyaha cyo kurema umutwe w’ingabo utemewe cyangwa icyo kuba cyangwa kwemera kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba byabangikanywa byombi, Urukiko rw’ubujurire rusanga byaratanzweho umurongo mu manza zitandukanye zaciwe n’uru Rukiko, harimo urubanza No RPA 00016/2020/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 22/03/2024 haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Abayisenga Venant n’abandi. Muri urwo rubanza, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rwemeje ko icyaha cyo kuba mu ishyirahamwe ry’iterabwoba kidashobora kubangikana n’icyo kuba mu mutwe

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w’ingabo bitemewe, ko ahubwo bituma icyaha abaregwa bakoze kidashora kuba icyo kujya mu mutwe w’ingabo bitemewe ahubwo bagomba guhamwa n’icyaha cyo kuba mu ishyirahamwe ry’iterabwoba6, bityo bikaba bidakwiye kongera kugibwaho impaka muri uru rubanza. [38] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga rero kuba abaregwa barakurikiranywe ndetse bagahamywa icyaha cyo kuba mu ishyirahamwe ry’iterabwoba, icyo gushishikariza abantu kujya mu mutwe w’ingabo utemewe n’icyo kuba mu mutwe w’ingabo binyuranije n’uwo murongo wavuzwe haruguru uvuga ko ibyo byaha byombi bidashobora kubangikanywa, byumvikanisha ko rero ari amakosa urukiko rubanza rwakoze akaba agomba gukosorwa maze muri uru rubanza abaregwa bagakurikiranwa gusa ku cyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba. II.2. Kumenya niba Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah yarahamijwe icyaha nta bimenyetso simusiga bikimuhamya bishingiweho. [39] Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah n’umwunganira bavuga ko urukiko rwamuhamije ibyaha nta bimenyetso bidashidikanywaho bishingiweho, basaba ko yarenganurwa kuko Urukiko rwamuhamije icyaha atakoze rushingiye ku mvugo za Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah rwirengagije ko amufitiye urwango yarugaragarije rwatumye amushinja ibinyoma ndetse no kuba yaragiye yivuguruza kandi ko mu bandi bareganwa hamwe ntawe umushinja, ko ibyo bavuga ari ibyo bumvanye Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah.

6 Reba igika cya 234 cy’urubanza N° RPA 00016/2020/CA rwaciwe nUrukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 22/03/2024 haburana ubushinjacyaha na Abayisenga Venant n’abandi, p.70

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[40] Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah n’umwunganira bavuga kandi ko Urukiko rwemeje ko yashishikarije Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah gukora ibyaha akurikiranyweho akoresheje Youtube, nyamara rwirengagiza ko nta channel ya Youtube agira kandi nta kimenyetso rwashingiyeho cyemeza ko yaganiriye nawe ibiganiro byerekeranye n’ibyaha yakoze. Naho mu mwanzuro w’inyongera wo ku wa 04/12/2023, Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah yasabye ko hakorwa iperereza kugira ngo urukiko rwibonere ko yarangwaga n’imico myiza ndetse runamenye n’amakimbirane yari afitanye na Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah umushija na cyane cyane ko yagejeje mu Rukiko icyemezo cy’uko asanzwe arangwa n’imico myiza hamwe n’ikigaragaza ko asanzwe afitanye amakimbirane na Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah. [41] Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah avuga kandi ko abatangabuhamya bose babajijwe, baba abo bakurikiranywe hamwe bavuga ko Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah ari we wabashishikarije ndetse bamwe bagafatwa bagiye kugenda, nta n’umwe umushinja ndetse batanamuzi, ahubwo bari basanzwe baziranye na Ndayisenga; bose bakaba bavuga ibyo Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah yababwiye gusa mu magambo, ariko nta kindi bashobora kugaragaza cyemeza ko hari aho yari ahuriye n’imigambi yabo. [42] Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko impamvu z’ubujurire za Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah nta shingiro zifite kuko Ndayisenga Vedaste Abdoullah yavugiye mu Bugenzacyaha no mu mu Rukiko rw’Ibanze rwa Busasamana aburana ku ifungwa n’ifungurwa yemeza ko Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah yamushishikarije kujya mu gisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa, ko ibyo yireguza avuga ko Ndayisenga

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Vedaste Abdoullah amubeshyera nta shingiro byahabwa kuko abazwa mu Bugenzacyaha Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah yivugiye ko ntacyo bari basanzwe bapfa cyari gutuma amubeshyera, bityo ko kuba abyireguza ubu ari uburyo bwo guhunga icyaha. Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha asobanura ko n’ubwo haba hari icyo baba bari basanzwe bapfa, ataribyo byatesha agaciro imvugo za Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, wemeza ko yamushishikarije kujya mu gisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa, cyane ko Urukiko arirwo rufite ububasha bwo gusuzuma imvugo ze nk’uko byatanzweho umurongo n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga, mu rubanza No RPAA 0117/07/CS rwo ku wa 17/09/2010 haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Cpl Ngabonziza Faustin & Sgt Biziyaremye Jean Baptiste. [43] Ku birebana n’ibyo Haragirimana Damien Abdallah avuga ko Urukiko rwemeje ko yashishikarije Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah gukora ibyaha akurikiranyweho akoresheje Youtube nyamara rwirengagije ko nta channel ya Youtube agira, uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko iyo miburanire nta shingiro ifite kuko ntaho Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah avuga ko Haragirimana Damien Abdallah yamweretse amashusho y’igisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa kuri channel ye ya Youtube, ahubwo avuga ko Haragirimana Damien Abdallah yamuhaye amakuru y’uko muri Uganda hari igisirakare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa, amukangurira kukijyamo, amubaza aho yabivanye amubwira ko nawe yabivanye kuri Youtube.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [44] Impaka muri uru rubanza zishingiye ku kumenya niba ibimenyetso byashingiweho mu guhamya Haragirimana Damien

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Abdallah bidahagije mu kugaragaza uruhare rwe mu ikorwa ry’icyaha kandi ko bishidikanywaho kuko imvugo zonyine za Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah zitashingirwaho kuko yagiye yivuguruza ndetse bakaba bafitanye urwango, ikindi kandi abandi batangabuhamya babajijwe bakaba bataramuvuze ndetse bakaba batanamuzi no kumenya niba hakorwa iperereza kugira ngo ukuri kugaragare. a. Ibirebana no kumenya niba imvugo za Ndayisenga Vedaste zitashingirwaho kuko yagiye yivuguruza kandi akaba ari we wenyine washingiweho ndetse anamufitiye urwango. [45] Mu rubanza No RP 00001/2020/HC/HCCIC rwaciwe ku wa 18/11/2021, Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwihariye ruburanisha ibyaha byo mu rwego mpuzamahanga n’ibyaha birenga imbibi rushingiye ku mvugo za Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah ushinja Haragirimana Damien Abdallah kuba ariwe wamuhaye amakuru y’igisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa ndetse anamushishikariza kukijyamo, rwemeje ko Haragirimana Damien Abdallah ahamwa n’icyaha cyo gushishikariza abantu kujya mu mutwe w'ingabo utemewe n’icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba. [46] Ku birebana n’ikibazo cyo gushingira ku mvugo z’umuntu umwe kandi zivuguruzanya, mu rubanza N° RPA 00016/2020/CA, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rwatanze umurongo uvuga ko imvugo cyangwa ubuhamya by’umuntu wese (ufite ubushobozi), bishobora kumvwa kandi bigashingirwaho mu rubanza n’iyo yaba yarabaye umuburanyi muri urwo rubanza. Apfa gusa kuba afite amakuru ahagije ku birebana n’ingingo

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igibwaho impaka7. Naho ku birebana n’imvugo z’umuntu umwe wivuguruje mu nzego zitandukanye, mu rubanza N° RPAA 00293/2021/CA, hatanzwe umurongo uvuga ko Urukiko rudategetswe kwemeza imvugo zivugiwe imbere yarwo mu gihe zivuguruza izavugiwe imbere y’inzego z’iperereza, ahubwo ko ubwarwo arirwo rukora isesengura kugira ngo rumenye imvugo ihuza n’ukuri kw’ibyabaye8. Ibyo kandi byongeye no gushimangirwa mu rubanza No RPAA 00450/2023/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 26/04/2024, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Muhabwizina Odette. [47] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga kuba Haragirimana Damien Abdallah n’umwunganira bavuga ko imvugo za Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah zitashingirwaho kuko ari we wenyine washingiweho, kandi akaba yaragiye yivuguruza nta shingiro bifite kuko mu Bugenzacyaha Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah yagaragaje ko Haragirimana Damien Abdallah ariwe wamuhaye amakuru yerekeranye n’igisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa ndetse anamushishikariza kukijyamo ndetse anabisubiramo aburana mu Rukiko rw’Ibanze rwa Busasamana, ku ifunga n’ifungurwa by’agateganyo. N’ubwo yageze mu Rukiko Rukuru akabihakana, Ndayisenga Vedaste akavuga ko Haragirimana atigeze amushishikariza kujya mu mutwe wa Kayumba Nyamwasa, kandi ko yabivuze bihagije ubwo yabibazwagaho kugeza ubwo bamusharuje icyuma ku kaboko, ko icyo yasobanuye ari uko Haragirimana Damien yabimweretse

7 Reba igika cya 151 cy’urubanza n° RPA 00016/2020/ca rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 22/03/2024, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na ABAYISENGA Vénant n’abandi 8 Reba igika cya 28 cy’urubanza N° RPAA 00293/2021/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 15/07/2022, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na MURINDAHABI Jean de Dieu

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kuri Youtube9, Urukiko rw’ubujurire rurasanga bitaba impamvu yo gutesha agaciro iyo mvugo ya Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah hashingiwe gusa ko ari imvugo ye wenyine kubera ko ubuhamya by’umuntu wese (ufite ubushobozi), bushobora kumvwa kandi bugashingirwaho mu rubanza n’iyo yaba yarabaye umuburanyi muri urwo rubanza, apfa gusa kuba afite amakuru ahagije ku birebana n’ingingo igibwaho impaka nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru. [48] Urukiko rurasanga kandi kuba Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah yarahinduye imvugo yakoreye mu Bugenzacyaha ubwo yari ageze mu Rukiko Rukuru, akavuga ko ibyo yemeye mbere yabikoze kubera itotezwa, bitabuza urukiko kuzishingiraho kubera ko uretse no kuba ibyo yavugiye imbere y’urukiko Rukuru nta bimenyetso yabigaragarije, urukiko ntirutegetswe kwemeza imvugo zivugiwe imbere yarwo mu gihe zivuguruza izavugiwe imbere y’inzego z’iperereza, ahubwo ko ubwarwo arirwo rukora isesengura kugira ngo rumenye imvugo ihuza n’ukuri kw’ibyabaye nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru. Rurasanga kandi imvugo yavugiye mu Bugenzacyaha arizo zikwiye kugenderwaho kuko no mu iburanisha ry’uru rubanza10, Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah yongeye kubishimangira avuga ko Haragirimana Damien Abdallah ariwe wamuhaye amakuru y’ibyerekeye igisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa anasobanura ko baganiriye inshuro nyinshi akajya amubwira ko muri Uganda hari igisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa, ko yabibonye kuri Youtube ndetse anasaba ko imvugo ye yo mu Bugenzacyaha ariyo yakomeza kugenderwaho kuko mu Rukiko

9 Reba igika cya 12 cy’urubanza rujurirwa. 10 Reba inyandikomvugo y’iburanisha ryo ku wa 14/11/2024, urupapuro rwa 4

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Rukuru yari yavuze ko atabimukanguriye ariko byatewe n’uko atari asobanukiwe n’ijambo “gukangurira” icyo rivuze. [49] Ku birebana n’ibyo Haragirimana Damien Abdallah n’umwunganira bavuga ko imvugo ya Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah itashingirwaho kuko yamushyizeho icyaha kubera amakimbirane bari bafite mbere, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga iyi miburanire nta shingiro yahabwa kuko ubwe abazwa mu Bugenzacyaha, Haragirimana Damien Abdallah yivugiye ko nta kibazo bari bafitanye11, kuba yaravuze ko bafitanye ikibazo bwa mbere mu Rukiko akaba ari uburyo bwo guhunga icyaha. Iyi ngingo kandi Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah aburanisha y’uko Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoulah amufitiye urwango, yagiweho impaka n’impande zombi mu gihe cy’iburanisha, Urukiko rusanga iyo mvugo ya Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah igomba gushingirwaho kuko igaragaza ukuri kw’ibyabaye (principe de la liberté de la preuve en matière pénale) kandi Urukiko nirwo rwemeza ko ibyo bimenyetso bishobora kwemerwa nk’uko byemejwe mu rubanza N° RPAA 00692/2021/CA rwaciwe ku wa 20/1/2023, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Ndayishimiye Jean Damascène. [50] Urukiko rurasanga ikindi kigaragaza ko imvugo ya Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah ishinja Haragirimana Damien Abdallah ko ariwe wamubwiye iby’igisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa ndetse anamushishikariza kujyamo ikwiye gufatwa nk’ukuri kandi ko itakozwe kubwo kumwihimuraho, ni uko yabivuze mbere atari yamenya ko bazafatwa nk’uko byemejwe n’abo baregwana hamwe barimo Maniriho Théoneste, Nshimiye Eric, Niyonizeye Claude na Mutiganda Thierry aho

11 Reba inyandikomvugo yo ku wa 15/12/2019 y’ibazwa rya Haragirimana Damien Abdallah mu Bugenzacyaha

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bose bemeje ko ubwo Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah yababwiraga iby’igisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa yanababwiye ko amakuru yayahawe na Abdallah12. [51] Ku birebana n’ibivugwa na Haragirimana Damien Abdallah n’umwunganira ko mu bo bareganwa nta wundi umushinja, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga nta shingiro bifite kuko n’ubwo abo bareganwa ntawe umuvuga ko yahuye cyangwa yaganiriye na Haragirimana Damien Abdallah, ariko Maniriho Théoneste, Nshimiye Eric, Niyonizeye Claude na Mutiganda Thierry bareganwa hamwe bose bemeje ko ubwo Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah yababwiraga iby’igisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa yanababwiye ko amakuru yayahawe na Haragirimana Damien Abdallah, ibyo bikaba byumvikana ko n’ubwo batamushinja ariko bashimangiye ibyo Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah yari yavuze ko Haragirimana Damien Abdallah ariwe wamushishikarije kujya mu gisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa. Hakaba nta cyabuza Urukiko kuzishingiraho. [52] Hashingiwe ku bisobanuro bitanzwe haruguru, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga kuba Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwihariye ruburanisha ibyaha byo mu rwego mpuzamahanga n’ibyaha birenga imbibi rwarahamije Haragirimana Damien Abdallah ibyaha rushingiye ku mvugo za Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah nta kosa rwakoze kuko nta gushidikanya kugaragara muri izo mvugo, bityo ingingo y’ubujurire ya Haragirimana Damien y’uko imvugo za Ndayisenga Vedaste zitashingirwaho kuko yagiye yivuguruza kandi akaba ari we wenyine washingiweho ndetse banafitanye urwango nta shingiro ifite.

12 Uyu uvugwa ni Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah

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b. Ibirebana n’iperereza Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah asaba. [53] Haragirimana Damien asaba ko hakorwa iperereza kugira ngo ukuri kugaragare, hagenzurwe niba koko asanzwe arangwa n’imico myiza ndetse n’uko asanzwe afitanye amakimbirane na Ndayisenga Vedaste, cyane cyane ko yatanze muri dosiye ibimenyetso bigaragaza ko asanganywe imico myiza byatanzwe n’inzego z’ibanze hamwe n’icyemezo ko asanganye amakimbirane na Ndayisenga Vedaste. [54] Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko ibyo gusaba iperereza nta shingiro bikwiye guhabwa kuko ari ubwa mbere asabye iperereza kuko ntaho yigeze ariburanisha mbere, kandi ko n’iyo ryakorwa hakagaragara ko yitwaraga neza bitavuguruza ibimenyetso byashingiweho kuko kuba witwaraga neza bidakuraho ko wakora icyaha. [55] Urukiko rurasanga iperereza Haragirimana Damien Abdallah yasabye ngo hagaragazwe ukuri ko yari asanzwe yitwara neza ndetse hanagaragazwe ko yari afitanye amakimbirane na Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah bityo ko hatashingirwa ku mvugo ya Ndayisenga Vedaste, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga kuba Haragirimana Damien allias Abdallah yaba yari asanzwe yitwara neza no kuba yari afitanye amakimbirane na Ndayisenga Vedaste atari ikimenyetso cyamuhanaguraho icyaha akurikiranweho. Rusanga kandi atari ngombwa gukora iryo perereza kuko rubona ibimenyetso rufite bihagije mu gusuzuma urubanza. Iby’uko Urukiko rudategetswe byanze bikunze gukora iperereza cyangwa se kubaza abatangabuhamya buri gihe cyose uko umuburanyi abisabye mu gihe rwumva rwanyuzwe n’ibimenyetso rwashyikirijwe kandi n’ababuranyi bose bahawe umwanya uhagije wo

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kubyisobanuraho byemejwe mu rubanza RPAA 0101/09/CS rwaciwe ku wa 09/03/2012. [56] Hashingiwe ku bisobanuro byavuzwe haruguru, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga ingingo y’ubujurire ya Haragirimana Damien y’uko yahamijwe icyaha nta bimenyetso bidashidikanywaho bishingiweho nta shingiro ifite, ariko nk’uko byasesenguwe haruguru, Urukiko rukaba rutaragombaga guhamya Haragirimana Damien Abdallah ibyaha byo gushishikariza abantu kujya mu mutwe w’ingabo utemewe n’icyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba icyarimwe, hashingiwe ku ihame ryo kuba ibyo byaha byombi bitabangikanywa nk’uko byavuzwe haruguru, ahubwo Haragirimana Damien Abdallah akaba akwiye guhamwa n’icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba. II.3. Kumenya niba inyito y’icyaha Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry bahamijwe yahinduka bagahanirwa ubwinjiracyaha bwo kwemera kujya mu mutwe w’iterabwoba. [57] Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry n’ababunganira basaba ko inyito y’icyaha bahamijwe yahinduka bagahanirwa ubwinjiracyaha bwo kwemera kujya mu mutwe w’iterabwoba kuko n’ubwo bari bemeye kujya mu gisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa bafashwe bataragerayo. [58] Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko iyi mpamvu yabo y’ubujurire nta shingiro ifite kuko igikorwa cyo kwemera kujya mu ngabo zitemewe n’umutwe w’iterabwoba bakoze kigize icyaha cyuzuye cyo kwemera kujya mu ngabo zitemewe n’umutwe w’iterabwoba kuko bo na mugenzi wabo Nshimiye

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Eric bafashwe biteguye kugenda bajya muri uwo mutwe w’ingabo zitemewe ukaba n’umutwe w’iterabwoba, bigaragaza nta gushidikanya ko bari bemeye kuwujyamo; nk’uko byasobanuwe mu gika cya 27 by’urubanza rujuririrwa. [59] Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha asobanura ko Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry bahamijwe kwemera kujya mu mutwe w’ingabo byumvikana ko bemeye ndetse banafatirwa mu nzira bajya mu mutwe w’ingabo utemewe kuko icyaha cyari cyamaze gutsotsobwa kuko nta bwinjiracyaha bwabaho igihe wamaze kubyemera.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [60] Kuri iyi ngingo, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ruributsa ko abaregwa bakurikiranywe ku cyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru, bivuze ko ibyo kubangikanya ibi byaha byombi abaregwa bari bakurikiranweho banahamijwe, bitongera kugibwaho impaka kuri uru rwego, akaba ariyo mpamvu, impaka kuri iyi ngingo zishingiye ku kumenya niba kuba Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry baremeye kujya mu mutwe w’iterabwoba wa RNC wa Kayumba Nyamwasa bagafatwa bataragerayo bigize icyaha cyo kwemera kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba cyangwa ubwinjiracyaha kuri icyo cyaha. Ku birebana no guhindurirwa inyito y’icyaha. [61] Ingingo ya 18 y'Itegeko Nº 46/2018 ryo ku wa 13/08/2018 ryekeye kurwanya iterabwoba iteganya ko “Umuntu uba cyangwa wemera kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba cyangwa ugira uruhare mu bikorwa by’umutwe w’iterabwoba cyangwa ukora

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ikintu cyose cyongerera ubushobozi undi mutwe w’iterabwoba, aba akoze icyaha…” [62] Ubwinjiracyaha buhanirwa iyo umugambi wo gukora icyaha wagaragajwe n’igikorwa kimwe cyangwa byinshi biboneka, bidashidikanywa by’intangiriro y’icyaha biganisha ku ikorwa ryacyo, nyuma bigahagarikwa, bikabuzwa kugera ku cyifuzo cyangwa bikazitirwa n’impamvu zidakomoka ku bushake bwa nyir’ugukora icyaha. [63] Izi ngingo zisomewe hamwe zumvikanisha ko ubwinjiracyaha bubaho mu gihe ibikorwa biboneka, bidashidikanywaho by’intangiriro y’icyaha biganisha ku ikorwa ryacyo, biba byahagaritswe cyangwa byabujijwe kugera ku cyifuzo cyangwa byazitiwe n’impamvu idakomoka ku bushake bwa nyir’ugukora icyaha, mu gihe icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba, yaba umuntu wamaze kwinjira mu mutwe w’iterabwoba, yaba uwamaze kwemera kuwinjiramo cyangwa uwatangiye kuwugiramo uruhare cyangwa ukora ikintu cyose kiwongerera ubushobozi aba yamaze gukora icyaha (infraction consommée). Byumvikanisha rero ko igihe cyose umuntu yamaze kwemera kuba, yamaze kwemera kuwinjiramo cyangwa yatangiye kuwugiramo uruhare aba akoze icyaha, bityo bikaba bikwiye kumvikana ko nta bwinjiracyaha bwo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba bwabaho kuko gukora igikorwa kimwe mu bigize icyo cyaha ubwacyo icyaha kiba cyatsotsobwe. [64] Dosiye y’urubanza igaragaza ko Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah yemera ko yashishikarijwe kujya mu gisirikare cya RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa aremera anashishikariza n’abandi naho Mutiganda we yemera ko yashishikarijwe kujya muri icyo gisirikare nawe aremera ariko bombi bafatirwa mu nzira bataragera muri Uganda aho icyo gisirikare gikorera.

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[65] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru, kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba, kwemera kuba muri uwo mutwe cyangwa kugira uruhare mu bikorwa byayo cyangwa gukora ibiwongerera ubushobozi aribyo umushingamategeko yagaragaje ko ari icyaha, bivuze ko kwemera kuwubamo ubwabyo bigize icyaha (infraction consommée) aho kuba ubwinjiracyaha bwacyo. [66] Kuba Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry basaba guhamywa n’ubwinjiracyaha bw’icyaha kuko bemeye kuwujyamo ariko bagafatwa bataragerayo, Urukiko rusanga atari nta shingiro byahabwa kuko kwemera kuba muri uwo mutwe byihagije ubwabyo ngo icyaha cyo kwemera kuwubamo kibe cyamaze gutsotsobwa, kabone n’ubwo uwemeye kuwujyamo yafatirwa mu nzira ataragera muri uwo mutwe ngo atangire kuwubamo no kuwugiramo uruhare. [67] Hashingiwe ku bisobanuro bitanzwe haruguru, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga abaregwa bavuga ko Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwihariye ruburanisha ibyaha byo mu rwego mpuzamahanga n’ibyaha birenga imbibi rwaragombaga guhamya Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry ubwinjiracyaha bw’ibyaha bakurikiranyweho, nta shingiro bifite kuko icyaha bakoze cyari cyamaze gutsotsobwa nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru, bityo bakaba bagomba guhamwa n’icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba. II.4. Kumenya niba igihano Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry bahanishijwe cyakongera kugabanywa ndetse kigasubikwa. [68] Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry n’ababunganira basaba ko bagabanyirizwa igihano

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ndetse bakagisubikirwa. Basobanura ko n’ubwo mu rukiko rubanza bari bahakanye icyaha ariko ko bari bakemeye mbere mu Bugenzacyaha basaba ko uko kwemera kwabo kwakwakirwa kukababera impamvu nyoroshyacyaha maze kugashingirwaho bahabwa igihano gito, maze bagahanishwa igifungo cy’imyaka itatu (3) n’amezi atandatu (6), bingana na ½ cy’igifungo cy’imyaka irindwi (7), igihano gito giteganyirijwe icyaha cyo kwemera, ku bushake, kwinjira cyangwa gutorerwa kujya mu mutwe w’ingabo zitari ingabo zemewe z’igihugu bakanagisubikirwa. [69] Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko abaregwa batakongera kugabanyirizwa igihano kuko bagabanyirijwe kandi icyo bahawe kikaba kingana n’uburemere bw’icyaha bakoze.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [70] Impaka kuri iyi ngingo zishingiye ku kumenya niba ukwemera icyaha Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry bakoreye mu Nzego z’iperereza kwababera impamvu nyoroshyacyaha yatuma bongera kugabanyirizwa igihano cyangwa se niba batakongera kubagabanyiriza kuri uru rwego kuko bagabanyirijwe bihagije. [71] Iberebana n’ukwemera icyaha gushingirwaho mu kugabanya igihano, kwasobanuwe mu manza zitandukanye harimo N° RPA 00060/2021/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 04/04/2022 haburana Ubushinjacyaha, Nsabimana Callixte alias Sankara na bagenzi be13 n’urubanza Nº RPAA 00086/2022/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa

13 Reba igika cya 136 cyarwo

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24/03/2023 haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Munyanshoza Eric14. Muri izo manza Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rwasobanuye ukwemera icyaha kugira agaciro gashobora gutuma uregwa agabanyirizwa igihano iyo nibura kujuje ibi bikurikira: kuba kudashidikanywaho, ni ukuvuga kutarimo kugoreka amakuru arebana n’uburyo icyaha cyakozwe, kuva gitegurwa kugeza gishyirwa mu bikorwa; hagaragazwa abakigizemo uruhare n’uruhare rwa nyiri ukwemera, ndetse n’inzira zose zakoreshejwe n’uburyo bwakoreshejwe kugira ngo kigerweho, kuba uwemera agaragaza ko yumva uburemere bw’ibikorwa yemera n’ingaruka zabyo, kuba abyicuza, ni ukuvuga agaragaza ko ababajwe n’ibyabaye kandi akaba yumva bitari bikwiye kuba, ndetse ko atazabisubira, kuba abisabira imbabazi no kuba yiteguye gusubiza ibyo yangije uko abitegerejweho kandi ibyo bigakorwa bitarenze byibuza mu iburanisha ku rwego rwa mbere, runasobanura ko ukwemera icyaha gukorewe mu nzego z’iperereza gushobora kugirira uregwa akamaro mu kumugabanyiriza igihano mu gihe kwakomeje gukorwa kuva mu nzego z’iperereza no mu rukiko ku rwego rwa mbere mu rukiko rwamuburanishije mu mizi y’urubanza, aho kuba ukwemera gukozwe mu nzego z’iperereza kwaje kurangwa no kwisubiraho mu nkiko ziburanisha imizi y’urubanza, kukongera gukorwa ku rwego rwa nyuma. [72] Naho ikibazo cyo kongera kugabanyirizwa igihano cyatanzweho umurongo mu rubanza N° RPA 00060/2021/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 04/04/2022 haburana Ubushinjacyaha, Nsabimana Callixte alias Sankara na bagenzi be. Muri urwo rubanza Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rwagaragaje ko mu rwego rw’ibirego nshinjabyaha iyo abaregwa nta kindi banenga urubanza rwajuririwe, uretse kuvuga gusa ko batagabanyirijwe

14 Reba igika cyarwo cya 26

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bihagije, buri mucamanza ku rwego urwo arirwo rwose, yemerewe gutanga igihano mu bushishozi bwe kijyanye n’uburemere bw’icyaha ndetse n’ingaruka zacyo hakurikijwe ibiteganywa n’ingingo ya 4915 y’Itegeko N˚ 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/8/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange, ariko ko mu bujurire, Umucamanza agomba kuzirikana ko yemerewe gusa guhindura igihano cyatanzwe n’Umucamanza wo mu Rukiko rubanza, ari uko amaze kugaragaza ko Urukiko rubanza rwaba rwarakoresheje nabi itegeko cyangwa ubushishozi bwarwo mu gutanga icyo gihano16. [73] Hakurikijwe ibi bisobanuro, uru Rukiko rurasuzuma mu bika bikurikiyeho, niba hari ukwibeshya kugaragarira buri wese kwabaye, cyangwa gukoresha nabi ubushishozi cyangwa itegeko mu kugena ibihano byahawe Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry kugaragara mu rubanza rujuririrwa. [74] Dosiye igaragaza ko Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry bagifatwa haba mu Bugenzacyaha no mu Bushinjacyaha bemeye icyaha basobanura n’uko cyakozwe ariko bageze mu rukiko ku rwego rwa mbere baburana bahakana icyaha, bongera kucyemera bageze kuri uru rwego. Dosiye igaragaza ko Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwihariye ruburanisha ibyaha byo mu rwego mpuzamahanga n’ibyaha birenga imbibi rwari rwabahamije icyaha cyo kwemera, ku bushake, kwinjira

15 Iteganya ko “Umucamanza atanga igihano akurikije uburemere bw’icyaha, ingaruka icyaha cyateye, impamvu zatumye agikora, uko uwagikoze yari asanzwe yitwara, imibereho ye bwite n’uburyo icyaha cyakozwemo’’ 16 Reba rubanza N° RPA 00060/2021/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 04/04/2022 haburana Ubushinjacyaha, Nsabimana Callixte alias Sankara na bagenzi be, igika cya 252-254

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cyangwa gutorerwa kujya mu mutwe w’ingabo zitari ingabo zemewe z’igihugu, kuri Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah we hakiyongeraho n’icyo gushishikariza abantu kujya mu mutwe w’ingabo utemewe, maze rubahanisha buri wese igifungo cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15), nk’igihano gito giteganywa ku cyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba. [75] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga kuba Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry bavuga ko bagabanyirizwa igihano kuko bemeye icyaha mu nzego z’iperereza nta shingiro bikwiye guhabwa kuko nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru ukwemera icyaha gukorewe mu nzego z’iperereza gushobora kugirira uregwa akamaro mu kumugabanyiriza igihano mu gihe kwakomeje gukorwa kuva mu nzego z’iperereza no mu rukiko ku rwego rwa mbere mu rukiko rwamuburanishije mu mizi y’urubanza, aho kuba ukwemera gukozwe mu nzego z’iperereza kwaje kurangwa no kwisubiraho mu nkiko ziburanisha imizi y’urubanza, kukongera gukorwa ku rwego rwa nyuma. Bityo kuba Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry baremeye icyaha mu nzego z’iperereza ariko bagera mu Rukiko ku rwego rubanza bakaburana bahakana icyaha n’ubwo bongeye kucyemera kuri uru rwego, uko kwemera kwabo kukaba kutashingirwaho nk’impamvu nyoroshyacyaha yaherwaho bagabanyirizwa igihano. [76] Nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru, mu bujurire, Umucamanza agomba kuzirikana ko yemerewe gusa guhindura igihano cyatanzwe n’Umucamanza wo mu Rukiko rubanza, ari uko amaze kugaragaza ko Urukiko rubanza rwaba rwarakoresheje nabi itegeko cyangwa ubushishozi bwarwo mu gutanga icyo gihano, ibyo bikaba byumvikanisha ko mu gihe

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uregwa yajuriye asaba kugabanyirizwa igihano, Urukiko rwajuririwe ruba rugomba gusuzuma impamvu uwajuriye ashingiraho asaba kugabanyirizwa igihano niba zifite ishingiro ariko rukanasuzuma niba igihano uregwa yahawe gihwanye n’uburemere bw’icyaha yahamijwe kuko imikoreshereze mibi y’itegeko cyangwa ubushishozi mu gutanga igihano butareberwa gusa mu mpamvu zajuririwe ahubwo zinareberwa mu kuba igihano cyatanzwe gikwiriye. [77] Mu gika cya 40 na 42 by’urubanza rujuririrwa, Urukiko rwari rwahanishije Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, Mutiganda Thierry na Nshimiye Eric igifungo cy’imyaka 20 ku cyaha kirushije ibindi gukomera mu byaha bari bahamijwe ari cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba, ariko rushingiye ku ngingo ya 49 y’Itegeko rigena ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange, rusanga n’ubwo bahamijwe ibyo byaha, rwabagabanyiriza kubera ko nta ngaruka zikomeye ibyo byaha bahamijwe byateje kuko n’ubwo bari bafite imigambi mibi ku mutekano w’u Rwanda n’abarutuye, batahuwe nta kibi barakora, bityo buri wese ahanishwa igifungo cy’imyaka 15 nk’igihano gito giteganirijwe icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba gikomeye mu byaha bahaniwe. [78] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga no kuri uru rwego Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry bahamijwe icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba. Rurasanga kandi mu gutanga igihano ku rwego rubanza, urukiko rwari rwabahaye igihano gito giteganyirizwa icyo cyaha ariko bo bajurira basaba gusa kongera kugabanyirizwa icyo gihano ntacyo banenga icyemezo cy’urukiko ahubwo basaba gusa ko urukiko rwabagabanyiriza rushingiye ku kwemera icyaha nyamara nk’uko byagaragajwe haruguru ukwemera icyaha kwabo

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ntikwashingirwaho nk’impamvu ituma bagabanyirizwa igihano kuko ku rwego rwa mbere baburanye bahakana icyaha. Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga harebwe uburemere bw’icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba abaregwa bahamijwe rukabigereranya n’igihano cy’igifungo cy’imyaka 15 bahawe, rusanga urukiko rubanza rwarabagabanyirije bihagije kuko icyo gihano gihwanye n’uburemere bw’icyaha bahamijwe, bityo hakaba hagomba kugumaho imikirize y’urubanza rwa mbere. [79] Ku birebana n’isubikagihano Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry n’ababunganira basaba, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga batarihabwa kuko igihano cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) bahanishijwe amategeko17 atemera ko gisubikwa kuko kirengeje imyaka itanu. II.5. Kumenya niba Nshimiye Eric yarahamijwe icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba kandi ntacyo yakoze no kumenya niba Nshimiye Eric yagabanyirizwa igihano ku cyaha yemera cyo kuba ataratanze amakuru ndetse n’icyo rumuhaye rukagisubika. [80] Nshimiye Eric n’umwunganira bavuga ko icyaha yemera ari uko atatanze amakuru nk’uko Ndayisenga Claude yayatanze, kuko yasanze bagenzi be baganira ibirebana n’igisirikare abatega amatwi, akaba ahakana icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba ngo kuko uwo mugambi ntawo yigeze agira kuva yabaho. Nshimiye Eric n’umwunganira basaba Urukiko kumugabanyiriza

17 Nk’uko biteganywa mu ngingo ya 64 y’Itegeko Nº 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/8/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange Isubikagihano ni icyemezo cy’urukiko gihagarika irangiza rubanza ku gihano itegeko riteganyiriza igifungo kitarengeje imyaka itanu (5). Isubikagihano ritangwa hashingiwe ku buremere bw’icyaha

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igihano ku cyaha yemera cyo kuba ataratanze amakuru nk’uko Ndayisenga Claude yayatanze maze n’icyo rumuhanishije rukemeza ko gisubitswe. [81] Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko iyi mpamvu y’ubujurire ya Nshimiye Eric nta shingiro ifite kuko Urukiko rwasobanuye ibimenyetso bigaragaza ko yashishikarijwe na Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah kujya mu gisirikare cya Kayumba akabyemera, agafatwa we na Mutiganda Thierry na Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah biteguye kuva iwabo mu Karere ka Nyanza ngo bagende bazanyure Nyagatare, bazambuke bajye Uganda baciye inzira zitemewe n’amategeko, nk’uko bigaragara mu gika cya 27 n’icya 28 by’urubanza rujuririrwa. [82] Ku birebana n’impamvu ya Nshimiye Eric n’umwunganira yo gusaba kugabanyirizwa igihano ku cyaha yemera cyo kuba ataratanze amakuru, uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko iyi mpamvu nta shingiro ifite kuko ibyo yemera byo kudatanga amakuru bitagize icyaha kandi ibimenyetso bigaragaza ko Nshimiye Eric yashishikarijwe kujya mu mutwe w’iterabwoba wa RNC ugizwe n’ingabo zitemewe, yemera kuwujyamo, afatwa we na bagenzi be Mutiganda Thierry na Ndayisenga Vedaste bahagurutse bagiye Nyagatare, aho bari gukomereza muri Uganda baciye inzira zitemewe (panya). Uhagarariye Ubushinjacyaha avuga ko uregwa atakongera kugabanyirizwa igihano kuko yagabanyirijwe kandi icyo yahawe kikaba kingana n’uburemere bw’icyaha yakoze kandi ko isubikagihano asaba ataryemererwa n’itegeko kuko yahanishijwe igifungo cy’iremezo kirenze imyaka itanu (5), mu gihe itegeko ryemerera gusa isubikagihano uwahanishijwe igifungo cy’iremezo kitarengeje imyaka itanu (5).

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UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [83] Impaka kuri iyi ngingo zishingiye ku kumenya niba hari ibikorwa Nshimiye Eric yakoze byerekana ko yemeye kujya mu mutwe w’iterabwoba cyangwa ibikorwa bye bigarukira gusa ku kuba ataratanze amakuru. [84] Dosiye igaragaza inyandikomvugo y’ibazwa mu Bugenzacyaha ya Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah yo ku wa 29/11/2019. Muri iyo nyandiko, Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah yavuze ko amaze kuganira na Mutiganda Thierry ibyerekeye igisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa gikorera muri Uganda, bashatse abandi basore bari barashatse kujya mu gisirikare cy’u Rwanda bakabangira kugira ngo bababwire iby’icyo cya Kayumba Nyamwasa bazajyane, babanza kujya kwa Maniriho Théoneste babimubwiye arabyemera, bajya kwa Ndayisenga Claude ababwira ko ari tayari, bajya kwa Nshimiye Eric nawe arabyemera ariko nyuma Ndayisenga Claude aza gutanga amakuru batangira kubakurikirana. Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah yasobanuye ko Niyonizeye Jean Claude yababwiye ko ibyabo byamenyekanye, bituma we n’abandi babiri aribo Mutiganda Thierry na Nshimiye Eric bagenda batarindiriye abandi kuko bari bazi ko bagiye gufatwa ariko bafatwa bageze ahitwa ku Gasoro. [85] Dosiye igaragaragaza inyandikomvugo ya Mutiganda Thierry yo ku wa 29/11/2019, abazwa mu Bugenzacyaha. Mutiganda Thierry ku kibazo cya 2 yasubije ko nyuma y’uko Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah ababwiye ibyo kujya mu gisirikare cya Kayumba Nyamwasa mu babyemeye harimo na Nshimiye Eric, ko nyuma y’uko bumvikanye iby’urugendo, Ndayisenga Claude yatanze amakuru agera ku mudugudu maze

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babonye ko ibyabo byamenyekanye bahita bahaguruka ari batatu we, Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah na Nshimiye Eric ariko bahita bafatwa batararenga umutaru. [86] Dosiye igaragaragaza inyandikomvugo ya Nshimiye Eric yo ku wa 12/12/2019, abazwa mu Bushinjacyaha. Muri iyo nyandiko, Nshimiye Eric yavuze ko yemera icyaha, asobanura ko Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah yamubwiye ko ubwo bamwangiye kujya mu Gisirikare cy’u Rwanda, bazajyana mu gisirikare cya RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa gikorera y’Uganda kuko cyo kidasaba amashuri maze arabyemera. Asobanura ko yabimubwiye ku cyumweru ku wa kane bahita bagenda, ndetse ko agenda nta muntu wo mu muryango we yari yabwiye, ko yafatiwe mu Mudugudu wa Mututu ari kumwe na Mutiganda Thierry. [87] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga Ndayisenga Vedaste Alias Abdoullah na Mutiganda Thierry baragaragaje ko nyuma y’uko basobanuriye Nshimiye Eric ibirebana n’igisirikare cya RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa ndetse n’uburyo bwo kukijyamo yaremeye ndetse bamaze kumenya ko bagiye gufatwa, bahita bagenda batarindiriye uko abandi baza ariko bafatirwa nzira bari kumwe na Nshimiye Eric. Izo mvugo kandi zashimangiwe na Nshimiye Eric mu ibazwa rye, aho yagaragaje ko nyuma yo kumusobanurira iby’icyo gisirikare yabyemeye ndetse baragenda atabwiye abo mu muryango we afatwa ageze mu Mudugudu wa Mututu ari kumwe na Mutiganda Thierry. Ibyo byumvikana rero ko ibikorwa bya Nshimiye Eric bitagarukira gusa ku kubwirwa no kudatanga amakuru gusa nk’uko abiburanisha, ahubwo yarasobanuriwe aremera ndetse afata inzira ajya muri uwo mutwe w’Iterabwoba w’igisirikare cya RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa ariko afatirwa mu nzira agenda nk’uko nawe abyiyemerera, ibyo

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bikorwa rero bikaba bigize icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba nk’uko yabihamijwe n’urukiko ku rwego rubanza. [88] Ku birebana n’ibivugwa na Nshimiye Eric n’umwunganira ko icyaha yemera ari uko yamenye amakuru ntayatange ndetse ko yafashwe ari mu kazi, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga nta shingiro byahabwa ahubwo ari imvugo akoresha ashaka guhunga icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba kuko nk’uko byasobanuwe haruguru, nawe ubwe mu nzego z’iperereza yiyemereye ko yafashwe ari kumwe na Mutiganda Thierry kandi uyu we akaba yarasobanuye ko bafashwe bageze ku Gasoro bagiye mu gisirikare cya RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa kuko bari bamenye amakuru ko ibyabo byamenyekanye bagiye gufatwa bikaba byumvikanisha rero ko Nshimiye Eric yemeye ndetse akajya mu mutwe w’iterabwoba wa RNC ya Kayumba Nyamwasa. [89] Ku birebana n’ibisabwa na Nshimiye Eric n’umwunganira ko yagabanyirizwa igihano ku cyaha yemeye cyo kudatanga amakuru, uru rukiko rurasanga nta shingiro byahabwa kuko icyaha yakoze kandi cyamuhamye atari ukudatanga amakuru nk’uko babivuga, ahubwo ari icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’Iterabwoba, ku bw’ibyo hakaba hagomba kugumishwaho igihano yahanishijwe n’urukiko rubanza. [90] Ku birebana n’isubikagihano Nshimiye Eric n’ababunganira basaba, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga atarihabwa kuko igihano cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) ahanishijwe, amategeko18 atemera ko gisubikwa kuko kirengeje imyaka itanu.

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[91] Hashingiwe ku bisobanuro bitanzwe haruguru, Urukiko rw’Ubjurire rurasanga imikirize y’urubanza igomba guhinduka gusa ku birebana n’ibyaha abaregwa bahamijwe. III. ICYEMEZO CY’URUKIKO [92] Rwemeje ko ubujurire bwa Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Mutiganda Thierry, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Nshimiye Eric, nta shingiro bufite; [93] Rwemeje ko imikirize y’urubanza n˚ RP 00001/2020/HC/HCCIC rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwihariye ruburanisha ibyaha byo mu rwego mpuzamahanga n’ibyaha birenga imbibi ku wa 18/11/2021 ihindutse ku birebana n’ibyaha abaregwa bahamijwe; [94] Rwemeje ko Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Mutiganda Thierry, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Nshimiye Eric bahamwa n’icyaha cyo kuba mu mutwe w’iterabwoba; [95] Rwemeje ko igihano cy’igifungo cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Mutiganda Thierry, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Nshimiye Eric bahanishijwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwihariye ruburanisha ibyaha byo mu rwego mpuzamahanga n’ibyaha birenga imbibi kigumyeho kuri buri wese; [96] Ruvuze ko Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Mutiganda Thierry, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah na Nshimiye Eric basonewe amagarama y'urubanza kuko baburana bafunze.

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UBUSHINJACYAHA v. SULULU MARUGIRA N’UNDI [Rwanda URUKIKO RW’UBUJURIRE – RPAA 00248/2021/CA (Gakwaya, P.J.) 28 Werurwe 2025 Amategeko agenga imanza z’inshinjabyaha – Icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro – Bifatwa nk’icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro, igihe uregwa yitwaje igikoresho gityaye cyangwa gitema gishobora kwica, gukomeretsa cyangwa gukubitishwa. Amategeko agenga imanza z’inshinjabyaha – Icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro – Kugirango uregwa ahamwe n’icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro, ntibisaba ko aba yazikoresheje cyangwa yari afite ubushake bwo kuzikoresha agirira abantu nabi, abakubita, abakomeretsa cyangwa ashaka kubica, kuba yari yitwaje ibyo bikoresho, byonyine birahagije kugira ngo ahamwe n’icyo cyaha. Incamake y’ikibazo: Ubushinjacyaha bwakurikiranye Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu Vigi mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Karongi ku cyaha cyo kwiba hakorehejwe intwaro, nyuma yuko ku wa 30/9/2018 saa saba z’ijoro (1h00), bitwikiriye ijoro bitwaje intwaro zirimo fer à béton, scie à métaux n’umutarimba, bajya kwiba mu kigo cy’amashuli cya Rugabano (Ecole secondaire de Rugabano), baca idirishya rya cantine y’icyo kigo bibamo ibintu bitandukanye. Bakaba bari bavuye iwabo muri Congo baje gusura ise ubabyara 297

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wigisha kuri icyo kigo. Urwo Rukiko rwaciye urubanza rwemeza ko bahamwa n’icyaha cy’ubujura bukoreshejwe intwaro, rubahanisha igihano cy’igifungo cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga miliyoni eshanu (5.000.000 Frw) kuri buri wese. Abaregwa bombi bajuririye Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Rusizi, basaba kugabanyirizwa ibihano no gukurirwaho ihazabu, Michael Sululu Marugira avuga ko Urukiko rwabanje rwamuhanishije igihano kirekire, kuko yaburanye yemera icyaha igice, ahishira umuvandimwe we agaragaza ko nta ruhare yagize mu ikorwa ry’icyaha yahaniwe, ariko akaba yarabitewe n’ubumenyi buke mu mategeko, n’amarangamutima ashingiye ku isano bafitanye. Abel Sululu Vigi we avuga ko ubu noneho aburana yemera icyaha, ko ku rwego rwa mbere yaburanye ahakana icyaha, Urukiko rumuhanisha igihano kirekire, kuba yarahakanye akaba yarabitewe no kutamenya amategeko, kandi nta mwunganizi yari afite, byatumye atamenya amahirwe ahabwa ababurana bemera icyaha. Urwo Rukiko rwaciye urubanza rusanga igihano bahawe aricyo gito giteganywa n’Itegeko kandi baraburanye bahakana icyaha, ko rero kitakongera kugabanywa kuko gikurikije amategeko. Abaregwa bajuririye Urukiko rw’Ubujurire, Michael Sululu Marugira avuga ko kuva mu ntangiriro yaburanye yemera icyaha bidashidikanywaho ariko Urukiko Rukuru rwanga kumugabanyiriza igihano rwitwaje ko yahishiriye murumuna we, rwirengagiza uko kwemera icyaha kwe. Naho Abel Sululu Vigi, avuga ko atakamba asaba guca inkoni izamba, Urukiko rugaha agaciro ukwemera icyaha kwe kudashidikanywaho, ko yemera ko icyaha yakoze

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gikomeye, bakaba bari bafite ibikoresho birimo fer à béton na scie à métaux bakoresheje bakata idirishya, ko nta zindi ntwaro bari bafite, asaba uru Rukiko kumugabanyiriza igihano. Bombi banahuriza ku kuba ibikoresho bari bitwaje aribyo fer à béton na scie à métaux, bitakabaye bifatwa nk’intwaro, ko byajijishije Urukiko rubifata nk’aho ari intwaro zikomeye. Ubushinjacyaha buburana buvuga ko impamvu z’ubujurire za Michael na Abel zishingiye kugusaba kugabanyirizwa igihano nta shingiro zifite, kuko ntacyo bagaragaza banenga urubanza bajuririye, bakaba batagaragaza amakosa Urukiko Rukuru rwakoze, ko ndetse bagabanyirijwe igihano bihagije. Bukomeza buvuga ko ku bijyanye no kuba hasuzumwa niba ibikoresho bitwaje bajya kwiba byafatwa nk’intwaro zikomeye kuko uretse kubikoresha bica idirishya nta kindi bari bagamije, ko nta gaciro bikwiye guhabwa kuko itegeko ridateganya ko uwagiye kwiba yitwaje intwaro agomba kuba afite izikomeye kugira ngo ahamwe n’icyaha, ko kandi atari ngombwa ko aba yazikoresheje. Incamacye y’icyemezo: 1. Bifatwa nk’icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro, igihe uregwa yitwaje igikoresho gityaye cyangwa gitema, gishobora kwica, gukomeretsa cyangwa gukubitishwa.

2. Kugirango uregwa ahamwe n’icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro, ntibisaba ko aba yazikoresheje cyangwa yari afite ubushake bwo kuzikoresha agirira abantu nabi, abakubita, abakomeretsa cyangwa ashaka kubica, kuba yari yitwaje ibyo bikoresho, byonyine birahagije kugira ngo ahamwe n’icyo cyaha.

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Ubujurire bufite ishingiro kuri bimwe; Urubanza ruhindutse ku bijyanye n’ibihano. Amategeko yashingiweho: Itegeko Nº 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/8/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange, Ingingo ya 60,165 n’iya 170. Itegeko Nº 059/2023 ryo ku wa 4/12/2023 rihindura Itegeko Nº 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/8/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange, ingingo ya 2. Imanza zifashishijwe: Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha vs Nsabimana n’abandi, RPA 00060/2021/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 4/4/2022. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Mpitabakana, RPA 0129/10/CS rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 7/3/2014. Urubanza Ubushinjacyaha v Nteziryayo, RPA 0249/13/CS rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ku wa 25/11/2016. Urubanza I. IMITERERE Y’URUBANZA [1] Ku wa 30/9/2018 saa saba z’ijoro (1h00), Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu VIGI bitwikiriye ijoro bitwaje intwaro zirimo fer à béton, scie à métaux n’umutarimba, bajya kwiba mu ku kigo cy’amashuli cya Rugabano (Ecole secondaire de Rugabano), baca

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idirishya rya cantine y’icyo kigo bibamo ibintu bitandukanye bifite agaciro k’amafaranga miliyoni imwe n’ibihumbi ijana na mirongo irindwi na bitatu na magana inane na mirongo itanu (1.173.850 Frw), bakaba bari bavuye iwabo muri Congo baje gusura ise ubabyara wigisha kuri icyo kigo, bafatwa bakomereje n’ahandi kuhiba. [2] Iperereza rirangiye, Ubushinjacyaha bwareze Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu Vigi mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Karongi icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro, busaba ko cyabahama, Abel Sululu Vigi agahanishwa igihano cy’igifungo cy’imyaka makumyabiri (20) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga miliyoni zirindwi (7.000.000 Frw), Michael Sululu Marugira agahanishwa igihano cy’igifungo cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda miliyoni eshanu (5.000.000 Frw). [3] Michael Sululu Marugira yaburanye yemera icyaha, agisabira imbabazi, murumuna we Abel Sululu Vigi aburana ahakana icyaha. [4] Mu rubanza no RP 00228/2018/TGI/KNG rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Karongi ku wa 30/7/2019, rushingiye ku kuba Michael Sululu Marugira yemera icyaha agasobanura uko yaciye grillage z’idirishya akoresheje scie à métaux kandi akaba yarafatiwe mu cyuho afite ibyo yibye, yanasinyiye ku nyandikomvugo ibifatira, akaba yari agiye no kujya gutobora ahandi, kuba ndetse hari mvugo z’abatangabuhamya bamufashe, rwemeje ko ahamwa n’icyaha cy’ubujura bukoreshejwe intwaro. Rwemeje

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kandi ko n’ubwo Abel Sululu Vigi yahakanye icyaha, ariko ibimenyetso bigaragaza ko yafatanyije n’umuvandimwe we gukora ubwo bujurira kuko bavanye i Bukavu bitwaje ibikoresho nk’itindo na scie à métaux, bageze mu kigo ise yigishamo, aho kujya kumureba ahubwo bakajya kwiba, ndetse abazwa hari aho yagiye yivuguruza, kandi abatangabuhamya bemeje ko bagifatwa we yirutse akabacika aza gufatwa nyuma, uko gucika nawe akaba yarabyiyemereye n’ubwo yavuze ko yumvise induru zivuze ariruka, rubahanisha igihano cy’igifungo cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga miliyoni eshanu (5.000.000 Frw) kuri buri wese, rusobanura ko ukwemera icyaha kwa Michael Sululu Marugira nta gaciro gufite kuko n’ubundi yafatiwe mu cyuho. [5] Michael Sululu Marugira yajuririye Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Rusizi avuga ko Urukiko rwabanje rwamuhanishije igihano kirekire, kuko yaburanye yemera icyaha igice, ahishira umuvandimwe we agaragaza ko nta ruhare yagize mu ikorwa ry’icyaha yahaniwe, ariko akaba yarabitewe n’ubumenyi buke mu mategeko, n’amarangamutima ashingiye ku isano bafitanye, ko ariko icyemezo Urukiko rwabanje rwamufatiye kinyuranyije n’ibiteganywa n’ingingo ya 35 y’Itegeko n° 30/2013 ryo ku wa 24/5/2013 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza nshinjabyaha, ko ndetse rwafashe icyemezo rubogamiye ku Bushinjacyaha, rutandukira icyo amategeko avuga ku rubanza ruboneye, asaba kugabanyirizwa igihano yahawe ku rwego rubanza, avuga ko iminsi amaze muri gereza yabonye ingaruka z'icyaha bakoze, asaba imbabazi ko atazongera gukora

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icyaha ukundi, anasaba gusubikirwa igihano cy’igifungo kugira ngo asubire kwiga, anasaba ko yakurirwaho ihazabu kuko nta mikoro afite. [6] Abel Sululu Vigi yajuririye Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Rusizi, avuga ko ku rwego rwa mbere yaburanye ahakana icyaha, Urukiko rumuhanisha igihano kirekire, ko kuba yarahakanye yabitewe no kutamenya amategeko, kandi nta mwunganizi yari afite, byatumye atamenya amahirwe ahabwa ababurana bemera icyaha mu buryo budashikanwaho, ndetse ko bwari ubwa mbere ageze imbere y’inzego z’ubutabera; ko ubu yemera icyaha, akaba asaba Urukiko kumugabanyiriza igihano akazasubira mu masomo, rukamugabanyiriza n’igihano cy’ihazabu kubera ko yari umunyeshuri, ihazabu yaciwe akaba atayibona. [7] Mu rubanza no RPA 00319/2019/HC/RSZ rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Rusizi ku wa 17/12/2020, rushingiye ku kuba ku rwego rwa mbere Ubushinjacyaha bwari bwasabiye Abel Sululu Vigi na Michael Sululu Marugira igihano cy'igifungo cy'imyaka makumyabili (20) n'ihazabu y’amafaranga miliyoni zirindwi (7.000.000F) kuri buri muntu, Urukiko mu gusesengura rukaba rwarasanze baribye bari kumwe (barenze umwe), kuko nk’uko Urukiko rwigereye ahibwe, idirishya banyujijemo ibyo bibye nta kuntu umwe yari kubifata adafite undi abihereza, bakaba barakoresheje intwaro scie à métaux baca iryo dirishya, biba cantine isanzwe ikorerwamo, ko igihano bahawe aricyo gito giteganywa n’Itegeko kandi baraburanye bahakana icyaha, ko rero kitakongera kugabanywa kuko gikurikije

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amategeko, kandi ko bagabanyirijwe igihano bihagije bahabwa igikwiranye n’icyaha bakoze, ko kandi Michael Sululu Marugira adashobora gusubikirwa igihano kuko icyaha yakoze gihanishwa igihano cy’igifungo kirenze imyaka itanu (5). [8] Ku wa 30/12/2020, Michael Sululu Marugira yajuririye Urukiko rw’Ubujurire avuga ko kuva mu ntangiriro yaburanye yemera icyaha bidashidikanywaho ariko Urukiko Rukuru rwanga kumugabanyiriza igihano rwitwaje ko yahishiriye murumuna we, rwirengagiza uko kwemera icyaha kwe, ko urwo Rukiko rwafashe intwaro bari bafite nk’aho zari zikomeye kandi yari scie à métaux gusa, yakoresheje akata idirshya, ko asaba uru Rukiko ubutabera, akagabanyirizwa igihano. [9] Ku wa 20/10/2021, Michael Sululu Marugira yakoze undi mwanzuro yise uw’inyongera avuga ko Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Rusizi rutamuhaye uburenganzira bwo gusobanura uburyo yageze muri ES Rugabano n’uburyo yahibye, ko Ubushinjacyaha bwavuze ko yari yitwaje intwaro kandi twari udukoresho twa fer à béton na scie à métaux, bijijisha Urukiko rubifata nk’aho ari intwaro zikomeye, bituma ahabwa igihano kiremereye, ko rero asaba uru Rukiko kumuha amahirwe agasobanura iby’utwo dukoresho yari afite maze rugahindura inyito y’icyaha agahamwa n’ubujura busanzwe kuko atigeze atwifashisha, ko asaba ko yagabanyirizwa igihano kuko ari ubwa mbere akoze icyaha kandi kikaba nta ngaruka zikomeye cyateye kuko ibyo yibye byasubijwe, ko kandi asaba kuzoherezwa kurangiriza igihano aho maman we atuye kugira ngo bijye

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bimworohera kumugeraho kubera ko kuva yafatwa atamuheruka. [10] Ku wa 30/12/2020, Abel Sululu Vigi nawe yajuririye Urukiko rw’Ubujurire, avuga ko atakambira uru Rukiko arusaba guca inkoni izamba, rugaha agaciro ukwemera icyaha kwe kudashidikanywaho, ko yemera ko icyaha yakoze gikomeye, bakaba bari bafite ibikoresho birimo fer à béton na scie à métaux bakoresheje bakata idirishya, ko nta zindi ntwaro bari bafite, asaba uru Rukiko kumugabanyiriza igihano. [11] Ku wa 20/10/2021, Abel Sululu Vigi yakoze undi mwanzuro yise uw’inyongera avuga ko Urukiko Rukuru rutamuhaye uburenganzira bwo gusobanura impamvu nk’izo yagaragaje mu mwanzuro wa mbere ajuririra uru Rukiko, akaba arusaba guhabwa amahirwe akisobanura. [12] Ubushinjacyaha buvuga ko impamvu z’ubujurire za Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu Vigi zishingiye kugusaba kugabanyirizwa igihano nta shingiro zifite, kuko ntacyo bagaragaza banenga urubanza bajuririye, bakaba batagaragaza amakosa Urukiko Rukuru rwakoze, ko ndetse bagabanyirijwe igihano bihagije. [13] Urubanza rwahawe no RPAA 00248/2021/CA, ruburanishwa ku wa 10/3/2025, Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu Vigi bunganiwe na Me Ruberwa N. Silas n’umusemuzi GATERA Athanase, naho Ubushinjacyaha buhagararaiwe na Habimana Jean Cabin, Umushinjacyaha ku rwego rw’Igihugu.

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[14] Mu iburanisha Michael Sululu Marugira yavuze ko ibyo yari yasabye byo koroherezwa agafungirwa hafi yaho nyina akorera atakibikomeje. [15] Harebwe imyanzuro n’imiburanire y’ababuranyi, ibibazo bizasuzumwa muri uru rubanza ni ukumenya niba inyito y’icyaha abaregwa bahamijwe yahinduka bagahamwa n’ubujura busanzwe, aho kuba ubujura bukoresheje intwaro, kuko udukoresho bari bafite twafashwe nk’aho ari intwaro zikomeye kandi ataribyo no kumenya niba bagabanyiriza igihano. II. ISESENGURA RY’IBIBAZO

BIGIZE URUBANZA II.1. Kumenya niba ibikoresho abaregwa bari bafite igihe bakoraga icyaha bitaragombaga gufatwa nk’intwaro ku buryo inyito y’icyaha cy’ubujura bwitaje intwaro bahamijwe yahinduka, bagahamwa no kwiba byoroheje [16] Michael Sululu Marugira avuga ko intwaro bashinjwa y’uko bakoresheje biba batari bazitwaje ngo bagire umuntu barwanya cyangwa uwo bagirira nabi, ko n’ikimenyimenyi umuntu wabafatiye mu cyuho biba yari umwe, nyamara nta kintu bigeze bamutwara, ko kandi udukoresho bari bitwaje ari fer à béton na scie à métaux, byajijishije Urukiko rubifata nk’aho ari intwaro zikomeye, bituma ahabwa igihano kiremereye, akaba asaba ko yahanirwa kwiba byoroheje. [17] Abel Sululu Vigi we yongeyeho ko ikibazo bagize ari ukutamenya amategeko, ko yari azi ko umuntu ugiye

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kwiba yitwaje intwaro ari ufite imbunda cyangwa grenade. [18] Me Ruberwa N. Silas, wunganira Abel Sululu Vigi na Michael Sululu Marugira yavuze ko nyuma yo kuganira nabo yabasobanuriye ko ibyo bari bitwaje ari intwaro kandi ko bazikoresheje mu kwiba, ko nta makosa yabayeho mu kugena inyito y’icyaha bahamijwe, ko icyo basaba uru Rukiko ari ukugabanyirizwa igihano gusa. [19] Ubushinjacyaha buvuga ko bwemeranya na Me Ruberwa N.Silas ku bijyanye n’intwaro Abel Sululu Vigi na Michael Sululu Marugira bari bafite igihe bajyaga kwiba, ko ikibazo abaregwa bafite ari uko bumva ko zidakomeye ku buryo bagombaga guhamwa n’ubujura bwitwaje intwaro, ko ariko igikoresho cyose wakwitwaza kandi ukaba ushobora kuba wakifashisha muri icyo gikorwa cyo kwiba ugiyemo, ndetse byaba ngombwa ukaba wakirwanisha, hatitawe ko ari igikoresho gikomeye cyangwa se cyoroheje, ari intwaro, bityo ko inyito y’icyaha bahamijwe ariyo ikwiye. [20] Ubushinjacyaha bukomeza buvuga ko ku bijyanye no kuba hasuzumwa niba ibikoresho bitwaje bajya kwiba byafatwa nk’intwaro zikomeye kuko uretse kubikoresha bica idirishya nta kindi bari bagamije, nta gaciro bikwiye guhabwa kuko ingingo ya 170 y’Itegeko no 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/8/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange yashingiweho bahanwa, idateganya ko uwagiye kwiba yitwaje intwaro agomba kuba afite izikomeye kugira ngo ahamwe n’icyaha, ko kandi atari ngombwa ko aba yayikoresheje, ko rero kuba basaba ko inyito y’icyaha yahinduka, nta shingiro bifite.

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UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [21] Impaka kuri iki kibazo zishingiye ku kumenya niba ibikoresho Abel Sululu Vigi na Michael Sululu Marugira bari bafite bajya kwiba bitafatwa nk’intwaro ivugwa n’Itegeko ku buryo inyito y’icyaha bahamijwe yahinduka, bagahamwa no kwiba byoroheje aho kuba kwiba witwaje intwaro. [22] Ingingo ya 165, agace ka kabiri (2o), y’Itegeko no 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/8/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange ivuga ko kwiba witwaje intwaro ari ukwiba witwaje igikoresho icyo ari cyo cyose, imbunda, icyuma cyangwa ikindi kintu cyose gitema, gitobora cyangwa gisekura, gishobora kwica, gukomeretsa cyangwa gukubitishwa kigaragara cyangwa gihishe cyangwa kibonetse hafi y’aho icyaha cyakorewe. [23] Ingingo ya 170 y’Itegeko no 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/8/2018 ryavuzwe haruguru iteganya ko ‘’ Umuntu wese wiba akoresheje intwaro, aba akoze icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro’’. [24] Isuzumira hamwe ry’ingingo ya 165 n’iya 170 zavuzwe haruguru, ryumvikanisha ko uregwa wakoze ubujura yitwaje intwaro igaragara, ihishe cyangwa ibonetse hafi y’aho icyaha cyakorewe, iyo ntwaro ikaba ityaye cyangwa itema, itobora, isekura, ndetse ishobora kwica, gukomeretsa cyangwa gukubitishwa, bihagije kugira ngo ahamwe n’icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro, yaba yayikoresheje cyangwa atayikoresheje.

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[25] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga Abel Sululu Vigi na Michael Sululu Marugira bavuga ko bagombaga guhamwa n’icyaha cyo kwiba byoroheje cyangwa ubujurura bworoheje (vol simple) aho kuba kwiba (ubujura) bitwaje intwaro kuko ibikoresho bari bafite atari intwaro zikomeye, kandi ko ntazo bigeze bakoresha bagira uwo bagirira nabi, uretse kuba barabikoresheje gusa bakata idirishya banyuzemo bajya mu nzu bibyemo. [26] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga hashingiwe ku ngingo ya 165, agace ka kabiri (2°), y’Itegeko no 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/8/2018 ryavuzwe harguru, ibivugwa n’abaregwa ko ibikoresho bari bafite atari intwaro zikomeye ku buryo batari guhamwa n’icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro, bitahabwa agaciro kuko scie à métaux bari bitwaje ari igikoresho gityaye cyangwa gitema gishobora kwica, gukomeretsa cyangwa gukubitishwa, ndetse fer à béton ikaba ari icyuma gitobora gishobora kwica, gukomeretsa cyangwa gukubitishwa, ibi bikaba ari nabyo umuhanga mu mategeko, Géorges Mineur, yasobanuye agaragaza urutonde rutuzuye (liste non exhaustive) rw’ibyitwa intwaro1 . [27] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga ibivugwa n’abaregwa ko batari guhamwa n’icyaha cyo kwiba

1 “On entend par armes, un instrument qui sert à attaquer ou à défendre, “toutes machines, tous instruments, tous ustensiles ou autre objets tranchants, perçants ou contondants”. Constituent donc des armes, les fusils, revolvers, lances, bâtons, couteaux, machettes, etc,”G. Mineur, Commentaire du code pénal congolais, deuxième édition, Larcier, Bruxelles, 1953, P. 200.

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hakoreshejwe intwaro kuko batakoresheje ibikoresho bari bafite bagira uwo bakomeretsa cyangwa bagirira nabi, bitahabwa agaciro kuko uretse no kuba barabikoresheje baca idirishya rya cantine kugira ngo bagere ku mugambi wabo, kubahamya icyo cyaha ntibisaba ko baba babikoresheje cyangwa batari bafite ubushake bwo kubikoresha bagirira abantu nabi, babakubita, babakomeretsa cyangwa bashaka kubica, kuba bari bitwaje ibyo bikoresho, byonyine2 birahagije kugira ngo bahamwe n’icyo cyaha. [28] Hashingiwe kuri ibyo bisobanuro, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga nta kosa Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Rusizi rwakoze ruhamya abaregwa icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro, aho kuba icyo kwiba byoroheje. [29] Kubera izo mpamvu zose, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga iyi ngingo y’ubujurire bwa Abel Sululu Vigi na Michael Sululu Marugira ishingiye ku gusaba guhindurirwa inyito y’icyaha, nta shingiro ifite. II.2. Kumenya niba Abel Sululu Vigi na Michael Sululu Marugira bagabanyirizwa igihano kubera impamvu nyoroshyacyaha bagaragaza [30] Michael Sululu Marugira avuga ko ari ubwa mbere akoze icyaha kandi ko nta ngaruka zikomeye cyateje kuko ibyo yibye yahise abifatanwa bisubizwa ba

2 “ (…..) érige en circonstance aggravante le port d’armes sans distinguer entre le cas où l’on en aurait fait usage contre les personnes ou contre les animaux. Le seul fait qu’un auteur est porteur d’une arme autorise l’application de l’article (……)”, idem.

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nyirabyo, ko rero asaba uru Rukiko gushingira kuri izo mpamvu nyoroshyachaha, rukamugabanyiriza igihano. [31] Abel Sululu Vigi avuga ko mbere y’uko akora icyaha yari afite imyitwarire myiza, ko ari ubwa mbere akoze icyaha kandi ko nta ngaruka mbi cyateje kuko ibyo bari bibye babafashe bakibifite bisubizwa ba nyirabyo, ko ndetse nta muntu bashakaga kugirira nabi, akaba ariyo mpamvu asaba uru Rukiko gushingira kuri izo mpamvu nyoroshyacyaha rukamugabanyiriza igihano. [32] Me RUBERWA N. Silas, wunganira Abel Sululu Vigi na Michael Sululu Marugira, avuga ko mu kubahana Urukiko Rukuru rutagombaga gushingira ku gihano gito giteganywa n’Itegeko kuko Umucamanza agomba guca urubanza akurikije umutimanama we iyo hari impamvu nyoroshyacyaha, mu rwego rwo gutanga ubutabera buboneye, akaba abishingira ku murongo watanzwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga mu rubanza no RS/INCONST/SPEC 00003/2019/SC no ku rubanza no [33] RPAA 00314/2022/CA rw’Ubushinjacyaha na Hakizimana Innocent, rwemeje ko Umucamanza atabujijwe gutanga igihano kiri munsi y’igito giteganyijwe n’Itegeko mu gihe hari impamvu nyoroshyacyaha kandi rugatanga igikwiranye n’icyaha cyakozwe; ko rero asaba ko abo yunganira bahanishwa igihano kiri munsi y’igitoya cyateganyijwe n’Itegeko nk’uko byemejwe mu rubanza no

RPAA 00171/2022/CACMB

RPAA 00193/2022/CA-CMB RPAA 00207/2022, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na

MUSABYIMANA Jean Bosco na bagenzi be,

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bagahanishwa igihano cy’igifungo cy’imyaka umunani (8). [34] Ubushinjacyaha buvuga ko impamvu z’ubujurire za Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu Vigi nta shingiro zifite, kuko kuba bavuga ko bemera icyaha bagasaba kongera kugabanyirizwa ibihano ku rwego rw’ubujurire bwa kabiri, ntacyo baba banenga urubanza rwaciwe, ko bivuze ko bemeranya n’icyemezo cyafashwe, mu gihe bakagombye kujurira banenga amakosa yabonetse mu rubanza bajuririra nk’uko biteganywa mu ngingo ya 183 y’Itegeko n° 027/2019 ryo ku wa 19/9/2019 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’inshinjabyaha, ko ahubwo n’uko kwemera kwabo gushidikanywaho kuko icyaha batacyemera mu buryo bwuzuye. Buvuga ko busaba uru Rukiko kuzabona ko nta kosa Umucamanza waciye urubanza rwajuririwe yakoze kuko abajuriye batagaragaza niba Urukiko rubanza rwaba rwarakoresheje nabi Itegeko cyangwa ubushishozi bwarwo mu gutanga icyo gihano, kuko kongera kubagabanyiriza igihano bishoboka gusa igihe igihano bahawe kitajyanye n’uburemere bw’icyaha, ndetse n’ingaruka zacyo. [35] Ubushinjacyaha bukomeza buvuga ko ariko mu gihe uru Rukiko rwasanga igihano bagenewe kidahwanye n’uburemere bw’icyaha bakoze, rwakigabanya, ariko ntirujye munsi y’imyaka umunani (8) y’igifungo n’ihazabu y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda miliyoni eshanu (5.000.000 Frw), hakurikijwe ingingo ya 2 y’Itegeko no 059/2023 ryo ku wa 4/12/2023 rihindura Itegeko nº 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/8/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano

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muri rusange, nk’uko ryahinduwe kugeza ubu, mu gace kayo ka b) yemera ko mu gihe hari impamvu nyoroshyacyaha, igihano cy’igifungo kimara igihe gishobora kugabanywa ariko ntikijye munsi ya ½ cy’igihano gito giteganyirijwe icyo cyaha, kandi igihano gito ku cyaha abajuriye bahamijwe ni imyaka cumi n’itanu (15).

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [36] Impaka kuri iki kibazo zishingiye ku kumenya niba Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu Vigi bagabanyirizwa igihano hashingiwe ku mpamvu nyoroshyacyaha bagaragaza. [37] Ingingo ya 60, agace ka kabiri (2°), y’Itegeko nº 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/8/2018 nk’uko yahinduwe n’iya 2, agace ka (b), y’Itegeko no 059/2023 ryo ku wa 4/12/2023 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange, iteganya ko iyo umucamanza yemeje impamvu nyoroshyacyaha, ashobora kugabanya igihano cy’igifungo kimara igihe kizwi kiva ku mezi 6 kuzamura, ariko ntikijye munsi ya kimwe cya kabiri cy’igihano gito giteganyirijwe icyaha cyakozwe. [38] Ingingo ya 170 y’Itegeko nº 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/08/2018 ribyaha n’ibihano muri rusange, iteganya ko iyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro byakozwe n’abantu barenze umwe (1), intwaro yitwajwe yakoreshejwe; byakorewe mu nzu ituwemo cyangwa mu biyikikije, kabone n’iyo yaba ituwemo by’agateganyo cyangwa mu nzu ikorerwamo, ubihanijwe n’Urukiko ahanishwa

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igifungo kirenze imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) ariko kitarenze imyaka makumyabiri (20) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda atari munsi ya miliyoni eshanu (5.000.000 Frw) ariko atarenze miliyoni zirindwi (7.000.000 Frw). [39] Nk’uko byemejwe mu rubanza nº RPA 00060/2021/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 4/4/2022, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Nsabimana Callixte alias Sankara na bagenzi be3 , iyo uregwa nta kindi anenga urubanza yajuririye, uretse kuvuga gusa ko atagabanyirijwe igihano bihagije, buri mucamanza ku rwego urwo arirwo rwose, yemerewe gutanga igihano mu bushishozi bwe kijyanye n’uburemere bw’icyaha n’ingaruka zacyo (……), cyakora mu bujurire Umucamanza akaba agomba kuzirikana ko yemerewe gusa guhindura igihano cyatanzwe n’Umucamanza wo mu Rukiko rubanza ari uko amaze kugaragaza ko urwo Rukiko rwaba rwarakoresheje nabi Itegeko cyangwa ubushishozi bwarwo mu gutanga igihano. [40] Mu gace ka makumyabiri na gatatu (23) n’aka makumyabiri na kane (24) tw’urubanza rujuririrwa, Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Rusizi rushingiye ku ngingo ya 60 y’Itegeko no 68/2018 ryo ku wa 30/8/2018 riteganya ibyaha n’ibihano muri rusange, ku murongo watanzwe n’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga mu rubanza no RPA

3 Reba urubanza nº RPA 00060/2021/CA rwaciwe n’Urukiko rw’Ubujurire ku wa 4/4/2022, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na NSABIMANA Callixte na bagenzi be, mu gika cya 252 na 254.

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0129/10/CS4 rwaciwe ku wa 7/3/2014, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Mpitabakana no ku rubanza no RPA 0249/13/CS5 rwaciwe ku wa 25/11/2016, haburana Ubushinjacyaha na Nteziryayo Emmanuel, rwemeje ko Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu Vigi batakongera kugabanyirizwa igihano kuko impamvu bashingiraho babisaba zitaweho n’Urukiko rwabanje kandi ko igihano cy’igifungo cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga miliyoni eshanu (5.000.000 Frw) rwabahanishije aricyo gito Urukiko rutajya munsi, iyo habayeho kugabanya igihano ku cyaha bakoze cy’ubujura bwitwaje intwaro, bukozwe n’abantu barenze umwe (1), intwaro bitwaje yarakoreshejwe mu kwiba byakorewe mu nzu ituwemo cyangwa mu biyikikije, kabone n’iyo yaba ituwemo by’agateganyo cyangwa mu nzu ikorerwamo. [41] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga umurongo wagaragajwe haruguru urebewe hamwe n’imiburanire ya Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu Vigi mu Rukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Rusizi aho bagaragaje impamvu nyoroshyacyaha bashingiraho barusaba kugabanyirizwa igihano, rutari rukwiye kwemeza ko batagomba kubihabwa kuko bamaze kugabanyirizwa igihano ku rwego rwabanje, kubera ko urwo Rukiko narwo rwari rufite inshingano yo kongera gusuzuma izo mpamvu zabo, rureba niba igihano bahawe gikwiranye koko

4 Rwemeje ko impamvu nyoroshyacyaha zitaweho n’inkiko zibanza zitongera gushingirwaho mu kugabanya ibihano. Na none kandi mu rubanza 5Rwemeje ko ntawasaba kongera kubaganyirizwa igihano mu gihe mu rukiko rubanza yagabanyirijwe bihagije ndetse agahabwa igihano gikwiranye n’icyaha yakoze

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316 ICYEGERANYO CY’IBYEMEZO BY’INKIKO

n’imigendekere y’uko bakoze icyaha ugereranyije n’izindi mpamvu nyoroshyacyaha bagaragazaga. [42] Uru Rukiko rurasanga rero n’ubwo icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu Vigi bahamijwe, gikomeye, hagendewe ku mpamvu nkomezacyaha Inkiko zombi zabanje zagaragaje, ariko na none harebwe imyitwarire yabo nyuma yo kugikora, kuba mu kuburana bagaragaza ukwicuza, kuba nta ngaruka zikomeye icyo cyaha cyateje no kuba baragikoze bakiva mu butoya bari mu kigero kiri hagati y’imyaka makumyabiri (20) na makumyabiri n’itatu (23) y’amavuko, ndetse bakaba aribwo bwa mbere bakoze icyaha, byose bikwiye kubabera impamvu zituma igihano bahanishijwe cyongera kugabanywa, bagahabwa igihwanye n’imigendekere ya mbere na nyuma yo gukora icyaha. [43] Urukiko rw’Ubujurire, rushingiye ku ngingo z’amategeko zavuzwe, ku murongo rwatanze nk’uko nawo wagarutsweho haruguru, mu bushishozi bwarwo rubirebeye hamwe n’izindi mpamvu rwasobanuye mu gace kabanziriza aka, igihano gikwiranye n’imigendekere y’icyaha Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu Vigi bahamijwe ari igifungo cy’imyaka umunani (8) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda miliyoni eshanu (5.000.000 Frw). [44] Kubera impamvu zose zasobanuwe haruguru, Urukiko rw’Ubujurire rurasanga iyi ngingo y’ubujurire bwa Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu Vigi ifite ishingiro, bityo ubujurire bwabo bukaba bufite ishingiro kuri bimwe.

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III. ICYEMEZO CY’URUKIKO [45] Rwemeje ko ubujurire bwa Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu Vigi bufite ishingiro kuri bimwe. [46] Rwemeje ko Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu Vigi bahamwa n’icyaha cyo kwiba hakoreshejwe intwaro. [47] Rwemeje ko imikirize y’urubanza n° RPA 00319/2019/HC/RSZ rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, Urugereko rwa Rusizi ku wa 17/12/2020, ihindutse ku birebana n’igihano abaregwa bari bakatiwe. [48] Rwemeje ko Michael Sululu Marugira na Abel Sululu Vigi bahanishwa igihano cy’igifungo cy’imyaka umunani (8) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda miliyoni eshanu (5.000.000 Frw), aho kuba igihano cy’igifungo cy’imyaka cumi n’itanu (15) n’ihazabu y’amafaranga y’u Rwanda miliyoni eshanu (5.000.000 Frw), bari bahanishijwe n’Inkiko zabanje. [49] Rutegetse ko amagarama y'urubanza aherera ku Isanduku ya Leta.

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SUBJECT INDEX

RWANDA LAW

REPORTS

ENGLISH VERSION

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RWANDA LAW REPORTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TEAM OF EDITORS ................................................................ iii I. LAW REPORTING TEAM ............................................. iii II. MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE ................... iv PREFACE ................................................................................ vii SCOPE OF THE REPORTS ..................................................... ix CITATION ................................................................................ ix

LIST OF STATUTES AND STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS CONSIDERED .......................................................................... xi LIST OF CASES CONSIDERED ........................................... xiv SUBJECT INDEX .................................................................. xvii Re NSABIMANA ...................................................................... 1 Re IBAMBE ............................................................................. 19 PROSECUTION v. NIZEYIMANA ........................................ 47 MUGANGA v HOPITAL LA CROIX DU SUD .................... 59 RADIANT INSURANCE COMPANY LTD v. TUYIGANE . 81 NZAYIKORERA ET AL v. SANLAM AG Plc .................... 103 SANLAM ASSURANCES GENERALES Plc v NDAYISABA ................................................................................................ 129 ECOBANK RWANDA PLC v. RUSEKAMPUNZI ET AL. 147 PLATEFORME COMPANY RWANDA LTD v. MUHITTIN ISILDAK ................................................................................ 167 UWINEZA ET.AL v POSADA PLUS LTD .......................... 181 PROSECUTION v. MUNYAKAZI ET.AL ........................... 205 ii iv iv viii x x v xii xvi xx

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SUBJECT INDEX

PROSECUTION v. MUTIGANDA ET AL. .......................... 237 PROSECUTION v SULULU MARUGIRA ET AL. ............. 293

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RWANDA LAW REPORTS

TEAM OF EDITORS

I. LAW REPORTING TEAM

KAGABO U. Stephanie

KAVUTSE M. Claude

KUBWIMANA Jean Claude

MUJABI K. Naphtal

NZAYISENGA Daniel

UWINKINDI Angelique

UWIMANA Jean Marie Vianney

iv

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SUBJECT INDEX v

II. MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE

Prof. Dr. NGAGI M. Alphonse President of the Committee, Judge of the Court of Appeal Dr. MUHIRE G. Yves Vice President of the Committee Lecturer in the School of Law University of Rwanda MUREREREHE Saouda Secretary of the Committee Inspector of courts KALIHANGABO Isabelle Judge of the Supreme Court RUKUNDAKUVUGA F. Regis President of the Court of Appeal KALIWABO Charles Judge of the Court of Appeal Dr. KARIMUNDA M. Aimé Rector of Institute of Legal Practice and Development HABARUREMA Jean Pierre President of the High Court NKURUNZIZA Valens Inspector General of Courts UMUZAYIRE B: Bibiane Vice-Chairman of Rwanda Law Reform Commission

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NSENGIYUMVA Jean Claude Inspector of courts KIBUKA Jean Luc Judge of Commercial High Court Lt Col KALIBU Phanuel Judge of Military Court NINAHAZWA Roselyne Prosecutor at National Level Dr. BIDERI Diogène Prosecutor at National Level KABIBI Specioza State Attorney UWIMANA Christine Judge of the Intermediate Court GIRANEZA Clémentine Judge of the Intermediate Court UMUTESI Vestine Judge of the Commercial Court MUKAMANA Valentine Judge of the Primary Court Dr ZIKAMWABAHARI Jean de Dieu Lecturer at the University of Kigali KAMALI Jean Damascene Lecturer at UNILAK

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SUBJECT INDEX

KARAKE Canisius Lecturer at ULK RWAMASIRABO Olivier Advocate at Rwanda Bar Association BAGABO Faustin Advocate at Rwanda Bar Association

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RWANDA LAW REPORTS viii

PREFACE Dear Readers, We are pleased to present to you the Law Reports Volume 1 [2026]. As usual, we select cases that solve some of the legal issues you encounter, either in your career or in your daily life. This volume contains thirteen (13) cases, which includes; two (2) cases relating to the petition seeking to declare the law unconstitutional, one (1) labour case, three (3) civil cases, three (3) commercial cases, three (3) criminal cases and one (1) procedural case. These law reports can be accessed on https://amategeko.gov.rw/

MUKANTAGANZWA Domitilla President of the Supreme Court and President of the High Council of Judiciary

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SUBJECT INDEX

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RWANDA LAW REPORTS

SCOPE OF THE REPORTS These reports cover cases decided by the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

CITATION The Reports in this volume are cited as: [2026] 1 RLR

x

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SUBJECT INDEX

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RWANDA LAW REPORTS

LIST OF STATUTES AND STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS

CONSIDERED a. Current laws The Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda 2003 revised to date, article 13 and 38. Organic Law N°04/2012/OL of 15/06/2012 terminating Gacaca Courts and determining mechanisms for solving issues which were under their jurisdiction. Universal declaration of human rights of 1948, ratified by Rwanda on 18 September 1962, article 19. International covenant on civil and political rights, ratified by Rwanda in 1975, article 19. African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights of 27 June 1981, article 9. Law n° 062/2024 of 20/06/2024 governing evidence, article 4; 48, 53 and 81. Law nº 059/2023 of 04/12/2023 amending law nº 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general, article 2. Law nº 027/2019 of 19/09/2019 relating to the criminal procedure, article 197. Law Nº68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general, article 26 20,60,61,62,107,121, 60,165,163 170, 180 and 233. Law nº 60/2018 of 22/8/2018 on prevention and punishment of cybercrimes, article 39. Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to the civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedure, article 111, 188, 231, and 232. Law Nº 46/2018 of 13/08/2018 on counter terrorism, article 18. xii

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SUBJECT INDEX

Law n°10/2012 of 02/05/2012 governing urban planning and building in Rwanda article 41. Law n°13/2010 of 07/05/2010 modifying and complementing Law n°10/2009 of 14/05/2009 on mortgages, article 2 and 3. Presidential Order No 31/01 of 25/08/2003 relating to compensation for personal injury resulting from accidents caused by motor vehicles, article 18. Decree-Law n⸰ 32/75 of 07/08/1975 relating to compulsory insurance risk coverage for road-using motorised vehicles as modified by Law n⸰ 02/2002 of 17/01/2002, article 4 and 11. Instructions N° 001/2020/ORG of 12/05/2020 of the Registrar General regulating modalities of management, lease, auction and acquisition of mortgage, article 1,2 24,26,27, 28, and 29. b. Repealed laws Organic Law no. 8/96 of 30th August 1996 on the organization of prosecutions for offences constituting the crime of genocide or crimes against humanity committed since 1 October 1990, article 2. Organic Law n° 40/2000 of 26/01/2001 setting up gacaca jurisdictions and organizing prosecutions for offences constituting the crime of genocide or crimes against humanity committed between October 1, 1990 and December 31, 1994, article 51 and 52. Organic Law n⁰ 16/2004 of 19/6/2004 setting up gacaca jurisdictions and organizing prosecutions for offences constituting the crime of genocide or crimes against humanity committed between October 1, 1990, article 51.

LIST OF STATUTES AND STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS CONSIDERED

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Law no 06/2003 of 22/03/2003 modifying and completing the decree law of august 22, 1974 concerning organ~a~on. of social. security, article 13.

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xv

SUBJECT INDEX

Page 371

xvi

RWANDA LAW REPORTS

LIST OF CASES CONSIDERED

Case Re Murangwa Edward, RS/INCONST/SPEC 00001/ 2019/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 29/11/2019. Case Ngendahayo Kabuye, RS/INCONST/SPEC 00004/2021/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 10/02/2023. Case Re Kamanzi Anaclet, RS/Inconst/SPEC 00002/2022/SC rendered by the Supreme Court on 31/03/2023. Case Re Bimenyimana André, RS/Inconst/Pen 0001/13/CS rendered by the Supreme Court on 04/10/2013. Case Re Byansi, RS/INCONST/SPEC 00003/2021/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 25/03/2022. Case Re Mugisha, RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2018/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 24/04/2019. Case Hategekimana v

HYTON Ltd RS/INJUST/RC00007/2022/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 14/04/2023. Case Gahire v Mukarushakiro, RS/INJUST/RC00008/2019/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 12/11/2021. Case Kigali City v Ndakengerwa, RS/REV/INJUST/RAD00005/2018/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 15/03/2019. Case Prosecution v Mpitabakana, RPA 0129/10/CS rendered by the Supreme Court on 7/3/2014. Case Prosecution v Nteziryayo, RPA 0249/13/CS rendered by the Supreme Court on 25/11/2016. xvi

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SUBJECT INDEX

Case

RADIANT Insurance Company v Murekatete RS/INJUST/RC 00004/2023/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on a 2/04/2024. Case Prime Insurance Company Ltd v Uwimanimpaye RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 02/12/2022. Case Radiant Insurance Company Ltd v Mukaneza RS/INJUST/RC 00007/2023/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 05/04/2024. Case Prosecution v Nshimiyimana Alexis et.al, RPAA 0059/08/CS rendered by the Supreme Court on 19/11/2010. Case Prosecution v Kaburere Gérard, RP 00001/2022/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 6/07/2023. Case Balton CP v New Century Development Ltd, RCOMAA 00040/2022/CA; rendered by the Court of Appeal on 23/09/2022. Case, Prosecution a v Maj (Rtd) Mudathiru n’abandi, RPA 00047/2021/CA rendered by the Court of Appeal on 14/03/2024. Case Prosecution v Abayisenga Venant n’abandi, RPA 00016/2020/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 22/03/2024. Case Prosecution v Lt Mutabazi Joël et. Al, RPA 00012/2019/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 22/11/2019. Case Prosecution v Habineza, RPA 00029/2022/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 23/02/2024.

LIST OF CASES CONSIDERED

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Case Prosecution v Abayisenga n’abandi RPA 00016/2020/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 22/03/2024. Case Prosecution v Murindahabi, RPAA 00293/2021/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 15/07/2022. Case Prosecution v Nsabimana Callixte RPA 00060/2021/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 04/04/2022. Case Prosecution v Munyanshoza Eric, RPAA 00086/2022/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 24/03/2023. The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Lohe Issa Konate v. Burukina Faso rendered on 05/12/2014. OKUTA, Jacqueline Okuta & another v. Attorney General & 2 others, Kenya High Court [2017], e KLR. [G.R. No 256700. April 25, 2023] People of the Philippines, petitioner, vs. Jomerito S. Soliman, Respondent.

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SUBJECT INDEX

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RWANDA LAW REPORTS xx

SUBJECT INDEX 1. The Constitution – Equality before the Law – Exception – Although article 15 of the Constitution provides for the principle of equality before the law, there are instances in which the State may differentiate between people or classify them into categories without this being considered discrimination, provided that it is based on reasonable justifications and legitimate purpose. Re NSABIMANA; RS/INCONST/SPEC 00002/2025/SC 1 Freedom of the press – It is an inviolable right, but it must not infringe upon other rights, including the citizen’s right to honour and dignity. Re IBAMBE; RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2024/SC 19 Human rights and freedoms – Use of technology – By enacting Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 on prevention and punishment of cybercrimes, the legislator intended to protect human rights in the use of technology in particular, and it is within this framework that Article 39 of the same law provides for the punishment of the offence of publishing rumours that may make a person lose their credibility through a computer or computer system. Re IBAMBE; RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2024/SC 19 2. Criminal Procedure – Case review – In order for a case to be reviewed on the basis of the fact that the case under review was decided on the basis of testimony which was later found or declared to be false, it must be established

Page 376

xxi

SUBJECT INDEX

by a court decision that the testimony previously given and relied on in the case was false and that such testimony was the sole basis upon which the conviction of the person seeking the review was founded.

UBUSHINJACYAHA v. NIZEYIMANA; RS/REV/RP 00002/2024/CA 47 3. Labour law – Employment contract – Suspension of employment contract – The fact that an employee is provisionally detained by a competent authority for a period not exceeding six months, and fails to notify his/her employer, but notifies him/her as soon as s/he is released, is not considered a gross misconduct for job desertion, instead, a reasonable ground for the temporary suspension of the employment contract. MUGANGA v. HOPITAL LA CROIX DU SUD; RS/INJUST/RSOC00002/2021/CA 59 Accidents– Occupational accident – An occupational accident is an event or circumstance that befalls a person at a specific moment as a result of, or during the performance of, their work, causing bodily harm regardless of the time at which such harm becomes apparent. NZAYIKORERA N’ABANDI v SANLAM AG PLc; RS/INJUST/RC 00008/2024/SC 103 Social security coverage for an employee — Every employee, including those engaged on a short-term basis, must be enrolled in the employees’ social security scheme. NZAYIKORERA N’ABANDI v SANLAM AG PLc; RS/INJUST/RC 00008/2024/SC 103

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Occupational accident – The law applicable to occupational accidents – Occupational accidents are governed by Social Security scheme legislation. NZAYIKORERA N’ABANDI v SANLAM AG PLc; RS/INJUST/RC 00008/2024/SC 103 Insurance — Workers in construction activities — Employees engaged in construction work or similar activities must be covered by a specific insurance scheme designed to ensure their protection. NZAYIKORERA N’ABANDI v SANLAM AG PLc; RS/INJUST/RC 00008/2024/SC 103 Occupational accident – Basis for compensation arising from an occupational accident — Compensation granted to a person who has suffered an occupational accident does not derive from the principle of civil liability; rather, they are governed by the employees’ social security scheme, which provides the victim with medical care and other related compensatory benefits. NZAYIKORERA N’ABANDI v SANLAM AG PLc; RS/INJUST/RC 00008/2024/SC 103 4. Civil procedure – Insurance policy – Damages arising from an accident – Career damage – For a claimant to be awarded career damages, they must demonstrate that they previously held employment of any kind, and that the accident had consequences which caused them to lose that job, change it, perform it under hardship, or become unable to obtain job promotion SANLAM ASSURANCES GENERALES Plc v NDAYISABA; RS/INJUST/RC 00006/2024/SC 129

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SUBJECT INDEX

Insurance policy – Career Damage – Evidence – Among the admissible evidence capable of showing that the claimant had employment are attestations issued by local administrative authorities of the area where the claimant resided confirming that they had a job, evidence from former employers or workmates, pay slips or records (MoMo) showing receipt of wages or allowances, or any other probative material capable of establishing that fact. SANLAM ASSURANCES GENERALES Plc v NDAYISABA; RS/INJUST/RC 00006/2024/SC 129 Insurance policy – The right to recovery action (action récursoire) – The right to recovery action cannot exist if the insured proves that the damage was caused by a third party, and that it occurred without his/her knowledge or that the person who caused it acted in violation of his/her instructions. RADIANT INSURANCE COMPANY LTD v TUYIGANE; RS/INJUST/RC 00004/2024/SC 81 Amasezerano y’ubwishingizi – The right to subrogatory action (action subrogatoire) – After compensating the insured who suffered the loss, the insurer has the right to pursue the person responsible for the accident in place of the insured, but only within the limits of the amount paid in compensation. RADIANT INSURANCE COMPANY LTD v TUYIGANE; RS/INJUST/RC 00004/2024/SC 81 5. Criminal law – Cybercrimes – The offense of publication of rumours through a computer or a computer system – Element which constitutes the offense of publication of

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rumours that may make a person lose their credibility through a computer or a computer system. Re. IBAMBE; RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2024/SC 19 The offence of terrorism – Terrorist groups or affiliated organisations – Where it is established that a group already designated as a terrorist group is composed of other groups or associations pursuing the same objective, such groups or associations automatically acquire the status of terrorist groups PROSECUTION v MUTIGANDA N’ABANDI; RPA 00103/2021/CA 237 The offence of terrorism – Membership of a terrorist group – Attempt – Scope of constitutive acts – Non- applicability of attempt – The constitutive acts of the offence of membership of a terrorist group include joining such an organization, consenting to become a member, commencing participation in its activities, or undertaking any act that increases its operational capacity. There is no attempt in relation to the offence of membership of a terrorist organization, since the execution of even any single constitutive act suffices to completely commit an offence. PROSECUTION v MUTIGANDA N’ABANDI; RPA 00103/2021/CA 237 Armed robbery – It is considered as armed robbery, any situation by which the suspect is caught in possession of sharp, cutting or contusive objects which can be used for killing, injuring or hitting. PROSECUTION v. SULULU MARUGIRA N’UNDI; RPAA 00248/2021/CA 293

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Armed robbery – It is considered as armed robbery, any situation by which the suspect is caught in possession of sharp, cutting or contusive objects which can be used for killing, injuring or hitting. PROSECUTION v. SULULU MARUGIRA N’UNDI; RPAA 00248/2021/CA 293 Armed robbery- the suspect’s conviction of armed robbery does not require that he/she has used or intended to use his weapons for harming, hitting, injuring or killing people, a simple fact of possessing such weapons is enough for the suspect to be convicted of an armed robbery. PROSECUTION v MUTIGANDA N’ABANDI; RPA 00103/2021/CA 237 A criminal intent – Conspiracy to commit an offense - A crime of conspiracy to commit an offense is considered complete whenever two or more persons share the intention to commit an offense and agree on the manner in which it will be carried out, even if the crime itself is carried out by only one of them or is not ultimately executed

PROSECUTION v.

MUNYAKAZI ET.AL; RS/INJUST/RP 00003/2023/SC 205 6. Commercial law– Auction – Valuation of assets to be auctioned – Assets to be auctioned must be subject to a valuation, carried out at the time of sale, that reflects their market value as determined by a certified valuer. ECOBANK RWANDA PLC v. RUSEKAMPUNZI N’UNDI; RCOMAA 00058/2024/CA 147

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Auction – The auction terms and conditions – A receiver cannot alter the contentes of the terms and conditions of the auction, without informing the concerned parties about the changes. ECOBANK RWANDA PLC v. RUSEKAMPUNZI N’UNDI; RCOMAA 00058/2024/CA 147 7. Jurisdiction of courts – The crime of Genocide – Categories of perpetrators of Genocide crime – Jurisdictional competence to try the crime of Genocide – Individuals who held leadership positions at the national level or at the prefecture level and their accomplices, as well as those who committed acts or offenses that place them among the planners, organizers, inciters, supervisors, and leaders of the Genocide or other crimes against humanity, together with their accomplices, are tried at the first instance by Intermediate Courts. While others are tried at the first instance by Primary Courts.. Re NSABIMANA; RS/INCONST/SPEC 00002/2025/SC 1 8. Commercial procedure – Time limits for lodging an appeal – The claims seeking the judicial confirmation of a debt arising from a commercial transaction and the conversion of a seizure into a distraint shall be adjudicated in accordance with summary procedure, and any appeal shall equally be lodged and processed within the statutory timelines governing summary procedure, that is, within three (3) working days.

PLATEFORME

COMPANY

RWANDA LTD v.

MUHITTIN ISILDAK;

RCOMAA 00007/2025/CA 167

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SUBJECT INDEX

Auction – Publication of the auction – Auction notices – The receiver is not obliged to serve the property’s owner with auction notices, the latter is rather notified of the auction terms and conditions which includes the auction schedule. UWINEZA N’ABANDI v POSADA PLUS LTD; RCOMAA 00071/2024/CA 181

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SPECIAL CLAIMS

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Page 385

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PETITIONS SEEKING TO DECLARE

A LAW UNCONSTITUTIONAL

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Page 387

1 Re NSABIMANA

Re NSABIMANA [Rwanda SUPREME COURT – RS/INCONST/SPEC 00002/2025/SC (Mukantaganzwa, P.J., Hitiyaremye, Mukamulisa, Kazungu and Kalihangabo J.) October 17, 2025] The Constitution – A legal provision alleged to be unconstitutional – Article 41 of Law nº 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of Courts does not contradict article 15 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda because it does not discriminate between litigants. Therefore, any issue regarding that provision would only arise if it failed to treat equally those who were first tried before the Primary Court, allowing some of them second appeal before the High Court while denying the same right to others who belong to the same category, which is not the case. The Constitution – Equality before the Law – Exception – Although article 15 of the Constitution provides for the principle of equality before the law, there are instances in which the State may differentiate between people or classify them into categories without this being considered discrimination, provided that it is based on reasonable justifications and legitimate purpose. Jurisdiction of courts – The crime of Genocide – Categories of perpetrators of Genocide crime – Jurisdictional competence to try the crime of Genocide – Individuals who held leadership positions at the national level or at the prefecture level and their accomplices, as well as those who committed acts or offenses that place them among the planners, organizers, inciters, supervisors, and leaders of the Genocide or other crimes against humanity, together with their accomplices, are tried at the first instance by 1

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Intermediate Courts. While others are tried at the first instance by Primary Courts. Facts: This case was initiated by Nsabimana, commonly known as Ntabarimfasha, who brought the case before the Supreme Court seeking to declare that article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts as amended, contradicts article 15 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda. Nsabimana and his counsel explain that the provisions of article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 violate his rights and contradict article 15 of the Constitution. They base their argument on the fact that an accused person who is first tried before the Intermediate Court may lodge a second appeal before the Court of Appeal if the sentence imposed is at least 15 years, as provided under article 52 of the aforementioned Law n0 30/2018, while another accused person who is first tried before the Primary Court, even who may have acted under the instructions of someone who is first tried before the Intermediate Court, is not allowed to lodge a second appeal before the High Court, regardless of the sentence imposed, even if it is equal to or exceeds 15 years. They argue that this demonstrates that the two litigants are not equal before the law. They request the Supreme Court to examine article 41 of the above- mentioned Law and declare that it should be repealed or amended by adding a paragraph allowing the High Court to hear a second appeal in cases where a sentence of at least 15 years’ imprisonment has been imposed, as provided under article 52 of law mentioned above. The state attorney of the Government of Rwanda states that article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 nowhere contradicts article 15 of the Constitution because it grants all concerned individuals an

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equal right to a second appeal before the High Court when there has been a procedural error. In case RS/INCONST/SPEC 00002/2025/SC, the Court held that Nsabimana’s claim was unfounded, because the fact that the Primary Court and the Intermediate Court are not at the same level, and the categories of individuals accused of committing the Genocide against the Tutsi who are tried by these courts differ, consequently, Nsabimana’s claim that article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts discriminates between litigants, should not be founded. Held: 1. Article 41 of Law no 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts does not contradict article 15 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda because it does not discriminate between litigants. Therefore, any issue regarding that provision would only arise if it failed to treat equally those who were first tried before the Primary Court, allowing some of them second appeal before the High Court while denying the same right to others who belong to the same category, which is not the case.

2. Although article 15 of the Constitution provides for the principle of equality before the law, there are instances in which the State may differentiate between people or classify them into categories without this being considered discrimination, provided that it is based on reasonable justifications and legitimate purpose. Therefore, equality before the law and non-discrimination do not mean that any distinction among individuals is discriminatory but instead, differentiating between people or categories should be necessary depending on the legitimate purpose.

3. Individuals who held leadership positions at the national level or at the prefecture level and their accomplices, as well as those who committed acts or offenses that place them among the planners,

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organizers, inciters, supervisors, and leaders of the Genocide or other crimes against humanity, together with their accomplices, are tried at the first instance by Intermediate Courts. While others are tried at the first instance by Primary Courts.

4. The legislature established a special category for individuals accused of committing the Genocide against the Tutsi, along with a special procedure compared to the category of individuals prosecuted for ordinary crimes, with the aim of combating the culture of impunity and expediting Genocide cases which could otherwise take long time if tried under the ordinary procedure. The claim seeking to declare article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 as amended, determining the jurisdiction of courts unconstitutional, lacks merits; Statutes and statutory referred to: Law no 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts as amended, article 26 Organic Law no 08/96 of 30 August 1996 organizing prosecutions for offences constituting the crime of genocide or crimes against humanity committed since October 1, 1990, article 2 Organic Law no 40/2000 of 26/01/2001 setting up and organizing prosecutions for offences constituting the crime of genocide or crimes against humanity committed between October 1, 1990 and December 31, 1994, article 51,52 Organic Law no 16/2004 of 19/6/2004 establishing the organization, competence and functioning of Gacaca Courts charged with prosecuting and trying the perpetrators of the crime of genocide and other crimes against humanity, committed since October 1, 1990, article 51

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Organic Law no 04/2012/OL of 15/06/2012 terminating the Gacaca Courts and determining mechanisms for resolving issues which were within their jurisdiction Case laws referred to: Re. Murangwa Edward, RS/INCONST/SPEC 00001/ 2019/SC, decided by the Supreme Court on 29/11/2019. Re. Ngendahayo Kabuye, RS/INCONST/SPEC 00004/2021/SC, decided by the Supreme Court on 10/02/2023. Re. Kamanzi Anaclet, RS/Inconst/SPEC 00002/2022/SC decided by the Supreme Court on 31/03/2023. Re. Bimenyimana André, RS/Inconst/Pen 0001/13/CS, decided by the Supreme Court on 04/10/2013. Judgment. I.

BACKGROUND OF THE CASE

Nsabimana Ildephonse, commonly known as Ntabarimfasha, (“Nsabimana Ildephonse” in this instant case), filed a claim before the Supreme Court, seeking to declare article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts1, as amended, inconsistent with article 15 of the Constitution

1 Provides that“ The High Court hears at the second level of appeal criminal cases heard at the first level of appeal by Intermediate Courts if such cases: 1° are determined based on a non-existing law or rendered by an incompetent court; 2° involve a penalty which is not provided by law; 3° are decided based on evidence, document or submissions presented after the trial without any reopening of proceedings; 4° are rendered by a bench with no required minimum number of judges ; 5° are pronounced by a judge other than the one having heard them; 6° are not tried in public while no in-camera hearing is ordered. ”.

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of the Republic of Rwanda2 (“the Constitution” in this instant case), and the case was registered under RS/INCONST/SPEC 00002/2025/SC.

Nsabimana Ildephonse and Counsel Me Kwizera Bernard and Counsel Dushimire Jeannette, Counsels for him, explain that the provisions of article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 as previously mentioned, violate his rights and contradict article 15 of the Constitution. They base this on the fact that an accused person who was first tried in the Intermediate Court may lodge a second appeal before the Court of Appeal if the sentence imposed is at least 15 years as provided under article 52 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 as previously mentioned above while, another accused person who was first tried in the Primary Court, and who may even have acted under the instructions of someone who is first tried before the Intermediate Court, is not allowed to lodge a second appeal before the High Court, regardless of the sentence imposed, even if it is equal to or exceeds 15.

They argue that the aforementioned show that these two accused persons are not equal before the law. For that reason, during the hearing of 10/06/2024 before the High Court, Specialized Chamber for International Crimes and Cross-Border Crimes, they requested and were granted by that Court the adjournment of the hearing be adjourned so that the issue could be submitted to the Supreme Court for examination and guidance,

2 That article provides that “ All human beings are equal before the law. They enjoy equal protection of the law”.

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based on article 72, paragraphs 1 and 2 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 mentioned above3.

Nsabimana Ildephonse and his counsels state that they are requesting the Supreme Court to examine article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 mentioned above, and declare that it should be repealed or amended by adding a paragraph allowing the High Court to hear second appeal in cases where the sentence imposed is at least 15 years’ imprisonment, as provided under article 52 of the aforementioned law.

State Attorney Cyubahiro Fiat, representing the Government of Rwanda, states that article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 mentioned above, does not in any way contradict article 15 of the Constitution because it grants all concerned individuals’ equal rights to lodge a second-level appeal before the High Court when there have been procedural errors.

The hearing was held in public on 15/09/2025, Nsabimana Ildephonse was represented by Counsel Kwizera Bernard and Counsel Dushimire Jeannette, while the Government of Rwanda was represented by State Attorney Cyubahiro Fiat. The Court first examined the issue of whether Nsabimana Ildephonse has a legal interest in the case.

3 That article provides that “ The Supreme Court is petitioned by any person or company and associations with legal personality over petitions seeking to declare unconstitutional a law if they have any interest ”.

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 Whether Nsabimana Ildephonse has a legal interest to sue in this instant case.

After hearing the representatives of Nsabimana Ildephonse and the representative of the Government, who both agreed that the applicant has an interest in the case, the Court, in its ruling delivered from the bench, held that Nsabimana Ildephonse indeed has a legal interest in the case because the legal provision he is challenging concerns the population in general to the extent it may affect their rights, including him. This is one of the grounds upheld by the Supreme Court4 for determining a legal interest of a person seeking to declare a law unconstitutional.

Regarding the merits of the case, the parties debated on the issue of whether article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts as amended, contradicts article 15 of the Constitution. II.

ANALYSIS OF LEGAL ISSUE  Whether article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts as amended, contradicts article 15 of the Constitution

Counsel Kwizera Bernard and Counsel Dushimire Jeannette, Counsels for Nsabimana Ildephonse, state that the reason he filed the claim alleging that article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts as amended, contradicts article 15 of the Constitution, is that the Jurisdiction of the High Court at the second level of appeal is based on that article

4 Interlocutory judgment n⁰ RS/INCOST/SPEC 00001/2022/SC of 16/12/2022 in which MURANGWA Edouard was a party, p.10, paragraph 10.

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41 while, it did not provide that persons who were first tried in the Primary Court and received a sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment or more, as provided under article 52 of the Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 mentioned above5.

They further state that article 26 of the aforementioned law provides that “ Primary Courts have jurisdiction over offences punishable by a term of imprisonment not exceeding five (5) years, except those which are exclusively preserved for other courts,” while it is clear that the legislator overlooked the fact that the jurisdiction of the Primary Court also includes trying genocide crimes committed against the Tutsi which are punishable by five years’ imprisonment and which may also extend to life imprisonment.

They explain that genocide crimes which have been accused by former leaders are similar to those by ordinary citizens, although the charges are similar, the courts before which they are brought, depend on the accused’s position status. As a result, a person accused of genocide crime who is tried in the Primary Court does not have the possibility of lodging a second appeal, while those who were leaders or those accused of ordinary offences who were first tried in the Intermediate Court6 are able to appeal up to

5 That article provides that ’’ The Court of Appeal has also jurisdiction to try at the second level of appeal cases tried by the High Court, the Commercial High Court and Military High Court, if such cases: ... 9° involve a term of imprisonment of at least fifteen (15) years. In criminal cases, reference is only made to the imprisonment sentence given to determine the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal …’’. 6 Article 29 of Law n⁰ 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts, as amended, provides that “ Intermediate Courts try at the first instance the following offences: … 2° crimes of genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi and crimes against humanity committed in Rwanda between 1st October 1990

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the Court of Appeal. They argue that an ordinary citizen convicted of genocide crime appears to be deprived of the opportunity to seek a second appeal, because article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 mentioned above does not grant equal rights to accused persons placed in different categories, even though in some cases the crimes committed by leaders are the same as those committed by lower-level individuals, and the sentences imposed on them are often the same.

Counsel Kwizera Bernard and Counsel Dushimire Jeannette also state that in the case RS/INCONST/SPEC00005/2022/SC, decided on 28/07/2023, in which Ndayisabye Alexis was a party, which was referred to by the State Attorney in his submissions, the State Attorney at that time also acknowledged that article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 mentioned above, contained a problem and even admitted that it could be corrected. However, he also indicated, on the other hand, that based on the claim and the relief sought, repealing that article would not have benefited the claimant, consequently the case that had been filed was not examined. They further add that this case is different from the one mentioned above because, although the subject matter is the same, the means of defense are not the same, due to the fact that the subject matter in this case is that article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 mentioned above, contradicts article 15 of the Constitution, because people who fall within this

and 31st December 1994 by the following persons: a) any person having committed offences or acts of complicity which place him/her in the category of masterminds, planners, instigators, supervisors and leaders of genocide or other crimes against humanity with his/her accomplices; b) any person who was at that time in the administrative organs at the national or prefectural level and his/her accomplices.

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or that category deserve equal protection, regardless of the court in which each of them is tried.

They conclude by stating that since all people are equal before the law and must be protected equally, as provided under article 15 of the Constitution, they request the Supreme Court to carefully examine the claim submitted by Nsabimana Ildephonse and set position on it, especially since the Court has the power to repeal or amend legal provisions when it finds them inconsistent with the Constitution or other laws.

State Attorney Cyubahiro Fiat, representing the Government of Rwanda, states that it is important to begin by explaining the difference between ordinary offences (droit commun) and the Crimes of Genocide committed against the Tutsi in 1994, which are considered specific offences. He explains that the history of prosecuting and punishing these crimes shows that from the time they began to be prosecuted and punished, they were always treated as exceptional and have never been prosecuted or punished in the same way as ordinary offences (droit commun), and that this has never posed any problem.

He further states that specific offences are often given particular treatment and are regulated by special laws. He explains that one of the reasons these offences were treated differently is that they need to be tried in the place where they were committed, so that the suspect is brought before the community living in the area where the crime has been committed. In such cases, although the judgment is rendered by a judge, the Rwandan community also has a say regarding the offence committed (justice de proximité), Consequently reduces the judge’s workload because justice has already been carried out in the presence of the community, which

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has actively participated in the process. He adds that this makes a second level of appeal unnecessary.

State Attorney Cyubahiro Fiat also argues that the fact that a second appeal is not admitted in the High Court for individuals accused of the crimes of Genocide committed against the Tutsi in 1994 who were first tried in the Primary Court should not be considered Unconstitutional based on the comparison between these offences and ordinary offences, explaining that one should not compare offences that fall into different categories and which are tried by courts of different levels, and then conclude that people were not being treated equally before the law.

Based on those explanations, finds that article 15 of the Constitution was not applied by the applicant in a proper context, or was interpretated incorrectly, because nowhere does the law determining the jurisdiction of courts treat people prosecuted for ordinary offences differently from those prosecuted for the crimes of Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, because, as explained above, those offences fall into different categories and are tried by courts of different levels.

He adds that those prosecuted for the crimes of Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 who were tried in the Primary Courts at the first instance were non-leaders, whereas individuals who were leaders were tried at the first instance by the Intermediate Courts.

State Attorney Cyubahiro Fiat also states that the crimes of Genocide were given special treatment, as upheld in case RS/INCONST/SPEC 00002/2022/SC, decided on 31/03/2023, involving Kamanzi Anaclet, who had filed a petition to repeal article 197 of the crimininal procedure code. He states that in that case, the Court found that placing people into different categories

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for a legitimate purpose should not be considered as treating people unequally before the law. He therefore concludes that the fact that article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 as amended, provided that individuals tried in the Primary Courts are not allowed a second appeal should not be considered treating people unequally before the law, nor does it imply any form of discrimination.

He also explains that the issue of whether Article 41 of the Law determining the jurisdiction of courts contradicts article 15 of the Constitution was examined in case RS/INCONST/SPEC 00005/2022/SC, decided on 28/07/2023, involving Ndayisabye Alexis, and the Supreme Court had ruled on it consequently, such issue should not be raised again, especially since in that case, Ndayisabye Alexis admitted that article 41 mentioned above does not contradict the Constitution, and that only a correction of its wording was needed.

He concludes by stating that the legislator did not make a mistake or overlook anything, as the applicant claims but instead, intended to distinguish between categories of individuals who committed the crimes of Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 and therefore, article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts as amended, does not contradict article 15 of the Constitution.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

The issue to be analyzed in this case is whether article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts, as amended, contradicts article 15 of the Constitution.

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As explained above, the applicant claims that the fact that individuals accused of the crimes of Genocide against the Tutsi are tried at first instance by the Primary Courts, and are not allowed to lodge a second appeal before the High Court when they are sentenced to at least 15 years’ imprisonment as for those tried at first instance by the Intermediate Court are allowed to lodge a second appeal before the Court of Appeal contradicts the principle of equality before the law as provided for in article 15 of the Constitution.

In case RS/SPEC/0001/16/CS decided on 23/09/2016, in which Akagera Business Group Ltd was a party, this Court explained that the provisions of article 15 of the Constitution provides that there must be no discrimination that results in unequal treatment of people or being denied rights where they should be entitled to them. However, the Court pointed out that equality before the law and non-discrimination do not mean that differentiating between people is, in all circumstances, discrimination; but instead, differentiating between individuals or categories of individuals should be necessary for legitimate or rational purpose. The position set in that case was upheld in various subsequent cases of this Court7.

The decisions rendered by this Court in various cases indicate that, although article 15 of the Constitution establishes the principle of equality before the law, there are circumstances in which the State differentiates between individuals or places them

7 Examples : Case RS/INCONST/SPEC 00001/ 2019/SC, decided on 29/11/2019, in which Murangwa Edward was a party, paragraph 34; and Case RS/INCONST/SPEC 00004/2021/SC, decided by the Supreme Court on 10/02/2023, in which NGENDAHAYO Kabuye was a party, paragraph 58.

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into categories, and this is not considered discrimination where it is done for for legitimate or rational purpose.

Regrading the present case, as explained above, Nsabimana Ildephonse falls within the category of accused persons who are tried at first instance by the Primary Court8. The Prosecution charged him before the Primary Court of Gisenyi with complicity in the Genocide against the Tutsi, which found him guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment. He appealed to the Intermediate Court of Rubavu, which upheld the sentence imposed at first instance. He then lodged a second appeal before the High Court, the Specialiazed Chamber for International Crimes and Cross-Border Crimes. While that appeal had not yet been examined, he requested it to stay the proceedings so that he could file a petition before this instant Court, seeking the repeal of article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 mentioned above on the ground that it contradicts article 15 of the Constitution, or be amended as explained above.

Regrading the categorization of individuals accused of crimes of the Genocide against the Tutsi committed in 1994,

8 Article 26 of Law n⁰ 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts, as amended, provides that Primary Courts have jurisdiction over the 2° crimes of genocide against Tutsi and crimes against humanity committed in Rwanda between 1st October 1990 and 31st December 1994 listed below: a) acts of torture; b) homicide; c) acts of rape or genital mutilation; d) degrading acts on a dead body; e) serious harms to persons having resulted in death; f) acts that cause injuries or a serious harm to persons, with intent to inflict death, even if the purpose of inflicting death is not accomplished; g) any other criminal acts against persons without any intent to inflict death; h) other crimes committed by any person who was in the administrative organs at the sub-prefecture or commune level, in political organizations, in the communal police or in any militia and who committed or incited other people to commit such crimes with his/her accomplices.

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Organic Law n0 08/96 of 30 August 1996 organizing prosecutions for offences constituting the crime of genocide or crimes against humanity committed since October 1, 1990 placed the accused into four categories9. Subsequently, Organic Law n0 40/2000 of 26/01/2001 setting up and organizing prosecutions for offences constituting the crime of genocide or crimes against humanity committed between October 1, 1990 and December 31, 1994 was established, the four categories of the accused were mentained10, but revised them11. This was followed by Organic Law n0 16/2004 of 19/6/2004 establishing the organization, competence and functioning of Gacaca Courts charged with prosecuting and trying the perpetrators of the crime of genocide and other crimes against humanity, committed since October 1, 1990, which also categorized the accused, though revised them12.

Specifically, regarding the Gacaca Courts, in the case of KAMANZI Anaclet13, which upheld the ruling made in the other case of BIMENYIMANA André14, this instant Court explained that by the time the Legislator established a special category of

9 Article 2 of that Organic Law. 10 Article 51 and 52 of that Organic Law 11 The Gacaca Courts’ activities Report in https://justice-survivors.com, 2012, p.42: “ Regarding the categories of the accused, this Law maintained the categories of accused as they previously existed, but placed three categories under the jurisdiction of the Gacaca Courts, since the first category remained under the jurisdiction of the ordinary courts. For the accused individuals of the first category, leaders at the Cell and Sector levels, this Law provided that they would be classified based on the offences with which they were charged, instead of leadership positions they held. It also introduced the offence of rape, which had not been provided for in the Law of 1996 …”. 12 Article 51: Levels of the accused has become three. 13 Case n⁰ RS/Inconst/SPEC 00002/2022/SC decided on 31/03/2023, paragraph 48. 14 Case n⁰ RS/Inconst/Pen 0001/13/CS decided on 04/10/2013, paragraph 17.

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individuals accused of the crimes of Genocide against the Tutsi and a special procedure for their trial compared to the category of individuals prosecuted for ordinary offences, one of the objectives pursued was the eradication of the culture of impunity and to expedite the adjudication of genocide cases, which would take an excessive long time once they were tried under ordinary procedure.

As explained above, in order for the Legislator to achieve the objective pursued, within that category of individualsa accused of the crimes of genocide, they created categories or levels based on the role played by the accused and the positional leadership held at the time the crime was committed.

From the cessation of function of Gacaca Courts15, all cases involving perpetrators of the crimes of Genocide against the Tutsi were transferred to the ordinary courts. In this context, those who held positional leadership at the national or prefectural level and their accomplices, as well as those who committed crimes or acts of complicity that placed them in the roles of planners, organizers, instigators, supervisors and leaders of the genocide or other crimes against humanity, together with their accomplices, are tried by the Intermediate Courts as provided in article 29 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 mentioned above. All remaining accused individuals are tried by the Primary Courts in accordance with article 26 of the Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 mentioned above.

The Court finds, the fact that the courtsmentioned above are not of the same level, and that the levels or categories of the accused of the crimes of Genocide against the Tutsi are tried differently,

15 Were repealed by Organic Law n⁰ 04/2012/OL of 15/06/2012 terminating the Gacaca Courts and determining mechanisms for resolving issues which were within their jurisdiction.

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does not justify the claims made by Nsabimana Ildephonse and his counsels that article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 mentioned above discriminates against the accused. Any issue with that provision would arise only if it treated differently persons who were tried at first instance by the Primary Court, allowing some to lodge a second appeal before the High Court while denying others the same right, even though they belong to the same category but this is not the case in the present case.

Based on all the explanations provided above, the Court finds that article 41 of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts as amended, does not contradict article 15 of the Constitution. III. DECISION OF THE COURT

Declares the claim filed by Nsabimana Ildephonse, also known as Ntabarimfasha, seeking to declare article 41 of n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts as amended, unconstitutional, unfounded;

Declares that article 41 of n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts as amended, does not contradict article 15 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda.

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Re IBAMBE [Rwanda SUPREME COURT – RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2024/SC (Mukantaganzwa, P.J., Hitiyaremye, Cyanzayire, Muhumuza and Kazungu, J.) June 05, 2025] The Constitution – Freedom of the press – It is an inviolable right, but it must not infringe upon other rights, including the citizen’s right to honor and dignity. The Constitution – Human rights and freedoms – Use of technology – By enacting Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 on prevention and punishment of cybercrimes, the legislator intended to protect human rights in the use of technology in particular, and it is within this framework that Article 39 of the same law provides for the punishment of the offence of publishing rumours that may make a person lose their credibility through a computer or computer system. Criminal law – Cybercrimes – The offense of publication of rumours through a computer or a computer system – The offense of publication of rumours that may make a person lose their credibility through a computer or a computer system is constituted by the following elements: - the existence of an act of publishing information; - the fact that the person who published the rumours as aware that the information was not true; - the fact that such act was carried out using a computer or a computer system; 19

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- the fact that the published rumours may incite fear, insurrection or violence amongst the population or that may make a person lose their credibility. Facts: Ibambe filed a petition before the Supreme Court, seeking to declare article 39 of Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 on prevention and punishment of cybercrimes, which provides that… “any person who, knowingly and through a computer or a computer system, publishes rumours that may make a person lose their credibility, commits an offence”, inconsistent with article 38 of the Constitution which provides that freedom of press, of expression and of access to information are recognized and guaranteed by the State. Freedom of expression and freedom of access to information shall not prejudice public order, good morals, the protection of youth and children, the right of every citizen to honour and dignity and protection of personal and family privacy and that, conditions for exercising and respect for freedom of press, of expression and of access to information are determined by law. He adds that article 39 undermines freedom of the press, of expression, and of access to information because it is used to criminally prosecute Rwandans, especially journalists, for performing their daily work of reporting news. The Petitioner argues that the fact that article 39 considers the act of publishing rumours that may make a person lose their credibility as a criminal offense, infringes on the freedom of expression guaranteed by article 38 of the Constitution. It also appears as to punish the crime of defamation in criminal procedure while the Supreme Court has declared it unconstitutional; therefore, publishing rumours that may make a person lose their credibility should be addressed through the civil procedure so that individuals

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are not deterred from expressing their opinions for fear of being imprisoned under this law. The petitioner further argues that treating the act of publishing rumours that may make a person lose their credibility as a criminal offense infringes on the freedom of expression, because the purpose is to protect an individual’s reputation rather than the public interest, as it has no clear impact on the society or the public in general. It undermines the right to express opinions and freedom of expressing opinions of others. He concludes by stating that publishing rumours that may make a person lose their credibility forms defamation, and punishing it as a criminal offense contradicts the policy adopted by the Government of Rwanda to remove defamation from the list of criminal offenses, as had been provided under the article 233 of the Law N0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general. The State Attorney in this case argues that the article 39 that the Petitioner seeks to be repealed does not contradict article 38 of the Constitution; instead, the provisions of this article implement the rights guaranteed under article 38 of the Constitution, as it prevents and punishes anyone who, knowingly and through a computer or a computer system, publishes rumours that may incite fear, insurrection or violence amongst the population or that may make a person lose their

credibility. The State Attorney explains that article 233 of the Law determining offenses and penalties in general, as amended, punished offenses committed only against a leader or leaders, whereas the article 39 which should be repealed punishes the act of publishing rumours against any person, with its consequences including inciting fear, insurrection or violence amongst the population or making a person lose their credibility. He further explains that this article does not prohibit Rwandans in general, and journalists in particular, from

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exercising freedom of expression; rather, it requires them to be careful about what they publish, as no one has the freedom to knowingly publish rumours that causes the harmful effects described in that article. Therefore, he argues that if the petitioner’s request was granted and the article was repealed, the freedom of expression and the right to access for information could be exercised in a way that would violate public order, good morals, the protection of youth and children, the right to dignity and respect of the citizen, and that of the privacy of personal and family life. Therefore, he requests the Supreme Court to declare that article 39 of Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above does not contradict article 38 of the Constitution, and that the petition is unfounded. Held: 1. Freedom of the press is a right that must not be violated, but it must not infringe on other rights, including the citizen’s right to dignity and respect.

2. The offense of publication of rumours that may make a person lose their credibility through a computer or a computer system is constituted by the following elements: the existence of the act of publishing information; the fact that the person who published rumours was aware that the information was not true; the fact that such act was carried out using a computer or a computer system; and the fact that the rumours published may incite fear, insurrection or violence amongst the population or that may make a person lose their credibility.

3. By enacting the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 on prevention and punishment of cybercrimes, the legislator intended to protect human rights in the use of technology in particular, and it is within this framework that Article 39 of the same law provides for the

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punishment of the offence of publishing rumours that may cause a person to lose credibility through a computer or computer system. The petition seeking to declare that a legal provision is contrary to the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, is unfounded. Statutes and Statutory instruments referred to: The Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda of 2003 revised to date, articles 13 and 38. Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 that Rwanda has ratified on September 18, 1962, article 19. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) that Rwanda has ratified in 1975, article19. African Charter on Human and Peoples’Rights of June 27, 1981, article 9. Law n° 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 on prevention and punishment of cybercrimes, article 39. Law n° 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general, article 233. The Kenyan Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 31/12/2022, article 23. Case laws referred to: Re Byansi Samuel Baker; RS/INCONST/SPEC 00003/2021/SC, rendered by Supreme Court on 25/03/2022. Re Mugisha Richard RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2018/SC, rendered by Supreme Court on 24/04/2019. The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Lohe Issa Konate v. Burukina Faso rendered on 05/12/2014.

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OKUTA, Jacqueline Okuta & another v. Attorney General & 2 others, Kenya High Court [2017], eKLR. G.R. No 256700. April 25, 2023] People of the Philippines, petitioner, vs. Jomerito S. Soliman, Respondent. Authors quoted: Sunstein, Cass R. Liars: Falsehoods and free speech in an age of deception. Oxford University Press, 2021, page 46, 95, 171 & 172. Judgment I. BACKGROUND OF THE CASE

Ibambe Jean Paul filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to declare article 39 of Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 on prevention and punishment of cybercrimes inconsistent with article 38 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, the Constitution in this instant case.

He explains that the reason for filing this petition is that the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, violates the freedom of press to express opinions and the right to access to information, as it is used to prosecute Rwandans, especially journalists, because of their daily work of publishing information ; therefore, it should be repealed in order to comply with the provisions of article 38 of the Constitution.

The State Attorney submits that the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, is not inconsistent with

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article 38 of the Constitution; rather, the provisions of that article implement what is enshrined in article 38 of the Constitution. The hearing was held in public on 05/05/2025, Ibambe Jean Paul was assisted by Counsel Gakunzi Valerie and Counsel Mukashema Marie Louise, while the Government of Rwanda was represented by Counsel Habumuremyi Prosper. In that hearing, the Court first examined the issue regarding the interest that Ibambe Jean Paul has in the case.  Regarding the interest that Ibambe Jean Paul has in this case

Having found that both parties agreed that the petitioner has the interest in the case, in a decision made at the bench, the Court declared that, in order to promote the law and protect the rights of those concerned with law, Ibambe Jean Paul has interest because the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, concerns all citizens in general. This is one of the reasons recognized by the Court as a basis for examining the issue of the petitioner’s interest on the unconstitutionality petition1.

Regarding the merits of the case, the parties argued on the issue of whether the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, is inconsistent with the article 38 of the Constitution.

1

Interlocutory judgment rendered on 16/12/2022, Judgment RS/INCONST/SPEC00001/2022, Murangwa Edward, §17, p.10.

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II. ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL ISSUE OF

THE CASE  Whether the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 on prevention and punishment of cybercrimes is inconsistent with article 38 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda.

Ibambe Jean Paul and his legal counsels argue that the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 above mentioned which provides that any person who, knowingly and through a computer or a computer system, publishes rumours that may incite fear, insurrection or violence amongst the population or that may make a person lose their credibility, commits an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three (3) years and not more than five (5) years and a fine of not less than one million Rwandan francs (FRW 1,000,000) and not more than three million Rwandan francs (FRW 3,000,000), is inconsistent with the article 38 of the Constitution, which provides that freedom of press, of expression and of access to information are recognized and guaranteed by the State. However, freedom of expression and freedom of access to information shall not prejudice public order, good morals, the protection of youth and children, the right of every citizen to honour and dignity and protection of personal and family privacy. Furthermore, conditions for exercising and respect for freedom of press, of expression and of access to information are determined by law.

They explain that the fact that the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 above-mentioned , considers the act of publishing rumours that may make a person lose their credibility as a criminal offense, violates freedom of expression provided for by article 38 of the Constitution also appear as criminalizing the crime

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of defamation in a criminal way, whereas in paragraph 65 of the judgment RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2018/SC decided on 24/04/2019 in the case of Mugisha Richard, the Supreme Court held that criminalizing the crime of defamation is unconstitutional. Therefore, the publication of rumours that may have a person lose their credibility should be addressed under civil law, so that individuals are not discouraged from expressing their opinions for fear of imprisonment under this law.

They further explain that considering the act of publishing rumours that may have a person lose their credibility as a criminal offense, infringes on freedom of expression, because the purpose is to protect a person’s credibility rather than the public interest, given that it has no clear effects on society or the general public; they add that this undermines the right to freedom of expression and the freedom to express individuals’ opinions.

They further explain that publishing information that may have a person lose their credibility amounts to defamation; therefore, criminalizing it contradicts the policy adopted by the Government of Rwanda, which removed defamation from the list of criminal offenses as reflected in the 2011 Media Policy, so that it would instead be handled under civil law in order to avoid restricting the right to freedom of expression, including that of the media.

They mention that the article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, to which Rwanda acceded on September 18, 1962, together with article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Rwanda ratified in 1975, provide for the full right to freedom of expression. Although this right is not absolute, as explained in the United Nations Human Rights Committee’s “General Comment n0 34”,

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those provisions clearly set out how freedom of expression must be respected in building democratic principles based society. They argue that, when considering these interpretations, criminally punishing a person for publishing rumours that may have a person lose their credibility constitutes an excessive restriction on freedom of expression.

They also mention that in January 2021, when Rwanda was given recommendations during third Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on Human Rights, Rwanda accepted to implement the recommendations received from other states, including the recommendation to amend laws so as to better safeguard freedom of expression in the country; they mention, as an example, the recommendation made by Italy, which called for amending legal provisions that restrict people’s freedom of expression and assembly, association as well as protecting journalists and media operators against harassment and intimidation2. They argue that Rwanda’s commitment to implement this and other recommendations can be considered as an acknowledgment that article 39 of Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, undermines freedom of expression, despite the fact that such freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution.

They further state that there are judicial decisions taken by other courts which demonstrate that defamation should not be treated as a criminal offense, and that criminalizing it, undermines the right to freedom of expression. The examples provided include the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, in the case of Lohe Issa Konate v. Burkina Faso, decided on 05/12/2014, where

2 Revise all the provisions that undermine freedom of expression as well as freedom of assembly and association and effectively protect journalists and media operators against harassment and intimidation.

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the Court clearly stated that criminalizing defamation undermines freedom of expression; and the High Court of Kenya, in the case of Jacqueline Okuta & another v. Attorney General & 2 others [2017] eKLR, which held that Article194 of the Penal Code criminalizing defamation was unconstitutional as it violates the right to freedom of expression. The Court concluded that criminalizing defamation with the purpose of protecting a person’s credibility constitutes disproportionate and unjustifiable protection, since there are civil remedies available to address any harm caused to a person’s honor or credibility.

They conclude by requesting the Supreme Court to declare that article 39 of Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, in its first paragraph which provides that any person who, knowingly through a computer or a computer system publishes rumours that may make a person lose their credibility, commits an offense, is inconsistent with article 38 of the Constitution, and to order that it should be repealed.

The State Attorney mentions that article 38 of the Constitution provides for the following two key elements: i. It prohibits the exercise of freedom of press, of expression, and access to information in a manner that prejudices public order and good morals, endangers the protection of youth and children, or infringes on a citizen’s right to honor and dignity, and the right to personal and family privacy; ii. It provides that the exercise and respect of that freedom are determined by the law.

He explains that the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above implements article 38 of the

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Constitution because it prevents and punishes any person who, knowingly and through a computer or a computer system, publishes rumours that may incite fear, insurrection or violence amongst the population or that may make a person lose their credibility.

He submits that Ibambe Jean Paul requests the repeal of the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, based on the decision of the Supreme Court in Mugisha Richard’s case RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2018/SC decided on 24/04/2019, in its paragraph 101, where this Court held that article 233 of Law N0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general is inconsistent with the article 38 of the Constitution, which is inappropriate as these two legal provisions govern different matters.

He explains that the article 233 of the Law N0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general, intended to prevent and punish the offense of humiliation of national authorities of a public service in the performance or in connection with the performance of his/her duties, verbally, by gestures or threats, in writings or cartoons, while the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, is aimed at preventing and punishing the offense of publishing rumours through a computer or a computer system, and the perpetrator intends to incite fear, insurrection or violence amongst the population or that may make a person lose their credibility.

He further explains that the article 233 of the Law determining offenses and penalties in general as amended to-date, only punished offense committed against a national authority or national authorities, while the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, provides for the offense of publishing rumours about any person, with its consequences which

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include inciting fear, insurrection or violence amongst the population or make a person lose their credibility.

He further explains that the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, does not prohibit Rwandan citizens in general, or journalists in particular, from freedom of opinions; rather, it requires them to exercise caution in what they publish, since no one has the freedom to knowingly publish rumours that may have harmful consequences as outlined in that provision; therefore, the fact in Mugisha Richard’s case RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2018/SC decided on 24/04/2019, the Supreme Court upheld the repeal of the article 233 of the Law determining offenses and Penalties in general, does not constitute a basis for repealing the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, since the two provisions govern different matters and repealing it would mean that freedom of press, of expression, and access to information would be exercised in a manner that prejudices public order and good morals, endangers the protection of youth and children, or infringes on a citizen’s right to honor and dignity, and the right to personal and family privacy.

He further explains that the Government of Rwanda determines that the fact that courts in some countries have ruled that defamation should not be treated as a criminal offense does not mean that the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, is in contradiction with the Constitution, since there are also other countries whose laws criminalize defamation, such as Canada, which prescribes imprisonment of not more than five years (Criminal Code of Canada: Section 300), Singapore, which prescribes imprisonment of not more than two years (Penal Code of Singapore: article 500), and Belgium, which prescribes imprisonment of not more than one year (Penal Code: article 444).

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He concludes by stating that, based on the foregoing elucidations, the Government of Rwanda requests the Supreme Court to declare that the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, is not inconsistent with article 38 of the Constitution and that the petition filed by Ibambe Jean Paul, is unfounded.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

Jean Paul Ibambe states that the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, in the last subparagraph of its first paragraph, provides the following: … “or may make a person lose their credibility”, should be repealed because it is inconsistent with article 38 of the Constitution which guarantees freedom of expression.

The Court finds that although Jean Paul Ibambe filed a claim challenging the entirety of the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, during the pre-trial conference of 06/02/2025, he and his counsels clarified that the provision they consider to be unconstitutional is the subparagraph of the first paragraph which states that … “any person who knowingly, through a computer or a computer system, publishes rumours that may have a person lose their credibility, commits an offense”; therefore, it is that subparagraph which should be examined to determine whether it contradicts article 38 of the Constitution.

Article 38 of the Constitution provides that “Freedom of press, of expression and of access to information are recognized and guaranteed by the State. Freedom of expression and freedom of access to information shall not prejudice public order, good

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morals, the protection of youth and children, the right of every citizen to honour and dignity and protection of personal and family privacy. Conditions for exercising and respect for freedom of press, of expression and of access to information are determined by law”.

The provisions of article 38 of the Constitution have been explained in various cases decided by the Supreme Court, including the case RS/SPEC00001/2018/SC decided on 24/04/2019, wherein the party was Mugisha Richard. In that case, the Court explained that freedom of expression consists of expressing one’s opinions without fear, as well as the right to seek, receive, and disseminate information and ideas everywhere. It further held that since freedom of press, of expression, and the right to access to information are guaranteed by the Constitution, any law or provision thereof that undermines those freedoms, is unconstitutional3. The Court reiterated the same interpretation in case RS/INCONST/SPEC00003/2021/SC decided on 25/03/2022, wherein the party was Byansi Samuel Baker4.

The right guaranteed under the article 38 of the Constitution is also provided for in the following International Conventions ratified by Rwanda : a. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive

3 See Judgment RS/SPEC00001/2018/SC rendered by the Supreme Court on 24/04/2019, Mugisha Richard, paragraph 65 4 See Judgment RS/INCONST/SPEC00003/2021/SC rendered on 25/03/2022, Byansi Samuel Baker, paragraph 36.

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and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers5”. b. Article 196, paragraph 2 and 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provides for the following: i. “Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice”. ii. The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary: for respect of the rights or reputations of others; for the protection of national security or of public order or of public health or morals.

5 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (1948) UN General Assembly Resolution 302.2, article 19 states that: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”. 6 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, article 19, Al. 2 & 3 states that: “Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice. The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this Article carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary: a) for respect of the rights or reputations of others”.

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c. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, in its article 97, paragraphs 1 and 2, provides for the following: i. “Every individual shall have the right to receive information”. ii. “Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law”. The Court finds that, both in the Constitution and in the International Treaties mentioned, freedom of press is an inviolable right. However, in all these treaties, a limitation has been provided to the effect that this freedom must not infringe upon other rights, including the citizen’s right to dignity and honor. This was further emphasized by the United Nations Human Rights Committee in 2011, it clarified that the exercise of freedom of expression and the right to access to information must not undermine public order or the citizen’s right to dignity and honor8.

Among the grounds relied upon by Ibambe Jean Paul in claiming that the subparagraph of first paragraph of the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above is

7 African (Banjul) Charter On Human and Peoples' Rights (Adopted 27 June 1981, OAU Doc.CAB/LEG/67/3 rev. 5, 21 I.L.M. 58 (1982), entered into force 21 October 1986): article 9, al. 1 & 2 states that: “Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law”. 8 General Comment No 34, adopted by the UN Human Rights Committee in 2011, in its article 9, paragraph 3, Paragraph 3 expressly states that: “the exercise of the right to freedom of expression carries with it special duties and responsibilities. For this reason, two limitative areas of restrictions on the right are permitted, which may relate either to respect of the rights or reputations of others or to the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public) or of public health or morals”.

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inconsistent with the Constitution, is the case RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2018/SC decided by the Supreme Court on 24/04/2019 wherein the party was Mugisha Richard in its paragraph 101, the Court held that the article 233 of the Law N0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general as amended, which provided that “any person who, verbally, by gestures or threats, in writings or cartoons, humiliates one of national authorities or persons in charge of public service referred to in that article, commits an offense”, contradicts the article 38 of the Constitution, as it infringed upon freedom of expression.

Before analyzing the submission of the claimant against the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above, the Court finds that it is necessary to first clarify the distinction between the offense of humiliation of national authorities and persons in charge of public service, and the offense of publication of rumours that may make a person lose their credibility through a computer or a computer system.

The offense of humiliation of national authorities and persons in charge of public service, which had been provided for under the article 233 of the Law N0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general repealed by the judgment RS/INCONST/SPEC00002/2018/SC, consisted of acts of verbally, by gestures or threats, in writings or cartoons, humiliates a member of Parliament when exercising his/her mandate, a member of the Cabinet, security officers or any other person in charge of a public service in the performance or in connection with the performance of his/her duties.

The offense of publication of rumours, as provided under the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned

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above, consists of any acts of, knowingly and through a computer or a computer system, publishing rumours that may incite fear, insurrection or violence amongst the population or that may make a person lose their credibility.

When jointly considering those articles, the Court finds that the offense of humiliation of national authorities and persons in charge of public service and the offense of publication of rumours that may incite fear, insurrection or violence amongst the population or that may make a person lose their credibility, differ from their constituent elements in the following way: a. The offense of humiliation of national authorities and persons in charge of public service was composed of the following: i. The existence of an act of humiliation; ii. The fact that the act was committed verbally, by gestures or threats, writings or cartoons; iii. The fact that the act was performed against members of Parliament, members of the Government, security officers, or any other person in charge of public service in the performance or in connection with the performance of his/her duties. b. The offense of publication of rumours consists of the following: i. The existence of the act of publication of rumours; ii. The fact that the perpetrator was aware that the published information was false; iii. The fact that such act was performed through computer or computer system;

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iv. The fact that the published rumours may incite fear, insurrection or violence amongst the population or that may make a person lose their credibility.

In further examining the distinction between the offense of humiliation of national authorities and persons in charge of public service and the offense of publication of rumours that may make a person lose their credibility through a computer or a computer system, it is necessary to consider the reason for enacting the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 above mentioned and the intended purpose.

As indicated in the report of the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Technology, Culture and Youth held on 7 August 2018, which examined the draft Law on Cybercrimes, the Minister in charge of Information, Communication and Technology explained that the rationale behind the preparation of this draft, was that, as the Country continues to develop, the use of the internet and other advanced technologies keeps increasing, which in turn results in the emergence of new forms of cyberattacks. He further noted that the development in using digital platforms has led to an increase in cybercrimes, including unauthorized access to information, intellectual property theft, and illegal acquisition of national financial or political information, as well as other unlawful acts.

The Minister also elucidated that, since there are no limits or borders between countries in technology, there is no specific or shared mechanism to manage technological infrastructures. The Minister added that, in order to take measures to prevent and incapacitate those acts, while protecting human rights in the use of technology, each institution must establish its own measures to ensure its security.

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The members of the Commission asked why the crimes and penalties provided for in that draft law were not included in Law N0 24/2016 of 18/06/2016 governing Information and Communication Technologies, instead of drafting a new law. The Minister in charge of Information Communication and Technology explained that this9 was due to the fact that crimes committed through the use of technology are increasing at an extraordinary rate, with many emerging crimes. The Minister further explained that the speed at which the world is adopting new technologies has led to a rise in cybercrimes, and even existing crimes are being transformed in their commission; therefore, the new law would help to prevent and prosecute cybercrimes10.

The members of the Commission also indicated that the draft law should have included a new article 39 containing the concept related to the publication of rumours, which was not clearly reflected in the former article 41; they also determined the manner in which that article should be drafted11.

Based on the explanations provided above, the Court finds that the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 mentioned above was enacted with the primary objective of protecting human rights in the use of technology; and that is the reason it criminalizes the publication of rumours that may make a person lose their credibility, through a computer or a computer system.

9 See the report of the meeting of the Chamber of Deputies’ Committee on Education, Technology, Culture and Youth, held on May 7, 2018, which examined the Draft Law on Cybercrimes, on pages 2 and 3. 10See the report of May 7, 2018, page 4. 11 See the report of May 7, 2018, page 69.

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Punishing the offense of publication of rumours that may make a person lose their credibility, through a computer or computer system, is not unique to Rwanda because even in Kenya, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 31/12/2022, in its article 23, provides that a person who, knowingly publishes information that is false in print, broadcast, data or over a computer system, that is calculated or results in panic, chaos, or violence among citizens of the Republic, or which is likely to discredit the reputation of any person, commits an offence and shall on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding five million shillings (5,000,000 Ksh), or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years(10), or to both12.

In the case of the State of the Philippines v. Jemerito S. Soliman, the Supreme Court of the Philippines rendered a decision regarding the penalties to be imposed on those convicted of publishing rumours through technological means, particularly defamation. The Court held that the offense of defamation committed through information and communication technology should be punished under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and that a person convicted of this offense must be punished by a penalty higher than that provided for ordinary defamation. This means that the law created a special treatment for defamation committed through technological means13.

12 The Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, article 23. 13 [G.R. No. 256700. April 25, 2023] People of the Philippines, Petitioner, vs. Jomerito s. soliman, respondent, “the Supreme Court of the Philippines has directly addressed criminal liability for online publication of false information in the context of online libel. The Court affirmed that online libel, libel committed through information and communication technologies is subject to criminal penalties under the Cybercrime Prevention Act, may impose either imprisonment or a fine as a penalty, aligning with the Revised Penal Code as amended. The penalty for online libel is one degree higher than for traditional

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The offense of publication of rumours that may make a person lose their credibility, through a computer or computer system, is also reiterated by the legal scholar Cass R. Sunstein, who states that those who publish rumours that can cause serious consequences, either aiming to make some individuals lose their credibility or affecting their personal privacy by false accusations, should deserve criminal sanctions if they publish the information knowing that it is false or without first verifying its accuracy. He emphasizes that for the publication of rumours to be considered a crime, the following elements must be established: a. Evidence proving that the information consists of rumours; b. Demonstration of serious consequences resulting from its publication14.

He further states that anyone who publishes information intended for various individuals on social media should understand the way in which it is published, since immediately such information, including rumours, can be spread to hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people by a simple press of a button15.

libel, reflecting the seriousness with which the law treats the online dissemination of false and defamatory information”. 14 Sunstein, Cass R. Liars: Falsehoods and free speech in an age of deception. Oxford University Press, 2021, page 171 & 172, “For the most harmful and demonstrably false rumors, those destroying reputations and livelihoods through provably false claims about specific individual’s criminal sanctions may be appropriate when speakers know the information is false or act with reckless indifference to its falsity”. He emphasizes that this approach requires proof of actual malice and demonstrable serious harm, a high but appropriate bar for criminal punishment”. 15 Ibid., p. 95, “Any discussion of social fragmentation and online behavior requires an understanding of social cascades—above all because they become

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The scholar further states that the research has shown that correcting rumours deliberately published about a person often does not eliminate the impact suffered; rather, it leads to those who saw or heard the rumours continue believing the rumours published about that person16.

The Court finds that the examples above presented show that, in order to protect a person’s dignity and honour, various countries criminalize the publication of rumours that may make a person lose their credibility, with the aim of respecting, protecting, and safeguarding them17.

Based on the foregoing explanations, the Court finds that the article 39 of the Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 above mentioned, is not inconsistent with the article 38 of the Constitution, because the publication of rumours that may make a person lose their credibility through a computer or a computer system infringes upon a citizen’s right to dignity and honour. Thus, the submission of Ibambe Jean Paul that punishing this offense infringes on the freedom of press, express opinions, and access to information, is unfounded.

more likely when information, including false information, can be spread to hundreds, thousands, or even millions by the simple press of a button”. 16 Ibid., page 46, “Experimental studies show that corrections often fail to eliminate the effects of previously received misinformation...In fact, corrections sometimes increase people's commitments to false statements”. 17 See article 13 of the Constitution, which states that the human person is sacred and inviolable. The State has the obligation to have respect for, protect and defend the human person.

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III. DECISION OF THE COURT

Holds that the petition filed by Ibambe Jean Paul seeking to declare a subparagraph of article 39 of Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 on prevention and punishment of cybercrimes, which provides for the publication of rumours that may make a person lose their credibility through a computer or a computer system, inconsistent with article 38 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, is unfounded.

Holds that the subparagraph of article 39 of Law N0 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 on prevention and punishment of cybercrimes, which provides for the publication of rumours that may make a person lose their credibility through a computer or a computer system, is not inconsistent with the article 38 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda

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PROCEDURAL CASES

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Page 433

47 PROSECUTION v. NIZEYIMANA

PROSECUTION v. NIZEYIMANA [Rwanda COURT OF APPEAL – RS/REV/RP 00002/2024/CA (Rugabirwa, P.J.,) January 30, 2025] Criminal procedure – Case review – In order for a case to be reviewed on the basis of the fact that the case under review was decided on the basis of testimony which was later found or declared to be false, it must be established by a court decision that the testimony previously given and relied on in the case was false and that such testimony was the sole basis upon which the conviction of the person seeking the review was founded. Facts: The person named Nizeyimana Aslam was convicted by the courts of the crime of trafficking heroin, which falls under the category of very severe narcotic drugs, and was sentenced to the imprisonment for a term of fifteen (15) years. He later appealed to the Court of Appeal, which declared the appeal unfounded. Nizeyimana Aslam filed an application seeking the case review, stating that the new evidence he relies on for the review of the case RPAA 00267/2022/CA is the testimony of Niyirema Mohamed, made before the Notary, affirming that he never engaged in the trafficking of heroin, which falls under the category of very severe narcotic drugs, but was merely a consumer thereof. He therefore requested that the judgment should be set aside, the conviction for heroin trafficking should be overturned, and that he should be declared not guilty. The Prosecution argues that Nizeyimana Aslam’s application should not be admitted on the ground that the evidence he refers 47

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to be new, does not contradict the grounds on which the Court based its decision in the case for which a review is being sought. Held: In order for a case to be reviewed on the basis that the case under review was decided on the basis of the fact that the testimony which was later found or declared to be false, it must be established by a court decision that the testimony previously given and relied on in the case was false and that such testimony was the sole basis upon which the conviction of the person seeking the review was founded. Application for the case review is not admitted. Statutes and statutory instruments referred to: Law Nº 027/2019 of 19/09/2019 relating to the criminal procedure, article 197. Case laws referred to: Prosecution v Kaburere, RP 00001/2022/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal, on 6/07/2023. Judgment

BACKGROUND OF THE CASE

In the judgment RPAA 00267/2022/CA rendered on 18/04/2023, this instant Court ruled that the appeal filed by Nizeyimana Aslam was unfounded, and upheld the judgment RPA 00348/2021/HC/KIG rendered by the High Court on

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11/04/2022 and as well sustained the sentence of fifteen (15)1 years’ imprisonment imposed on him for the crime of trafficking heroin, which falls under the category of very severe narcotic drugs.

On 15/06/2023, Nizeyimana Aslam filed a claim before this Court seeking the review of the above-mentioned judgment. The claim was registered under RS/REV/RP 00002/2024/CA. The case was heard in public on 10/01/2025, Nizeyimana Aslam was assisted by Counsel Mukanzigiye Donatille, while the Prosecution was represented by Ntawangundi Béatrice, National Prosecutor.

In their appeal submissions and pleadings, Nizeyimana Aslam and his counsel argue that the new elements of evidence on which he bases his application for the review of case RPAA 00267/2022/CA are the testimony of Niyirema Mohamed, made before the Notary on 29/06/2023, affirming that Nizeyimana Aslam never engaged in the trafficking of heroin, which falls under the category of very severe narcotic drugs, as previously alleged by the same witness under the name Ngabo Ahmed, whose testimony had been relied upon to convict him. However, the new testimony states that Nizeyimana Aslam merely consumed the heroin. They therefore submit that the judgment under review should be set aside and the Court should hold that he did not commit the offence of heroin trafficking and acquit him.

1 In the copy of judgment rendered by the High Court, Nizeyimana Aslam was sentenced to the imprisonment for a term of fifteen (15) years and a fine of 5,000,000Frw.

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The State Attorney submits that Nizeyimana Aslam’s claim should not be admitted on ground that the evidence he claims to be new does not contradict the grounds on which this instant Court based its decision in the judgment for which the review is being sought.

Based on those arguments, the Court finds that the issue to be examined in this case is whether the testimony contained in the statement made by Niyirema Mohamed before the Notary on 29/06/2023 constitutes new and conclusive evidence that could warrant the review of the case RPAA 00267/2022/CA. I.

ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL

ISSUE a. Whether the testimony contained in the statement made by Niyirema Mohamed before the Notary on 29/06/2023 constitutes new and conclusive evidence that could warrant the review of the case RPAA 00267/2022/CA.

Nizeyimana Aslam and his counsel argue that, after the judgment RPAA 00267/2022/CA rendered by this instant Court on 18/04/2023, which sentenced him (Nizeyimana Aslam) to the imprisonment for a term of fifteen (15) years for trafficking heroin, based on false testimony given by Ngabo Ahmed, he later obtained new evidence on which he relies to seek the case review. The new evidence consists of a statement made by Niyirema Mohamed before the Notary on 29/06/2023, stating that Nizeyimana Aslam never engaged in the trafficking of heroin but instead consumed it, as others used it.

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They further state that the reason why Niyirema Mohamed used the name Ngabo Ahmed and incriminated Nizeyimana Aslam of trafficking heroin was that the security officers had promised him that, if he disclosed the names of such drug traffickers, he would be released. However, they did not release him, instead, he was taken to IWAWA. They explain that this evidence is new because Nizeyimana Aslam only obtained it late on 29/06/2023, since Niyirema Mohamed was at IWAWA, and he had never appeared in the case for which a review is being sought.

The State Attorney argues that the claim brought by Nizeyimana Aslam is inadmissible because the evidence he refers to as new, does not meet the requirements stipulated in article 197, paragraph 3° of the Law Nº 027/2019 of 19/09/2019 relating to the criminal procedure, for it to be considered new evidence which could warrant the review of the case RPAA 00267/2022/CA because, at the Investigation Bureau, Ngabo Ahmed incriminated him of trafficking heroin, and at the time the case was adjudicated, he was present. The fact that he later changed his name to Niyirema Mohamed and contradicted himself by saying that Nizeyimana Aslam never trafficked the cannabis, cannot be taken into account, considering the probative value of the testimony he had given before in which he incriminated him of trafficking heroin.

The State Attorney further states that the evidence which Nizeyimana Aslam refers to as new, consisting of the testimony given by Niyirema Mohamed on 29/06/2023, does not contradict the other elements of evidence on which his conviction for trafficking heroin was based as Nizeyimana Aslam was not convicted solely based on the testimony of Ngabo Ahmed, but

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also on the testimony of Mushinzimana Hassan made before the Investigation Bureau, in which he explained that the five (5) pellets found in Nizeyimana Aslam’s possession were intended for sale, since he stated that the heroin found with Nizeyimana Aslam was the one he himself had supplied to him.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

Article 197, subparagraph 4° of Law Nº 027/2019 of 19/09/2019 relating to the criminal procedure provides that “a case can be reviewed due to one of the following grounds: (…) 4° “if the judgment was rendered on the basis of documents, testimonies or oaths which later turn out to be or are subsequently declared false by the court after the judgment”.

In the judgment RP 00001/2022/CA rendered on 06/07/2023, wherein the parties were Prosecution v. Kaburere Gérard, the Court of Appeal explained that the evidence consisting of a document drawn by Nizigiyimana Aline on 16/09/2022 upon which Kaburere Gérard relies in seeking the review of the case RPA 00035/2020/CA, could not serve as a basis for the admissibility of his claim for the case review. This is because what he was required to present, would be a court decision declaring that the testimonies previously given by Nizigiyimana Aline were false, as required under article 197, subparagraph 4° of the above-mentioned Law nº 27/2019.

The Court of Appeal finds that, in other words, the above- mentioned court decision indicates that, in order for a case to be reviewed on the basis that the case under review was decided on the basis of testimony which was later found or declared to be false, it must be established by a court decision that the testimony

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previously given and relied on in the case was false and that such testimony was the sole basis upon which the conviction of the person seeking the review was founded.

The Court of Appeal finds that the evidence Nizeyimana Aslam refers to as new, which he relies upon in requesting the review of case RPAA 00267/2022/CA decided by this instant Court on 18/04/2023, is the testimony contained in the statement made before the Notary by Niyirema Mohamed on 29/06/2023 in which, Niyirema Mohamed affirmed that Nizeyimana Aslam never engaged in the trafficking of heroin, but only consumed it, as the others used it. Nizeyimana Aslam argues that this testimony constitutes a new evidence since he obtained it after the judgment in which the case review is being sought had already been rendered, as Niyirema Mohamed was at IWAWA at that time, and it is a conclusive evidence because it contradicts the false testimony made before the Investigation Bureau when he was known in the name Ngabo Ahmed, who falsely accused him of trafficking heroin, which was not true. He maintains that the reason for such false accusation was that the security officers had promised to Ngabo Ahmed a release if he revealed those engaged in drug trafficking.

Based on Article 197, paragraph 4°, of the above- mentioned Law Nº 027/2019 of 19/09/2019, and the court decision made by this instant Court in the judgment RP 00001/2022/CA rendered on 06/07/2023 mentioned above, since Nizeyimana Aslam did not present a court decision indicating that the testimony previously made before the Investigation Bureau by Ngabo Ahmed, also known as Niyirema Mohamed, in which he accused Nizeyimana Aslam of trafficking heroin, was false, as provided under the paragraph 4° of that article, the Court

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of Appeal finds that the application for the review of the case RPAA 00267/2022/CA, decided by this instant Court on 18/04/2023, filed by Nizeyimana Aslam, should not be admitted for examination since it does not meet the requirements provided under the Law. III. DECISION OF THE COURT

Declares that the application filed by Nizeyimana Aslam seeking the review of the case RPAA 00267/2022/CA, decided by the Court of Appeal on 18/04/2023, is not admitted for examination, as it was lodged in a manner not compliant with the law.

Holds that the judgment RPAA 00267/2022/CA rendered by the Court of Appeal on 18/04/2023, is sustained, and the sentence of imprisonment for a term of fifteen (15) years imposed on Nizeyimana Aslam is maintained2.

Orders that the court fee is borne to the Public Treasury.

2 The Court of Appeal upheld the judgment RPA 00348/2021/HC/KIG rendered by the High Court on 11/04/2022. In that case, the High Court sentenced Nizeyimana Aslam to the imprisonment for a term of fifteen (15) years and a fine of 5,000,000 Frw.

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CASES ON MERIT

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Page 443

57 Re NSABIMANA

LABOUR CASE

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Page 445

59 MUGANGA v HOPITAL LA CROIX DU SUD

MUGANGA v HOPITAL LA CROIX DU SUD [Rwanda COURT OF APPEAL – RS/INJUST/RSOC00002/2021/CA (Munyangeri, P.J., Kamere and Rutazana, J.) December 30, 2024] Labour law – Employment contract – Suspension of employment contract – The fact that an employee is provisionally detained by a competent authority for a period not exceeding six months, and fails to notify his/her employer, but notifies him/her as soon as s/he is released, is not considered a gross misconduct for job desertion, instead, a reasonable ground for the temporary suspension of the employment contract. Facts: Muganga was a nurse at Hôpital La Croix du Sud, under an indefinite employment contract that started on 01/10/2019. She was later fired for the gross misconduct for job desertion, where she claims that she was detained by the Police when she was summoned for the fourth time, because his employer (Hôpital La Croix du Sud) did not allow her to respond to the first three summons. She contends that she was detained on 07/11/2014 and the employer dismissed her on 24/11/2014 despite being aware that her absence was caused by her detention. Hôpital La Croix du Sud contended that the claimant was not unlawfully dismissed, because she was dismissed for the gross misconduct for job desertion, especially that when she was dismissed, it was unaware that she was detained. In the judgment rendered by the Intermediate Court of Nyarugenge, the Court declared the claimant's claim founded in 59

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part, that she was unlawfully dismissed, and ordered the defendant to pay her various dismissal-related damages. The respondent appealed to the High Court, arguing that in the appealed case, the Court held that the claimant was unlawfully dismissed only based on her submissions, yet she was dismissed for the gross misconduct for job desertion, and that it was unaware that she was detained. The claimant defended by insisting that her employer dismissed her being aware that she was detained, as her child told to the court bailiff who brought the letter dismissing her. In the judgment rendered by the High Court, the Court declared the appeal of Hôpital La Croix du Sud founded, the judgment of the appealed judgment was overturned, and ordered Muganga to pay them the costs incurred in the case. The claimant requested that the judgment be reviewed on grounds of injustice, and the Supreme Court ruled that the case be tried by this Court of Appeal, where she explained that the injustice she was subjected to was based on the fact that the High Court ignored the law and elements of evidence by upholding that she was lawfully dismissed from work, alleging that when the respondent dismissed her for job desertion, it did not know her whereabouts, and the fact that she was not granted the claimed damages including unfair dismissal-related damages, for unpaid leave for 2014, for not being given work certificate as well as damages for procedural and advocate fees. The claimant explains that she was unlawfully dismissed because her former employer knew that she was detained for failing to respond to three summons sent by the Police after being denied an authorized absence, so that the Police came to take her at the workplace as if she had disappeared. She also claims that upon

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her release, she personally informed her employer that she had not been to work because she was detained and presented to it a proof despite the employer ignored her statement and continued to treat her as if she had deserted her job. In this injustice related case, the respondent explains that apart from claiming that it was aware that she was detained but ignored it and dismissed her, the claimant failed to provide conclusive elements of evidence. It also states that it only learnt about her detention when the claimant resumed to work and mentioned it, but she had already been dismissed. Held: The fact that an employee is provisionally detained by a competent authority for a period not exceeding six months, and fails to notify his/her employer, but notifies as soon as s/he is released, is not considered a gross misconduct that leads to dismissal, but instead a ground for the temporary suspension of the employment contract. The claim for review of the judgment on grounds of injustice is partially founded. Statutes referred to: Law no 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts, article 55. Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to the civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedure, article 12 and 111. Law no 13/2009 of 27/05/2009 regulating labour in Rwanda, article 25, 29, 32, 33 and 60.

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Cases referred to: Gahire Athanase v Mukarushakiro Gloriose, RS/INJUST/RC00008/2019/SC, decided by the Supreme Court on 12/11/2021. City of Kigali v Ndakengerwa Gasana Aimable, RS/REV/INJUST/RAD00005/2018/SC, decided by the Supreme Court on 15/03/2019. Judgment I. BACKGROUND OF THE CASE

Muganga Eugénie worked for Hôpital La Croix du Sud from 01/10/2009 to 24/11/2014 when she was dismissed from her job as a nurse under an indefinite duration contract. She states that she was summoned to the Police Station three times but each time her employer denied her permission to appear before the Police Station, until on 17/11/2014 when she honoured the fourth summons, and the Police immediately arrested and detained her because she had not honoured the three previous summons.

She explains that as soon as the management of Hôpital La Croix du Sud learnt that she was detained, it immediately terminated the employment contract, because two (2) weeks after she was released, she found at home a letter of 24/11/2014 terminating the contract on the grounds that she had deserted her job, yet she never deserted it because she was detained and her employer was aware of it, such fact prompted her to file a case before the Intermediate Court of Nyarugenge seeking various damages resulting from that dismissal.

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Hôpital La Croix du Sud contended that Muganga Eugénie was not unlawfully dismissed, because she was dismissed for the gross misconduct of job desertion, especially since by the time she was dismissed, Hôpital La Croix du Sud never knew that she was detained.

In the case RSOC00318/2017/TGI/NYGE decided by the Intermediate Court of Nyarugenge on 25/05/2018, the Court, based on articles 29, 32, and 33 of Law No 13/2009 of 27/05/2009 regulating labour in Rwanda (the law which was in force at the time when Muganga Eugénie was dismissed), and article 12 of Law No 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to the civil, commercial, labour, and administrative procedure, declared that the case of Muganga Eugénie was partially well-founded, and ordered Hôpital La Croix du Sud to pay to Muganga Eugénie 2,326,780 Frw for various damages and to refund her 50,000 Frw for deposited court fee.

Hôpital La Croix du Sud appealed against that judgment before the High Court, alleging that the Intermediate Court had ruled that Muganga Eugénie was unlawfully dismissed as a result of job desertion while she had been detained, and Hôpital La Croix du Sud was aware of that fact, but it proceeded to dismiss her. The judgment was based on the arguments of Muganga Eugénie, in which she stated that when the court bailiff came to her home to notify her the gross misconduct for job desertion and the letter terminating the employment contract, her child informed the court bailiff that her mother had been detained.

It submits that, in making that decision, the Court ignored the fact that there was no evidence proving that the court bailiff had informed Hôpital La Croix du Sud that Muganga Eugénie was detained and therefore, the Court would not have based on

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unsubstantiated submissions to conclude that Hôpital La Croix du Sud dismissed Muganga Eugénie while being fully aware of her detention, or declared that she did not desert her job but instead, the Court would have upheld its arguments that Muganga Eugénie was dismissed for gross misconduct for job desertion since she had been absent from work for more than two (2) days without informing the employer of her whereabouts while according to Hôpital La Croix du Sud internal regulations, being absent from work for two days without permission constitutes gross misconduct.

In her defense, Muganga Eugénie reiterated that Hôpital La Croix du Sud dismissed her while fully aware that she had been detained, since her child had informed the court bailiff of her detention.

In the case RSOCA00157/2018/HC/KIG decided by the High Court on 26/04/2019, the Court, basing on article 25 and 60 of Law n0 13/2009 of 27/05/2009 mentioned above, and articles 83(b) and 84(b) of the internal regulations governing the functioning of Hôpital La Croix du Sud, declared the appeal of Hôpital La Croix du Sud founded, overturned the judgment of the lower Court and held that Muganga Eugénie was not unlawfully dismissed. The Court ordered to Muganga Eugénie to pay Hôpital to La Croix du Sud 1,000,000 Frw for advocate and procedural fees.

Muganga Eugénie applied for the review of the judgment RSOCA00157/2018/HC/KIG on grounds of injustice. In decision n0 231/CJ/2021 of 30/09/2023, the President of the Supreme Court granted the request and referred the case to the Court of Appeal for hearing. The case was registered under n0 RS/INJUST/RSOC00002/2021/CA.

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The case was heard in public on 04/12/2024, Muganga Eugénie was assisted by Counsel Niyibizi Diogène, while Hôpital La Croix du Sud was represented by Counsel Muhozi Paulin; the hearing was closed, and its pronouncement was scheduled for 20/12/2024 but was postponed on 30/12/2024.

In their pleadings and submissions, Muganga Eugénie and her counsel argued that the judgment under review denotes injustice based on the fact that the High Court ignored the law and the evidence and held that her dismissal was lawful stating that when Hôpital La Croix du Sud dismissed her on grounds of job desertion, the Hospital actually did not knew her whereabouts and the fact that the High Court did not grant her the damages she had claimed, including damages for unlawful dismissal, unpaid annual leave for the year 2014, damages for failure to issue her a work certificate, as well as procedural and advocate fees. Counsel for Hôpital La Croix du Sud states that no injustice was committed against Muganga Eugénie, as she had been absent from work without providing any justification. Upon realizing that she was not reporting to work, Hôpital La Croix du Sud decided on 24/11/2014 to terminate her employment contract. At the time of her dismissal, the employer had not been informed that she was detained and therefore should not be entitled to claimed damages, instead, Hôpital La Croix du Sud should be entitled to procedural and advocate fees.

Based on these arguments, the legal issues to be analysed are the following: - Whether Muganga Eugénie was unlawfully dismissed; - Whether Muganga Eugénie is entitled to various claimed damages arising from unlawful dismissal;

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- Matters relating to the procedural and counsel’s fees claimed by both parties. II. ANALYSIS OF LEGAL ISSUES i. Whether Muganga Eugénie was unlawfully dismissed

Muganga Eugénie and her Counsel argue that she was unlawfully dismissed as a result of job desertion, yet she never did, instead she was detained and her employer was fully aware of it, because, when she was denied the permissions to honour the summons three times at the Police station, Police officers in their work uniforms visited her workplace as if she was absent and told them that she would have to appear the following morning after work. Consequently, on the morning of November 17, 2014, she honoured the summons and was immediately detained, which means that her employer was also fully aware of her whereabouts.

They also state that an employee named Antoinette, who had spent the night with Muganga Eugénie the day before her detention, talked to the Police officers who came to see her and even visited her at the detention facility, she told her that a staff meeting had taken place, after which Hôpital La Croix du Sud sent someone to verify whether she was indeed detained. Consequently, the dismissal letters were sent to her home by a court bailiff after Hôpital La Croix du Sud had confirmed that she would not report to work due to her detention and her child, who was at her home, informed the court bailiff that her mother was detained. They argue that, there is no clear evidence to prove that the child informed the court bailiff, but in the discretionary power of the Court, it should determine that it is unlikely that an

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employee would be absent from work while his/her employer is unware of his/her situation or does not attempt to find out the reason for absence.

They further state that as soon as Muganga Eugénie was released, she herself informed her employer that she would not be reporting to work because she had been detained, and she presented supporting elements of evidence, however, her employer disregarded such fact and continued to treat her as if she had deserted her job.

They also argue that although Muganga Eugénie was dismissed while she was detained, and the fact that the dismissal letter was written on 21/11/2014 shows that the decision was taken before the two (2) days provided by the internal regulations of Hôpital La Croix du Sud for an employee to be considered having deserted his/her job, because the days from 17 to 21 November 2014 were considered as days off, and they do not understand how the employee could be considered having deserted her job while she was also on leave during those days prior to the decision terminating her employment contract. During the hearing, the Court asked to Counsel Niyibizi Diogène and her client whether the issue of Muganga Eugénie being dismissed while on days off had been raised in this case in previous courts, and they responded that they did not raise such issue.

The Counsel for Hôpital La Croix du Sud argues that apart from the fact that Muganga Eugénie claims that her employer knew that she was detained but also ignored it and dismissed her, she does not provide any conclusive elements of evidence, and the information provided by her child to the court bailiff, the latter did not report it to Hôpital La Croix du Sud. He avers that Hôpital La Croix du Sud only learned about her imprisonment after the

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release of Muganga Eugénie, she returned to work and indicated that she was detained, but she realized that she had already been dismissed.

Regarding the claim that Muganga Eugénie was unlawfully dismissed while she was on days off, the Counsel argues that she should not raise this issue for the first time during the hearing of the case under review on grounds of injustice, since she never presented it for consideration either before the Office of Ombudsman or in any of the lower Courts.

Article 55, paragraph 2° of Law n0 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of courts provides the grounds on which a case may be reviewed on grounds of injustice, including whether the judgment was rendered in disregard of laws or elements of evidence that are clear to everyone. This means that, in explaining the basis of their alleged injustice, the parties present elements of evidence or legal provisions that were presented before the court in the case under review but were disregarded which would have been beneficial to them. This means that as regards the issues not considered, viz the issues not raised by a party before the judge for consideration, a party cannot later pretend that he/she wronged him/her1.

The Court finds that, in the case sought for review on grounds of injustice, the issue concerning the dismissal of Muganga Eugénie while she was on days off was never raised by the parties. This is further confirmed by the submissions of both parties before this Court, where Hôpital La Croix du Sud stated

1This was explained by the Supreme Court in the case RS/INJUST/RC00008/2019/SC, decided on November 12, 2021, Gahire Athanase vs. Mukarushakiro Gloriose.

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that Muganga Eugénie never raised that issue before the lower Courts, and Muganga Eugénie and her Counsel also acknowledged it. Therefore, Muganga Eugénie cannot claim to have been subjected to injustice on the issue that was never raised before the Court for consideration based on article 55 mentioned above; for that reason, this ground of injustice should not be considered. ii. Regarding the issue that Muganga Eugénie was dismissed on ground of job desertion while she was detained

Article 25, paragraph 7, of Law n0 13/2009 of 27/05/2009 regulating labour in Rwanda (the law which was in force at the time Muganga Eugénie was dismissed) provides that an employment contract shall be suspended when the employee is held under provisional detention for a period not exceeding six (6) months.

Whether an employee may be dismissed for job desertion while the employer claims that during the period of alleged job desertion, the employee was in detention and unable to inform the employer, rather he/she informed the employer just after his/her release, the Supreme Court, basing on the legal provision mentioned above, analysed and addressed this issue in the case RS/REV/INJUST/RAD00005/2018/SC decided on 15/03/2019, in the City of Kigali v. Ndakengerwa Gasana Aimable, especially in paragraph 24 of that judgment, the Court found that the seven- day period during which Ndakengerwa Gasana Aimable was absent from work (from 4/09/2015 to 11/09/2015) corresponded to the time he was detained by the Police and he immediately informed his employer just after his release, the Court concluded that the fault of job desertion, which was among the grounds for

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his dismissal, could not be upheld against him “because he could not report to work while being detained by a competent authority”.

The case file contains a statement of 17/11/2014 indicating that, as of that date, Muganga Eugénie was detained at Remera Police Station. A letter from Hôpital La Croix du Sud of 21/11/2014 indicates that Muganga Eugénie was accused of committing a gross misconduct for job desertion starting from 17/11/2014, which was the reason for her dismissal. The dismissal letter was delivered to her residence by a court bailiff on 24/11/2014, while she was absent.

In the judgment RSOCA00157/2018/HC/KIG under review on grounds of injustice, the High Court found that Hôpital La Croix du Sud did not deny that during the entire period Muganga Eugénie was absent from work, she was detained. However, the Court noted that the issue was that the employer terminated the employment contract without having been informed that she was detained. Therefore, in paragraph 12 of that judgment, basing on the fact that Muganga Eugénie did not provide any evidence to prove that, while she was detained, she had informed her employer that her absence from work was due to her detention, or any evidence proving that she was unable to find someone to inform her employer on her behalf, the High Court concluded that her employer lawfully dismissed her since the termination occurred before the employer was informed of her detention.

The Court finds that, regardless of the various arguments presented by Muganga Eugénie that her employer was informed during her detention, and considering only that both parties agree that upon her release, Muganga Eugénie immediately reported to

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work and informed her employer that she had been absent from work because due to detention, the circumstances of Muganga Eugénie are exactly similar to those of Ndakengerwa Gasana Aimable in the aforementioned case against the City of Kigali.

The Court finds that, as in the case of Ndakengerwa Gasana Aimable, the undisputed issue is that the absence of Muganga Eugénie from work occurred while she was detained, and that she informed her employer, Hôpital La Croix du Sud, just after her release. Therefore, just as the Supreme Court held in the case of Ndakengerwa Gasana Aimable that the fault for job desertion for which he had been dismissed could not be attributed to him during the period of his detention he could not inform his employer of the circumstances, the Court similarly finds that, in this case, the High Court should not have held Muganga Eugénie responsible for the gross misconduct for job desertion during the period she was absent from work, as her absence was due to detention and she was only able to inform her employer after her release.

The Court finds that, however Hôpital La Croix du Sud argues that it dismissed Muganga Eugénie without knowing that she was detained, and the High Court relied on this to declare that she was lawfully dismissed for job desertion, by the time she informed her employer that she was under provisional detention pending investigation for the offences by the competent authority which is also a ground for the suspension of an employment contract as provided under the provision of law mentioned above, the employer should no longer have treated her as having deserted her job as it was aware that she was detained. Therefore, by continuing to treat her in that manner, instead of complying with the law applicable to a person under detention, and persisting

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with the decision to dismiss her for the gross misconduct for job desertion, the Court finds that it is clear that Muganga Eugénie was unlawfully dismissed based on the above-mentioned position set by the Supreme Court in a similar case; therefore, such constitutes injustice that occurred in the judgment under review. iii. Whether Muganga Eugénie is entitled to the various claimed damages resulting from the alleged unfair dismissal

The Counsel for Muganga Eugénie argues that, as she was unfairly dismissed, she seeks damages equivalent to six (6) months of her salary, explaining that she was paid 285,000 Frw per month, meaning that the claimed damages amount to 1,710,000 Frw (285,000 Frw x 6 months).

He also states that in 2014 when Muganga Eugénie was dismissed, she was not granted the leave she was entitled to, and therefore, she is seeking damages equal to her one-month salary of 285,000 Frw. He explains that although Hôpital La Croix du Sud included in the case file a final settlement and a cheque to prove that the funds were received, the cheque was never delivered to Muganga Eugénie, and the money was not deposited on her account. Hôpital La Croix du Sud should provide evidence proving that the money actually reached her, and that if it could provide evidence, such as a bank statement showing where the money was transferred from Hôpital La Croix du Sud to Muganga Eugénie, which would be admitted without reopening the case for examining that evidence.

In his submissions, the Counsel for Muganga Eugénie also stated that she was seeking damages for failure of Hôpital La Croix du Sud to issue a work certificate.

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The Counsel for Hôpital la Croix du Sud argues that the damages for unlawful dismissal is unfounded, because Muganga Eugénie was dismissed for her gross misconduct for job desertion.

He argues that the damages for the 2014 annual leave is unfounded, as Muganga Eugénie received it as indicated in her final statement and the cheque for payment attached to the case file in IECMS. He adds that he believes that there is no longer any issue with regard to this amount because in previous courts, Muganga Eugénie never contended that she did not receive it.

He argues that, regarding the damages arising from the failure to issue a work certificate, constitutes a new claim and, therefore it should not be examined for the first time at the first level in the hearing of the judgment on grounds of injustice.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT a. Regarding damages resulting from unlawful dismissal

Article 33 of Law n0 13/2009 of 27/05/2009 mentioned above provides as follows: any unlawful termination of contract may give rise to damages. The damages paid to the unlawfully dismissed worker cannot go below his/her three months’ salary but they cannot exceed the six (6) - month salary.

The Court finds that the damages arising from unlawful dismissal requested by Muganga Eugénie should be granted as requested, which means that she is entitled to damages of Frw 285,000 x 6 months = 1,710,000 Frw, based on the provisions of

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the Law mentioned above and upon which this Court relied in many other similar cases, the amount of damages requested is appropriate for an employee who was dismissed from a job she had held for about five (5) years. b. Annual leave compensation indemnity

As mentioned above, article 55, 2o of Law No 30/2018 of 02/06/2018 determining the jurisdiction of the courts provides that in explaining the grounds of their injustice, the parties may refer to evidence or laws that were presented to the court in the judgment under review and disregarded and that would have been beneficial to them. This means that as regards the issues not considered, viz the issues not raised by a party before the judge for consideration, a party cannot later pretend that he/she wronged him/her.

The case file indicates that before the Intermediate Court of Nyarugenge, Muganga Eugénie sought various damages arising from her unlawful dismissal, including compensation for unpaid leave that she had not been granted in 2014. Noting that the case file contained a final settlement and a cheque showing that Muganga Eugénie had already received the payment, the Intermediate Court held that she had indeed received it and should not be compensated for it again.

The case file indicates that, when Hôpital La Croix du Sud appealed against the judgment before the High Court, requesting that the judgment be overturned on the grounds that Muganga Eugénie had been lawfully dismissed, Muganga Eugénie responded that the appeal was unfounded and she also filed a cross-appeal, requesting only to be awarded advocate and procedural fees, she concluded by requesting the High Court to

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only overturn the appealed judgment with respect to advocate and procedural fees.

Basing on the foregoing elements contained in the case file, the Court finds that the Intermediate Court, in ruling that Muganga Eugénie was not entitled to damages of her 2014 annual leave, based on the fact that the case file contained evidence proving that she had already received that payment, namely the final settlement and the cheque.

The Court finds that Muganga Eugénie did not appeal against that decision before the High Court contending that the money had neither been deposited on her account nor received the cheque. Instead, she only requested that the judgment of the Intermediate Court be modified with respect to advocate and procedural fees. Therefore, the Court finds that, since she did not raise those issues in the previous proceedings, she should not claim to have been wronged and seek their reconsideration at this stage. c. Regarding damages resulting from failure to issue work certificate

Regarding the damages resulting from work certificate that Muganga Eugénie alleges to have not been granted, the Court finds that during the hearing, both parties agreed with the Court that this issue had never been raised in the previous courts, as Muganga Eugénie had never raised it. It was therefore agreed that this matter would not be examined at this level.

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d. Regarding the advocate and procedural fees claimed by both parties

Muganga Eugénie and her counsel argue that she was dragged into unnecessary lawsuits and therefore requests 1,500,000 Frw for advocate fee for all instances, and 200,000 Frw for procedural fee.

The Counsel for Hôpital La Croix du Sud contends that it was Muganga Eugénie herself who dragged herself into unnecessary lawsuits, fully aware that she had been lawfully dismissed and therefore she is not entitled to the damages she is claiming, instead, he requests that Muganga Eugénie should be ordered to pay 1,500,000 Frw for advocate fee and 200,000 for procedural fee, in addition to the damages granted by the High Court.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

Article 111 of Law Nº 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to the civil, commercial, labour, and administrative procedure provides as follows: the claim for representation fees is an incidental claim to the principal claim aiming to repay expenses incurred during judicial proceedings. The claim for legal costs is adjudicated at the same time with the principal claim. It can also be admitted and adjudicated even if the principal claim has not been admitted.

The Court finds that the advocate and procedural fees claimed by Muganga Eugénie are justified, since this case required her to hire a lawyer to assist her at this level as well as the previous two instances. The Court also finds that the advocate

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fee of 1,500,000 Frw claimed for the three levels are appropriate, calculated at 500,000 Frw for each level, and that 200,000 Frw claimed as procedural fee for all three levels are justified.

Regarding the advocate and procedural fees claimed by Hôpital La Croix du Sud, the Court finds that they are unfounded, as Hôpital La Croix du Sud has lost the case on the principal claim. III. DECISION OF THE COURT

Holds that the claim filed by Muganga Eugénie seeking the review of the judgment RSOCA00157/2018/HC/KIG on grounds of injustice, which was rendered by the High Court on 26/04/2019, is partially founded.

Holds that Hôpital La Croix du Sud unlawfully dismissed Muganga Eugénie.

Orders to Hôpital La Croix du Sud to pay to Muganga Eugénie a total amount of three million four hundred ten thousand Rwandan francs (Frw 3,410,000), including 1,710,000 Frw as damages for unlawful dismissal, 1,500,000 Frw as advocate fee, and 200,000 Frw as procedural fee at all levels.

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Page 465

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CIVIL CASES

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81 RADIANT INSURANCE COMPANY LTD v. TUYIGANE

RADIANT INSURANCE COMPANY LTD v. TUYIGANE [Rwanda SUPREME COURT – RS/INJUST/RC 00004/2024/SC, (Cyanzayire, P.J., Kalihangabo and Kazungu, J.) April 25, 2025] Civil law – Insurance policy – The right to recovery action – The right to recovery action cannot exist if the insured proves that the damage was caused by a third party, and that it occurred without his/her knowledge or that the person who caused it acted in violation of his/her instructions. Civil law – Insurance policy – The right to subrogatory action – After compensating the insured who suffered the loss, the insurer has the right to pursue the person responsible for the accident in place of the insured, but only within the limits of the amount paid in compensation. Facts: This case arises from an accident that occurred on March 15, 2020, involving a TVS Victor motorcycle with plate number RD 715 R, registered under the name of Tuyigane Jean Paul but who lent it to Ndyibingoye Jean Paul. The latter collided with another TVS Victor motorcycle bearing plate number RD 335 E, which was being ridden by Nyamwasa François, resulting in injury to Uwabakurikiza Théoneste, who was a passenger on that motorcycle and sustained a leg fracture. The investigation carried out by the Traffic Police revealed that the cause of the accident was the motorcycle belonging to Tuyigane Jean Paul, as Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, who was riding it, was under the influence of alcohol. Uwabakurikiza Théoneste (who was injured in the accident) wrote to Radiant Insurance Company Ltd (hereinafter 81

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referred to as Radiant in this case), which had insured the motorcycle that caused the accident, requesting an amicable settlement and damages for the injuries sustained. Both parties agreed that Uwabakurikiza Théoneste would be paid Frw 2,820,350, and on January 5, 2021, he signed to acknowledge receipt of the amount by cheque. Subsequently, Radiant wrote to Tuyigane Jean Paul, informing him that he should be held liable for the fault committed by the person who was riding his motorcycle and caused the accident. The company also requested him to reimburse Frw 2,820,350 paid to the victim of the accident. However, he declined, prompting Radiant to file a lawsuit before the Intermediate Court of Gasabo, seeking an order compelling him to pay the said amount along with 18% interest. The Intermediate Court of Gasabo found that there was no evidence proving that the fact that Tuyigane Jean Paul had lent his motorcycle Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, who was riding it under the influence of alcohol, was in breach of the agreement between Radiant and Tuyigane Jean Paul such that he should be held liable for the faults committed by Ndyibingoye Jean Paul. The court declared Radiant’s claim unfounded and ruled that Tuyigane Jean Paul should not reimburse Frw 2,820,350 and the interest arising from it. Radiant appealed to the High Court, arguing that the Intermediate Court of Gasabo erred in its

judgment solely based on the insurance policy Radiant had entered into with Tuyigane Jean Paul, while disregarding the fact that such a contract does not exclude the provisions of article 11 of Law-Decree n° 32/75 of 07 August 1975 on compulsory civil liability insurance with regard to automotive vehicles; It has the right to be reimbursed by Tuyigane Jean Paul for the amount it paid to the person injured in the accident, because it is not liable for liability arising from intentional

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or deliberate faults committed by the insured when he lent his motorcycle to Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, who then rode it under influence of alcohol which caused the accident. Furthermore, article 25 of the insurance contract concluded between Radiant and Tuyigane Jean Paul provides that the insured shall not be covered for intentional faults committed by the insured. The High Court found that the insurance policy between Radiant and the motorcycle owner did not contain any provision prohibiting the lending or leasing of the motorcycle. It further held that there is no legal provision granting Radiant the right to recover the amount it had paid, since the owner of the motor vehicle had not instructed the person who caused the accident to do so, and therefore did not commit intentional fault. The Court thus concluded that Radiant’s appeal was unfounded and ruled that Tuyigane Jean Paul was not required to refund any money, thereby upholding the decision of the Intermediate Court of Gasabo in its entirety. Radiant wrote to the President of the Court of Appeal, requesting a review of case n0 RCA 00018/2022/HC/KIG, which had been decided by the High Court on June 29, 2023, on grounds of injustice, arguing that they could not pursue Ndyibingoye Jean Paul (the person to whom the motorcycle had been lent and who caused the accident) because there was no contractual relationship between

them, therefore chose to take action against the person with whom they had entered into the contract, namely the owner of the motorcycle, Tuyigane Jean Paul. Radiant requested the Court to order him to refund the amount paid, asserting that it had not insured the faults committed by the person who had borrowed the motorcycle. Radiant further argues that it has the right to recovery action against the insured or the insured when it becomes necessary to compensate for losses caused by an accident.

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Held: 1. The right to recovery action cannot exist if the insured proves that the damage was caused by a third party, and that it occurred without his/her knowledge or that the person who caused it acted in breach of his/her instructions.

2. After compensating the insured who suffered the loss, the insurer has the right to pursue the person responsible for the accident in place of the insured, but only within the limits of the amount paid in compensation. The case lacks merit. Statutes and statutory instruments referred to: Law- Decree n° 32/75 of 07 August 1975 on compulsory civil liability insurance with regard to automotive vehicles, article 11. No caselaws referred to. Judgment I.

BACKGROUND OF THE

CASE

This case arises from an accident that occurred on March 15, 2020, in Gicikiza Village, Kagugu Cell, Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District, City of Kigali. It involved a TVS Victor motorcycle with plate number RD 715 R, registered under Tuyigane Jean Paul but lent to Ndyibingoye Jean Paul. The latter collided with another TVS Victor motorcycle bearing plate number RD 335 E, which was being ridden by Nyamwasa François, resulting in injury to Uwabakurikiza Théoneste, who was a passenger on that motorcycle and sustained a leg fracture.

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The investigation conducted by the Traffic Police revealed that the cause of the accident was the motorcycle belonging to Tuyigane Jean Paul, as its rider, Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, was under the influence of alcohol. Tests’ results showed that his blood alcohol concentration was 2.34.

Uwabakurikiza Théoneste wrote to Radiant Insurance Company Ltd (hereinafter referred to as “Radiant” in this case), which had insured the motorcycle that caused the accident, requesting an amicable settlement and compensation for the damages resulting from the accident. Both parties agreed that Uwabakurikiza Théoneste would be paid Frw 2,820,350; consequently, on January 5, 2021, he signed to acknowledge receipt of the amount by cheque.

Radiant wrote to Tuyigane Jean Paul informing him that he should be held liable for the fault committed by the person who was riding his motorcycle and caused the accident. The company also requested him to reimburse the amount of Frw 2,820,350 that had been paid to the person injured in the accident.

Tuyigane Jean Paul did not reimburse the requested amount, which led RADIANT, on June 17, 2021, to file a lawsuit before the Intermediate Court of Gasabo, requesting the court to order Tuyigane Jean Paul to pay Frw 2,820,350 as damages arising from the accident that had been paid to Uwabakurikiza Théoneste, together with 18% interest, procedural fees and counsel’s fees. Tuyigane Jean Paul did not respond to the claims brought against him.

During the hearing held on November 11, 2021, the Intermediate Court of Gasabo stated that Tuyigane Jean Paul would be tried in absentia, as he had been duly notified in accordance with the law.

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In the case n0 RC00255/2021/TGI/GSBO, decided on December 3, 2021, the Intermediate Court of Gasabo found that there was no evidence proving that Tuyigane Jean Paul’s act of lending his motorcycle to Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, who then rode it under the influence of alcohol, was in violation of the insurance contract between Radiant and Tuyigane Jean Paul to make him liable for the fault committed by Ndyibingoye Jean Paul.

The court concluded that Radiant’s claim was unfounded and declared that Tuyigane Jean Paul was not required to reimburse Radiant the amount of Frw 2,820,350 and the 18% of interest thereon. The court further held that Radiant was not entitled to procedural and counsel’s fees since the principal claim lacks merit.

Radiant appealed to the High Court arguing that: a. The Intermediate Court of Gasabo erred in rendering its judgment solely based on the insurance policy concluded between Tuyigane Jean Paul, ignoring the fact that such a contract does not supersede the provisions of article 111 of Law-Decree nº 32/75 of 07 August 1975 on compulsory civil liability insurance; b. It has the right to claim reimbursement from Tuyigane Jean Paul for the amount paid to the person injured in the accident, because it does not cover liability arising from intentional fault committed by the insured, who lent the motorcycle to Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, and the latter drove it under the influence of alcohol, which caused the accident;

1 That article provides that ‘The insurer may reserve the right to recovery action or subrogatory action in case the law or the insurance contract permits the insurer to refuse or reduce the obligations.”

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c. Article 25 of the contract between Radiant and Tuyigane Jean Paul provides that the insurer is not liable for intentional faults committed by the insured.

Tuyigane Jean Paul did not submit the defense submissions before the High Court and did not appear for the hearing; consequently, the case was heard in absentia.

In the case RCA 00018/2022/HC/KIG decided on 29 June 2023, the High Court found that in the insurance policy concluded between Radiant and the owner of the motorcycle, there was no provision prohibiting lending or renting out the motorcycle. The Court further found that neither that clause nor article 11 of Law Nº 32/75 of 07/08/1975 mentioned above, grants Radiant the right to recover the compensation paid, since Tuyigane Jean Paul did not instruct Ndyibingoye Jean Paul to cause the accident and did not commit any intentional fault.

The Court declared the the appeal filed by Radiant unfounded and held that Tuyigane Jean Paul is not required to reimburse any money to Radiant, ordered that the judgment rendered by the Intermediate Court of Gasabo in case RC 00252/2021/TGI/GSBO on 3 December 2021 remain unchanged.

On 25 July 2023, Radiant wrote to the President of the Court of Appeal requesting the review of the case RCA 00018/2022/HC/KIG, which had been decided by the High Court on 29 June 2023, on grounds of injustice. After examining the request, the President of the Court of Appeal wrote to the President of the Supreme Court requesting that the case be retried. In decision Nº 058/CJ/2024 of 3 May 2024, it was approved that the case should be transferred to the Registry of the Supreme Court for rehearing.

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The public hearing was held on 5 February 2025, with Radiant represented by Counsel Mudahogora Angelique, while Tuyigane Jean Paul did not appear and did not present submissions. However, the case file contains the document from the Court Registry indicating that the defendant had been summoned and reminded several times to inform the Court of his legal counsel, in case he failed to do so, he presents to the court a certificate of indigence so that he could be provided with legal assistance, but he stated that he was unable to obtain the legal counsel and also such certificate because given the social category (“ubudehe”) to which he belongs, the defendant does not qualify him for such assistance.

Based on the report prepared by the Court Registry and the summons addressed to Tuyigane Jean Paul to appear at the pre-trial conference scheduled for 12 December 2024 at 2:00 p.m., which shows that he received and signed it on 25 October 2024 at 6:30 p.m., the Court ruled in bench that Tuyigane Jean Paul’s conduct demonstrated that his failure to appear was intentional. The Court therefore decided that the case would proceed in absentia, as he had been duly notified in accordance with the law.

The Court proceeded with the hearing by examining the following issues: i. Whether Tuyigane Jean Paul should be ordered to reimburse Radiant Frw 2,820,350 paid to Uwabakurikiza Théoneste; ii. Whether Tuyigane Jean Paul should be ordered to pay Radiant interest of 18% on the amount of 2,820,350 paid.; iii. Whether the damages claimed in this instant case are relevant.

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II.

ANALYSIS OF LEGAL ISSUES II.1. Whether Tuyigane Jean Paul should be ordered to reimburse RADIANT 2,820,350 RW paid to Uwabakurikiza Théoneste

Counsel Mudahogora Angelique, representing RADIANT, stated that the report of the Traffic Police Department of 25/04/2020 shows that the accident caused by the motorcycle belonging to Tuyigane Jean Paul which was ridden by Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, who was under influence of alcohol. She argued that Tuyigane Jean Paul should be held liable for these faults and requested that the Court should order him to refund the money paid, since RADIANT did not assume responsibility for the faults committed by the person who borrowed the motorcycle.

She explained that the reason Radiant is not pursuing Ndyibingoye Jean Paul is that there was no contract between them, and they chose instead to pursue the person with whom they had a contractual agreement as provided in article 25, subparagraph 6 of the General Rules.

She concluded on this issue by stating that the High Court ignored the faults committed by Tuyigane Jean Paul when it ruled that he should not be ordered to refund Frw 2,820,350 paid to Uwabakurikiza Theoneste. The company considers this a serious injustice and therefore requests the Supreme Court to correct this error and declare that Tuyigane Jean Paul should reimburse the said amount in accordance with article 11 of Decree-Law n0 32/75 of 07 August 1975 on compulsory civil liability for motor vehicle insurance, and article 32 of Decree-Law n0 20/75 of 20 June 1975 relating to insurance in its first paragraph.

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DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

Article 11 of Decree-Law Nº 32/75 of 07 August 1975 on compulsory civil liability for motor vehicle insurance provides the following : “No expired ground, reserved or no longer applicable by law or contract, may be invoked by the insurer against the injured party. The insurer may reserve the right to take recourse against the person who entered into the insurance contract or, if necessary, against the insured who is not the contracting party in case the law or the insurance contract allows the insurer to refuse or reduce its obligation”.

Article 32, paragraph 1, of Decree-Law N°20/75 of 20 June 1975 relating to insurance provides that: “The insurer who has paid compensation under the insurance policy, subrogates the insured to the extent of the compensation paid, to the right to get back reimbursement from other at-fault parties”.

Counsel for Radiant stated that her argument is based on the two aforementioned provisions, which address different matters: whereby article 11 refers to the right to recovery action, whereas article 32 concerns the right to subrogatory action. Before determining the rights that Radiant holds on this matter, it is necessary to first clarify the meaning of both rights. The right to recovery action

This refers to the right of the insurer to take action against the insured or the policyholder when it becomes necessary to compensate them for losses caused by an accident while the insurer would not be held accountable2 in

2 "L'assureur peut, dans la mesure où il aurait pu refuser ou réduire ses prestations suivant la loi ou le contrat d'assurance, se réserver un droit

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accordance with the law or the terms of the contract3 they have concluded, and the insurer cannot refuse to compensate the victim4. This right is exercised only in very limited circumstances so as not to undermine the purpose of insurance. That is why this right applies only in circumstances provided by law and in relation to acts that are excluded from insurance coverage, which the insurer cannot invoke as a ground to refuse compensating the victim5. Such acts include those committed intentionally by

de recours contre le preneur d'assurance et, s'il y a lieu, contre l'assuré autre que le preneur d'assurance, à concurrence de la part de responsabilité incombant personnellement à l'assuré; Bruno PIERARD: Les recours de l'assureur dans les différents contrats d’assurance; Travail de Fin d’Etudes en vue de l'obtention du titre de Bachelier en Droit, Année académique 2021-2022, p 20. chromeextension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://biblio.he lmo.be/opac_css/doc_num.php? explnum_id=19645 3 “Le recours a une nature contractuelle” Catherine Paris, Manuel de droit des assurances, Collection de la Faculté de droit de l’Université de Liège, Editions Larcier, 2021, para 442 4 « Un procédé technique spécifique à l’assurance de la responsabilité civile, destiné à rétablir l’équilibre contractuel. Elle « sanctionne […] un manquement contractuel imputable au preneur ou à un autre assuré, manquement que l’assureur n’a pu en vertu de la loi opposer à la victime. Elle constitue à ce titre un contrepoids de principe de l’inopposabilité des exceptions. L’action récursoire s’identifie alors, dans les assurances de responsabilité, comme une action en remboursement de l’assureur contre son propre assuré »; Martin LEJEUNE, Action récursoire de l’assureur à l’encontre de l’assuré: au-delà de l’assurance responsabilité? Travail écrit de fin d’études Master en droit à finalité spécialisée en

droit privé, Année académique 2023-2024. Recherche menée sous la direction de Madame Catherine Paris, Professeur, Liège Université. P.10 Chrome- extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://matheo.uliege.b e/bitstream/2268.2/19702/4/TFE%20-%20Martin%20LEJEUNE%20- %20S190628.pdf 5 “Il faut noter l’art. R211-13-4o C. assur. qui prévoit ques les exclusions de guarantie qui peuvent être stipulés dans les contrats d’assurance de responsabilité civile automobile sont inopposables aux victimes

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the insured or the policyholder, such as providing false information when subscribing to the insurance6 or, during the time of the accident which should result in inadequate or inappropriate insurance coverage in relation to the risks insured, the fact that insured subscribes to the inadequate insurance coverage, it also includes cases where the vehicle was driven by someone below the legally required age, or by someone without a valid driving license7, or by a person under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication, or any other psychotropic substances impairing their ability to drive8.

d’accidents de la circulation: (…)” Yvonne Lambert-Faivre et Laurent Laveneur, Droit des assurances, Editions DALLOZ, 14è éd., P.352 6 “Lorsque l’assureur n’a pas pu opposer une exception a la victime, l’article 152 de la loi de 2014 lui permet d’exercer un recourse en remboursement de ses débours contre le preneur d’assurance et, le cas échéant, contre l’assuré autre que le preneur. Dans certaines situations c’est le preneur d’assurance qui est l’auteur du manquement, par example en cas d’ommission ou d’inextactitude dans la déclaration du risque préalablement à la conclusion du contrat; c’est donc lui qui sera le destinataire du recours. Dans d’autres hypothèses, le manquement, cause du l’exception inopposable à la victime, est à reprocher à un assuré qui n’est pas le preneur d’assurance” Catherine Paris, idem para 439, 442/2 7 Art. R211-10: “1° Lorsqu’au moment du sinistre, le conducteur n'a pas l'âge requis ou ne possède pas les certificats, en état de validité, exigés par la réglementation en vigueur pour la conduite du véhicule, sauf en cas de vol, de violence ou d'utilisation du véhicule à l'insu de l'assuré” 8 “On notera que les seuls fautes Lourdes autorisant un recours contre l’assuré sont la conduite en état d’ivresse, ou sous l’infuence de drogues, médicaments ou hallucinogènes qui ont pour effet de priver l’assuré du contrôle de ses actes” Catherine Paris, idem para 441

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This is also reflected in French insurance law under article R211-139, as well as in Belgian law 10.

The legal scholar Martin LEJEUNE explains that for this right to be exercised, three conditions must be met: (i) there must be a breach of the insurance contract committed by the insured, and that fault must be attributable to the insured. On this point, he emphasizes that this right is based on liability insurance, which is intended to cover the liability or faults committed by the insured; otherwise, it would contradict the very purpose of insurance. He explains that this right must be provided for in the insurance contract. The second requirement is that (ii) there must be a damage, as this forms the basis for the insurer to recover the amount it has paid and that (iii) the fault of the insured must have caused the accident11.

9 Art. R211-13: “Ne sont pas opposables aux victimes ou à leurs ayants droit: 1° La franchise prévue à l'article L. 121-1; 2°, Les déchéances; 3° La réduction de l'indemnité applicable conformément à l'article L. 113-9; 4° Les exclusions de garanties prévues aux articles R. 211-10 et R. 211-11. Dans les cas susmentionnés, l'assureur procède au paiement de l'indemnité pour le compte du responsable. Il peut exercer contre ce dernier une action en remboursement pour toutes les sommes qu'il a ainsi payées ou mises en réserve à sa place”. 10 Article 46 de l’annexe de l’Arrete royal: “L'assureur dispose d'un droit de recours contre l’assuré: 2o lorsqu'il prouve que celui-ci a causé le sinistre en raison de l'une des fautes lourdes suivantes et pour autant que l'assureur démontre le lien causal avec le sinistre: a) conduite en état d’ivresse; b) conduite sous l'influence de drogues, médicaments ou hallucinogènes qui ont pour effet de priver l'assuré du contrôle de ses actes”; 11 “À l’instar de toute action en responsabilité contractuelle, il est nécessaire d’établir la faute, ou plutôt le manquement imputable (§1), le dommage (§2) et le lien causal (§3). Il en va de même qu’avec la notification, l’assureur a la charge de prouver les conditions de la responsabilité en vertu de l’article 8.4 du Code civil”. Martin LEJEUNE. idem. section 3: Conditions de la responsabilité contractuelle, PP 28-32

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What has been explained, when read together with the provisions of article 11 of Decree-Law n0 32/75 of 07/08/1975 on compulsory liability insurance for motor vehicles, shows that for an insurer to take action against the insured or the policyholder, such action must be based on law or on the insurance contract. It also requires the existence of a fault committed by the insured or the policyholder that should not have obliged the insurer to pay compensation for the damages resulting from the accident. Moreover, the insurer cannot rely on that fault to refuse to compensate the victim.

The general insurance conditions of Radiant, published in May 2013, explain this right in articles 24 and 25 as follows: the liability insurance cannot be applied when it is clear that the damage was committed by another insured person, and that it occured without the insured’s knowledge or because the other person acted in breach of their instructions.” Article 24 “Notwithstanding the provisions of article 26, whoever violates any obligation under this agreement loses the rights granted by it. In that case, when it becomes necessary for the insurer to compensate the victim in accordance with the law, the insurer has the right to pursue the policyholder or the insured for the compensation paid on their behalf, the interest arising from it, as well as procedural fees. However, such right of recovery action cannot be exercised if the insured proves that the harm was caused by third party insured, and that it occurred without his knowledge or that the person who caused it acted in violation of their instructions.12

12 That article 24 states that: “Sous réserve de ce qui est dit à l’article 26, toute infraction de l’assuré à ses obligations le prive du droit à la guarantie du contrat. Dans ce cas et lorsqu’en vertu de la loi, la Société est néamoins tenue directement envers les personnes lésées, elle a, indépendament de toute autre action qui peut lui appartenir, un droit de

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Article 25: “The company may exercise the right mentioned in article 24 in the following circumstances: i. When there has been doubtful information or providing false information at the time of subscription of insurance; ii. When there has been a change in the insured risks in a way provided under article 9 of this contract and such change has not been reported to the insurer; iii. When, at the time of the accident, the insured vehicle does not have a valid technical inspection certificate or has an expired certificate, except when the accident occurs while the vehicle is going for inspection or heading to the garage, or returning from the garage to the inspection; iv. When the insurance contract has been suspended due to non-payment of the insurance premiums; v. When the accident has not been reported within five days after its occurence; vi. When the vehicle was being driven by a person who does not meet the legal or regulatory requirements to drive it, such as someone whose driving license has been revoked or who does not meet the required age; vii. When the accident occurs during unauthorized car racing competitions;

recours contre le preneur d’assurance et s’il ya lieu, contre l’assuré autre que le preneur. Le recours sur les indemnités au paiement desquels la Société est tenue en principal ainsi que sur les intérêts compensatoires, les intérêts et frais judiciaires. Toutefois, le recours de la Société ne peut être exercé contre l’assuré, si ce dernier établit que les faits ou infractions générateurs du recours sont imputables à un assuré autre que lui-même et se sont produits à l’encontre de ses instructions ou à son insu”.

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viii. (Nothing is written under this paragraph); ix. When the accident was made intentionally; x. When the accident occurs while the insured was under the influence of alcohol, unless they are able to prove that the accident had no connection with such drunkenness. However, in the circumstances referred to in paragraphs 8, 9, and 10, the right of recourse is exercised only against the insured who caused the accident”. 13

The provisions of Rwandan laws and foreign laws, along with the opinions of legal scholar, demonstrate that this right may be exercised in the circumstances provided for by law or by insurance contract as follow: a. Recourse may be taken against the policyholder or the insured for breaches arising from obligations under the insurance contract.” For instance, where false or incomplete information is provided during the insurance subscription; where the insured fails to pay premiums resulting in the suspension of the insurance contract; where the insurer is not notified of any changes affecting the insured risk prior to the accident; or where the legal

13 That article 25 provides the following iteganya ibi bikurikira: “La Société peut notamment exercer les droits que lui reconnait l’article 24: […] 6. Lorsqu’au moment du sinistre, le véhicule est conduit par une personne ne satisfaisant pas aux conditions prescrites par la loi et les règlements pour pouvoir conduire ce véhicule, par example par, une personne déchue du droit de conduire ou par une personne n’ayant pas atteint l’âge minimum requis; […] 10. Si le sinistre est survenu alors que l’assuré était en état d’ivresse, sauf s’il démontre que ce sinistre est sans relation avec l’ivresse. […]Toutefois, dans les cas visés aux no 8, 9, et 10, le recours ne peut être exercé que contre l’assuré auteur du sinistre”.

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requirements for the vehicle to be allowed on the road are not complied with; b. Recourse may be taken against the insured for faults intentionally committed by the insured such as driving a vehicle while drunk or under the influence of other substances that impair judgment, or intentionally caused an accident. c. The right of recourse against the insured cannot be exercised when the insured proves that the damage was caused by another insured party, and that it occurred without their knowledge or in breach of their instructions.  The right to subrogatory action

It is the right of the insurer to pursue the person who caused the accident on behalf of the insured; this right arises after the insurer has compensated the insured who suffered the harm. This right is provided for in article 32, paragraph 1 of Decree-Law N° 20/75 of 20/6/1975 on insurance mentioned above. Article L121-12 of the French Insurance Code in its first paragraph states that the insurer who has paid compensation is subrogated to the insured in pursuing the person who caused the accident to the extent of the paid compensation14. Belgian law states the same in article 95, first paragraph15.

Legal scholar Julia Kagan explains that when the insurer pursues the person who caused the accident, the

14 Article L121-1: L'assureur qui a payé l'indemnité d'assurance est subrogé, jusqu'à concurrence de cette indemnité, dans les droits et actions de l'assuré contre les tiers qui, par leur fait, ont causé le dommage ayant donné lieu à la responsabilité de l'assureur. 15 Art.

95. L’assureur qui a payé l'indemnité est subrogé, à concurrence du montant de celle-ci, dans les droits et actions de l'assuré ou du bénéficiaire contre les tiers responsables du dommage

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insurer acts on behalf of the insured, thereby having the same rights and powers as the insured to claim damages. She states that if the insured does not have the right to pursue the person who caused the accident, the insurer will also not be able to exercise that right.16

The difference between these two rights is that the first concerns pursuing the insured who caused the harm, while the second concerns pursuing the third party who caused harm to the insured. The latter requires that the victim is the one insured against the possible harm.

Accordingly, based on what Radiant claims, it appears that the claimed right is that of pursuing the insured who caused the harm, as provided for in article 11 of the aforementioned Decree-Law, as well as in article 25 of Radiant’s general insurance policy which has been also referred to.

Radiant alleges that it relies on the provisions of subparagraph 6 of that contract, which concerns circumstances in which a vehicle is driven by a person who does not meet the requirements prescribed by law or regulations to be allowed to drive it, such as having had their driving license revoked or not meeting the required minimum age. The fault relied upon in this instant case is the drunkenness of the person who was lent the motorcycle, called Ndyibingoye Jean Paul. Radiant argues that the fault of the insured, Tuyigane Jean Paul, was to lend his

16 “When an insurance company pursues a third party for damages, it is said to "step into the shoes of the policyholder." Thus, the carrier will have the same rights and legal standing as the policyholder when seeking compensation for losses. If the insured party does not have the legal standing to sue the third party, the insurer will also be unable to pursue a lawsuit as a result”; Julia Kagan: Subrogation in Insurance: What it Is and Why It'sImportant https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/subrogation.asp

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motorcycle. In paragraph 6 referred as a basis, the fault of drunkenness was never mentioned, nor is there any indication that lending the vehicle constitutes a fault that could make the insured liable for damages. This shows that Tuyigane Jean Paul cannot be held liable for damages based on article 25, subparagraph 6 of Radiant’s general insurance contract, as its provisions are not related to the fault that caused the accident.

The fault of drunkenness that caused the accident is set out in article 25, subparagraph 10 of Radiant’s general insurance policy, which addresses circumstances in which the insured was drunk during the accident, in addition to that the last paragraph of this article states that this fault is only liable for the insured who caused the accident. This shows that the person held liable for the fault of drunkenness is only the insured. For Tuyigane Jean Paul to be held liable for an accident caused by Ndyibingoye Jean Paul, Radiant would have proven that he lent the motorcycle knowing that Ndyibingoye was drunk, as provided in article 24, last paragraph of that contract. Consequently, Tuyigane Jean Paul cannot be held liable under paragraph 10, because he is not the one who caused the accident under the influence of alcohol, and nothing proves that he lent the motorcycle to someone who was drunk.

Based on the foregoing, the Court finds that Tuyigane Jean Paul should not be ordered to reimburse RADIANT the amount of Frw 2,820,350 paid to Uwabakurikiza Théoneste. II.

2. Whether Tuyigane Jean Paul should be orded to pay Radiant interest of 18% resulting from Frw 2,820,350 Frw paid.

Counsel Mudahogora Angelique, Counsel for Radiant, requests the Court to order Tuyigane Jean Paul to

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pay interest rate of 18% as charged by banks to client receiving a loan, resulting from the amount of Frw 2,820,350 that was paid due to his faults. She states that the claimed damages amounting to Frw 2,030,652, are calculated as follows: Frw 2,820,350×18×4years100= 2,030,652. Frw She explains that the interests she is claiming are based on the fact that the company she represents is a commercial entity, and that the amount paid should have been used for business purposes.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

The Court finds that Tuyigane Jean Paul should not be ordered to pay any interest because he did not commit any fault as explained above.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT To determine whether the damages claimed in this instant case are relevant

Counsel Mudahogora Angelique, representing Radiant, requests the Court to order Tuyigane Jean Paul to pay Frw 2,000,000 of procedural fees and Frw 3,000,000 of counsel’s fees

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

The Court finds that Tuyigane Jean Paul is not to be ordered to pay any damages because he did not commit any fault, as explained above.

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III. DECISION OF THE COURT

Declares that the claim filed by Radiant Insurance Company Ltd, seeking review the case RCA 00018/2022/HC/KIG decided by the High Court on 29/06/2023 on grounds of injustice, lacks merit;

Declares that the judgment RCA 00018/2022/HC/KIG rendered by the High Court on 29/06/2023 is hereby confirmed;

Declares that Tuyigane Jean Paul is not ordered to reimburse any amount of money to Radiant Insurance Company Ltd.

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NZAYIKORERA ET AL v. SANLAM AG Plc [Rwanda SUPREME COURT –RS/INJUST/RC 00008/2024/SC (Hitiyaremye, P.J., Kazungu, Kalihangabo, J.) 17 January 2025] Labour law – Accidents– Occupational accident – An occupational accident is an event or circumstance that befalls a person at a specific moment as a result of, or during the performance of, their work, causing bodily harm regardless of the time at which such harm becomes apparent. Labour law – Social security coverage for an employee — Every employee, including those engaged on a short-term basis, must be enrolled in the employees’ social security scheme. Labour law – Occupational accident – The law applicable to occupational accidents – Occupational accidents are governed by Social Security scheme legislation. Labour law – Insurance — Workers in construction activities — Employees engaged in construction work or similar activities must be covered by a specific insurance scheme designed to ensure their protection. Labour law – Occupational accident – Basis for compensation arising from an occupational accident — Compensation granted to a person who has suffered an occupational accident does not derive from the principle of civil liability; rather, they are governed by the employees’ social security scheme, which provides the victim with medical care and other related compensatory benefits. 103

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Facts: This case originates from an accident involving a certain car belonging to CRBC Ltd, a Chinese Company. The truck was driven by Bagirubwira and was transporting building sand. When its brakes got loose, the truck hit the roadside wall and the accident claimed the life of Nshimyumukiza Isacar and his five co-workers of the company got injured. Nshimyumukiza’s relatives together with Nzayikorera, his wife, wrote to the management of SANLAM AG Plc (Sanlam) seeking compensation for the accident; as they based their compensation claim on a fact that the involved vehicle was insured by SANLAM Insurance Company. Sanlam dismissed their application and replied that they deserve no more compensations since the Insurance had already paid its dues as it is expressed in “workmen compensation insurance scheme” agreement that the former SORAS AG Ltd concluded with CHINA ROAD AND BRIDGE CORPORATION Ltd (CRBC Ltd). When parties failed to settle the dispute, the claimants filed a claim before the Intermediate Court of Nyarugenge requesting Sanlam to give them compensations for financial loss and other various damages, and CRBC Ltd was forced to intervene into the case. The seized court found no reasons of awarding them more compensations since they had already received the due compensations as expressed in the above-mentioned workmen collective insurance coverage agreement. The claimants

appealed the above judgement before the High Court arguing that the previous court was not supposed to base its ruling on an agreement for which their late relative has never been a party. The Court held that the claimants’ appeal has no justification, and it stayed the appealed judgement. Nzayikorera and his co-claimants, resorted to the review of judgment on grounds of injustice, brought the matter before the Supreme Court, which reopened the proceedings to examine the issue of determining the appropriate insurance

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regime applicable to the award of compensation arising from the accident of 21/09/2014, in which Nshimyumukiza Isacar lost his life.co-applicants The petitoners contented that the accident damage compensations were not supposed to be paid with reference to workmen compensation insurance scheme agreement; arguing that the involved compensations ought to be computed with reference to the Presidential order no 31/01/of 25/08/2003 on compensations for personal injury due to accidents caused by motor vehicles, lamenting against the forced reception of Frw1,000,000 from the workmen collective insurance coverage agreement, to which the victim has never been a signatory; and thus side-lining the existing appropriate insurance scheme that awards an adequate compensation for any victim involved into accidents caused by road-using motorised vehicles as provided by the above said Presidential order no 31/01 of 25/08/2003. They however proposed that in case of no applicable insurance scheme, the appropriate compensations must be paid by CRBC Ltd, after deducting Sanlam’s deposit. Sanlam argued that all the due compensations have already been paid with reference to “workmen compensation insurance scheme” agreement between Sanlam and CRBC Ltd. And went on to argue that employees involved into work-related accidents are not compensated through tort liability insurance schemes. CRBC Ltd argued

that it owes no payment of compensations due to lack of its accountability into the accident; adding that the whole responsibility goes to the late victim who deliberately took a fatal risk of boarding a sand-loaded vehicle. And they went on to say that the legislation better applying to this case are laws relating to workmen collective insurance coverage agreement concluded between CRBC Ltd and Sanlam since the agreement was lawfully conducted.

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The Court found that the most appropriate insurance coverage would have been CRBC Ltd.’s workers’ affiliation into the ordinary social security scheme, or/and enrolment of its workers into the so-termed “workmen compensation insurance” scheme. Held: 1. Occupational accidents are governed by Social Security legislation; 2. Employees engaged in construction work or similar activities must be covered by a specific insurance scheme designed to ensure their protection; 3. Compensation granted to a person who has suffered an occupational accident does not derive from the principle of civil liability; rather, they are governed by the employees’ social security scheme, which provides the victim with medical care and other related compensatory benefits. The application for the review of judgment on grounds of being vitiated by injustice lacks merit. Statutes and statutory instruments referred to: Decree-Law n° 32/75 of 07/06/1975 on compulsory civil liability insurance for motor vehicles, article 4; Law n° 06/2003 of 22/03/2003 modifying and completing the decree law of august 22, 1974 concerning organisation of social security, article 13; Law no 10/2012 of 02/05/2012 governing urban planning and building in Rwanda, article 41. Cases referred to: Hategekimana Bonaventure v Hayton Ltd, RS/INJUST/RC 00007/2022/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 14/04/2023.

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Authors quoted : Arnaud Buisson Fizellier, La réparation intégrale du préjudice: rappel du principe et applications pratiques. Lettre d’information décembre 2006. www.bfpl-law.com/publications/la-reparation- integrale-du-prejudice- rappel-du-principe-et- applications-pratiques-lettre-dinformation- decembre-2006. Judgment I. BACKGROUND OF THE CASE

This case originates from a car accident that occurred on the 21/09/2014at around 11:30 am when a truck Mitsubishi Dumper with plate number IT 610 RC, loaded with building sand, driven by Bagirubwira Joseph got its brakes loose and hit the roadside retaining wall in Magarama Village, Ngoma Cell, Gishyita Sector of Karongi District in the Western Province. Nshimyumureyi Isacar, 29-years-old, lost his life into the accident, while his five co-workers got injured1

Nzayikorera Jeanne, Uwimpundu Marie, Mukashema Mamelthe, Ndengeyingoma Bosco, Tuyishimire Béatrice, Nyirangirimana

Béathe, Nyiragasigwa Agnès and Bihoyiki Vestine ( Hereinafter referred to as Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-petitioners2)

1 Others who got injured in the same accident include Shingiro Emmanuel 28-years-old, Twizeyimana Ignace 30, Nsengimana Thomas 27, Ntezimana Alphonse 31 and Mpayimana Jean Claude 30. 2 Mukashema Mamerithe is the deceased’s parent, Nzayikorera Jeanne is the deceased’s surving spouse, Uwimpundu Marie is the deceased’s child, while Ndengeyingoma Bosco, Tuyishimire Beatrice, Nyirangirimana Beathe, Nyiragasigwa Agnes and Bihoyiki Vestine are the deceased’s siblings.

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wrote to the management of SORAS AG Ltd, the current SANLAM AG Plc, seeking compensations for the accident that claimed the life of the de cujus, and they based their claim on a fact that the vehicle that got into the accident was insured by SANALAM AG PLc .

The Legal counsel representing SANLAM AG Plc. argued that Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-petitioners deserve no compensations from the Insurance Company since it had already paid all the due compensations as it is agreed in the workmen compensation insurance scheme agreement that SORAS AG Ltd had concluded with CHINA ROAD AND BRIDGE CORPORATION Ltd (hereinafter referred to as CRBC Ltd).

When both parties failed to reach an agreement, Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicantsfiled a claim before the Intermediate Court of Nyarugenge praying the court to order SORAS AG Ltd to pay them for accident- related financial loss, together with moral damages, refund for the deceased’s funeral expenses, litigation costs, as well as court fees.

For this case, CRBC Ltd, the deceased’s employer, was forced to intervene into the case for some liability.

In judgment RC 00840/2019/TGI/NYGE, rendered on 17/12/2020, the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court held that the claim brought by Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co- applicants was unfounded, and ordered Nzayikorera Jeanne and the others to jointly pay SORAS AG Ltd and CRBC Ltd Frw 500,000 each as counsel fees.

In reaching its decision, the Court stated that Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants were not entitled to any additional compensation because she had already received such benefits on 26/11/2015, pursuant to the

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agreement concluded between CRBC Ltd and SORAS AG Ltd, which provided that in the event one of its employees suffered an occupational accident, SORAS AG Ltd would pay compensation amounting to Frw 1,000,000. The Court further noted that she had personally signed to acknowledge receipt of that amount and to confirm that she would pursue no further claims.

Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants appealed that above ruling before the High Court, lamenting that the previous court ought not to base its decision on a certain agreement concluded between CRBC Ltd and SORAS AG Ltd since such an agreement has nothing to do with Nshyimyumukiza Isacar, more so that in signing that agreement, the latter has never been consulted by his employer for its conclusion; they have also argued that every vehicle using roads in Rwanda must have a compulsory insurance to cover any caused damages.

On 25/11/2022, the High Court heard case RCA 00017/2021/HC/KIG and held that the appeal made by Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants has no substance, and it stayed the ruling from the Intermediate Court of Nyarugenge.

For making its decision, the High Court made reference to a certain agreement that CRBC Ltd had concluded with SORAS AG Ltd, the current SANLAM AG Plc, whereby the agreement stipulated about CRBC Ltd.’s workmen compensation insurance scheme holding that though Nshimyumukiza Isacar played no role in the conclusion of the above agreement, such a scheme supported his family when Nzayikorera Jean received Frw1,000,000 the agreement provided for.

The very court has also held that a mere fact that the death of Nshimyumukiza Isacar was caused by his

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employer’s vehicle does not exclude a fact that he succumbed into work-related accident, more that the he died while at his work duties; therefore holding that Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants could not base their compensation claim on the Presidential Decree n0 31/01 of 25/08/2003 on compensations for personal injury due to accidents caused by motor vehicles more so that even CRBC Ltd.’s vehicles compulsory insurance does provide coverage for its labour law-governed employees.

On 03/01/2023 , Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co- applicants petitioned the President of the Court of Appeal and prayed him to have case RCA 00017/2021/HC/KIG rendered by the High Court on the 25 November 2022, reviewed for grounds of injustice. Upon examining the review request, the President of the Court of Appeal wrote to the President of the Supreme Court and requested him to have the case reviewed. And, in his decision n0 077/CJ/2024 of 22/05/2024, the President of the Supreme Court approved the request, and the case was sent to the Supreme Court’s Registry for rehearing.

The public hearing of the case was conducted on 12/11/2024with Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants represented by Counsel Nsabayezu Evariste, SANLAM AG Plc. represented by Counsel Rusanganwa Jean Bosco, while CRBC Ltd was represented by Counsel Niyitegeka Eraste, and litigants debated on the following issues: i. Determining an insurance scheme that best applies for compensating damages arising from the accident of the 21/09/2014; ii. The merit of compensations requested by Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants for the accident that claimed the life of Nshimyumukiza Isacar;

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iii. The relevance of all civil damages that are requested for along this case. II. ISSUES OF THE CASE AND THEIR ANALYSIS II.1. Determining an insurance scheme that best applies for compensating damages arising from the accident of 21/09/2014 which claimed the life of Nshimyumukiza Isacar.

Counsel Nsababyezu Evariste

representing Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants argues that CRBC Ltd ‘s attorney acknowledged that the very company subscribed for two (2) types of insurance coverage; with one of them being the so-called “ workmen compensation insurance”3 whereby CRBC Ltd and SANLAM AG Plc concluded an agreement by which SANLAM AG Plc committed to pay Frw 1,000,000 for each employee who succumbs to a fatal accident or who sustains a body permanent incapacity; and conceding to pay Frw 100,000 for medical bills. And the second insurance being a compulsory insurance coverage for the CRBC Ltd.’s vehicle Mitsubishi IT 610 RC, still subscribed under SANLAM AG Plc4, then referred to as SORAS AG Ltd.

He also submits that a mere fact that CRBC Ltd admits that Nshyimyumukiza Isacar succumbed to the accident involving the company’s vehicle and yet the very vehicle was insured by SANLAM AG Plc., he finds that Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants were not supposed to be compensated with reference to the so-called

3 Held from 23/01/2014, and valid from 23/01/2014up to 23/01/2015, and for the benefit of 300 CRBC Ltd’s workers. 4 Held from 16/01/2014 for a variety of CRBC Ltd’ vehicles, including the vehicle that got involved into the accident, and all valid from 21/01/2014 to 20/01/2015.

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“ workmen compensation insurance5 agreement”, instead, they ought to be indemnified with reference to the provisions of the Presidential order n0 31/01 of 25/08/2003 on compensations for personal injury due to accidents caused by motor vehicles.

He goes on and argued that Nzayisenga Jeanne and her co-applicants ought not to be forced into the reception of just Frw 1,000,000 from the workmen compensation insurance scheme agreement, to which the victim has never been a signatory; and thus side-lining the existing appropriate insurance scheme that awards the adequate compensations for any victim involved into accidents caused by road-using motorised vehicles as provided by the Presidential order

n0 31/01 of 25/08/2003 on compensations for personal injury due to accidents caused by motor vehicles.

He however proposes that in case the court finds no insurance scheme that can help for paying compensations that Nzyikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants sought for, the appropriate compensations must be paid by CRBC Ltd after deducting the deposit made by SANLAM AG Plc. He clarifies that they learnt about the existence of a certain insurance agreement between CRBC Ltd and SORAS AG Ltd during the first hearing, and that is when they requested CRBC Ltd to pay the remaining balance in the light of the existing higher courts’ jurisprudence on similar matters.

He goes on to lament that a fact that SANLAM AG Plc. and CRBC Ltd determined the claimants compensation amount with reference to both companies’ bilateral agreement, and he prays the court to have the agreement rescinded as it contravenes the provisions of the

5 The case file contains a proof that Nzayisenga Jeanne received a cheque with sort code n0 26-212 of Frw 1,000,000 on the 19/11/2015.

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Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda especially on matters pertaining to people’s equality before the law. He discredits a procedure that compensated the claimants with reference to an agreement the victim’s family has never been a party, and all done by discarding the appropriate insurance scheme that usually compensates victims for road accidents as clarified by the above provided President order n0 31/01 of 25/08/2003.

He goes ahead and rebutted CRBC Ltd.’s argument of seeking the plaintiffs’ claim solution into social security insurance schemes, since such was not the issue of litigation; he argued that the plaintiffs’’ claim is about compensations for road accidents, which must be awarded with reference to the Presidential order n0 31/01 of the 25/08/2003 on compensations for personal injury due to accidents caused by motor vehicles.

He therefore concludes that a fact that CRBC Ltd decided to pay a derisory compensation of Frw 1,000,000 to the victim’s spouse as it is evidenced by receipt acknowledgement records, and moreover with nothing that proves that she represented the rest of her co-applicants in this case, indicates that CRBC Ltd conducted an illegal agreement. He also dismissed CRBC Ltd.’s allegations of the victim’s role into the accident.

Counsel Rusanganwa Jean Bosco representing SANLAM AG Plc. argues that Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants deserve no more compensations since all the due amount has already been paid as per the agreement between SANLAM AG Plc and the victim’s employer; where by Nzayikorera Jeanne has herself signed for full payment receipt as per the stipulation of the agreement. He also adds that Court made reference to both the terms of the

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agreement and the provisions of article 646 of the Law n0 45/2011 of 25/11/2011 governing contracts.

He then argues that though Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants still insist that the sought compensations must be determined with reference to the Presidential order n0 31/01 of the 25/08/2003 on compensations for personal injury due to accidents caused by motor vehicles, they simply feign to ignore the following: i. It is not the Presidential order that provides for compulsory insurance scheme, as it is rather provided under the Decree-Law n0 32/75 of 07/08/1975, which has also clarified that work- related hazards are not covered by compulsory insurance scheme; ii. For the abovementioned Decree-Law, vehicles’ insurance policy, puts it clear that workers befallen by accidents while at their work duties are not covered by tort liability insurance scheme7. This denotes that workers who got into an accident while into the employer’s vehicle and at their work duties are excluded from compulsory insurance coverage scheme; and that is why CRBC Ltd concluded a separate insurance scheme for its workers (Social security insurance), and they so did since the compulsory insurance scheme could not cater for its workers involved into the employer’s car accidents while at their work.

6 That article provides that “contracts made in accordance with the law shall be binding between parties. They may only be revoked upon the mutual consent of parties or for reasons based on law. They shall be performed in good faith” 7 See General insurance policy offered by SORAS AG Ltd (Conditions Générales), Chapter 1, article 7 (3).

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iii. The above highlighted stance is exactly the position of article 148 (3) of the Law n0 0030/2021 of 30/06/2021 governing the organisation of insurance business, whereby it provides that: […] Under liability insurance, employees or representatives of a policyholder while on duty, are not entitled to any benefit”. He also reminds that the aforesaid law came to repeal the Decree-Law n0 20/75 of 20/06/1975 relating to Insurance organisation. iv. Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants concur with a fact that the deceased was CRBC Ltd.’s employee, they also admit that she received a compensation of Frw 1,000,000 from a separate insurance scheme that the employer had arranged for its employee due to the inexistence of compulsory insurance for the company workers involved into its cars accidents while on duty.

He reminds that for case RC 00840/2019/TGI/NYGE, Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co- applicants requested SANLAM AG Plc. to pay all the due compensations while CRBC Ltd remained unconcerned. However, they later on reversed their pleadings and for case RCA 00017/2014/HC/KIG, and they then argued that the sought compensations must rather be paid by CRBC Ltd, and they so did with reference to a precedent from a certain judgment RCA 00011/2016/HC/RWG of 12/05/2017, whereby the High Court, Rwamagana Chamber ordered an employer to pay the whole compensation for an accident.

He goes on to argue that all compensations that Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants seek from SANLAM AG Plc have no justifications since they have already received all due compensations as per the terms of an agreement concluded between SANLAM AG Plc and CRBC Ltd for the latter’s workmen compensation insurance

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scheme . He therefore argues that a mere fact that the victim had a fatal accident while on duty and moreover in the employer’s work vehicle is enough to qualify the accident as an occupational hazard, and it should not be considered as a CRBC Ltd.’s third- party liability.

He concludes on this issue that the argument raised by Counse Nsabayezu Evariste, representing Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants, requesting the Court to examine whether the legal provisions relied upon in the decision subject to review on grounds of injustice are inconsistent with the Constitution, has no merit. He explains that the matter before the Court bears no relation to claims seeking the repeal of statutory provisions on the grounds of their unconstitutionality (unconstitutionality of a law / l’inconstitutionnalité d’une loi).

Counsel Niyitegeka Eraste representing CRBC Ltd argues that Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants have already received all the due compensations as per the terms of an agreement CRBC Ltd concluded with SANLAM AG Plc. regarding the company’s workmen compensation insurance scheme. He also adds that it is important to note that the de cujus has himself played a role into the accident when he took an unacceptable fatal risk of boarding a loaded vehicle.

He further argues that the court should as well consider the driver’s responsibility into the accident. The driver is the person who actually caused the accident and he should therefore be the one answering for it.

For the argument made by the claimants’ attorney, now claiming the whole compensation from CRBC Ltd, he prays the court to have it entirely dismissed; arguing that from all the previous courts, the claim has all along been about compensations from the vehicle’s compulsory

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insurance, he therefore argues that the claimants’ claim against CRBC Ltd cannot be litigated at its very first-time during injustice-related case review.

He argues that regardless any decision that the court may make, CRBC Ltd assumes no liability since it had no role into the accident ; and he dismissed all the damages sought against CRBC Ltd. He however states that in case the court finds it otherwise, he prays it to consider the victim’s direct role into the accident, especially when he decided to go on board of a loaded vehicle. He also adds that the laws that better apply to this case are the laws about workmen compensation insurance scheme agreement made between CRBC Ltd and SANLAM AG Plc., since the agreement was lawfully concluded. Adding that had the agreement been illegal, Nzayikorera Jeanne would not have accepted to receive the paid Frw 1,000,000 for compensation.

He concludes on this point by explaining that the reason Nzayikorera Jeanne was the only one who signed to acknowledge receipt of the compensation is that she is the primary heir, ranking before the others.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

Both parties involved into this case concur on the fact that Nshimyumukiza Isacar succumbed to an accident while on duty, the sole issue of disagreement lies into the claimants’ insistence that the accident related compensations should be paid with reference to the Presidential order n0 31/01 of 25/08/2003 on compensation for body injury due to accidents caused by motor vehicles, while, on the other hand, SANLAM AG Plc and CRBC Ltd argues that the compensations must be paid in the light of the concluded “ workmen compensation insurance” agreement.

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a. When does the compulsory civil liability insurance with regard to automotive vehicles apply?

Article 4 of the Decree-Law n0 32/75 of 07 June 1975 relating to the compulsory civil liability insurance with regard to automotive vehicles, on which the Presidential Law n0 31/01 of 25/08/2003 on compensations for personal injury due to accidents caused by motor vehicles, is based, provides the following: “shall be excluded from compulsory insurance coverage (---) 30 3° persons who are protected by specific legislation relating to compensation for occupational risks, unless such persons opt to pursue compensation from the insured party”.

Article 7 of SANLAM AG PLc ‘s General Compulsory insurance policy ( Conditions Générales, Titre I. Assurance Obligatoire de Responsabilité Civile) provides the following: “The following are not eligible for insurance compensation ... 30 during their service, employees or agents of the insured or driver who are liable for the accident.”8

Article 4 of the above said Decree-Law n0 32/75 puts it clear that parties involved into the conclusion of the compulsory civil liability insurance with regard to automotive vehicles may decide to have some categories of persons excluded for compensations. Such categories include persons under some separate social security schemes, and these persons have special legislations governing occupational hazards damage compensations. Though the above-mentioned law has not given the exact details, it is much clear that it refers to workers’ protection laws, more precisely laws pertaining to social security

8 “Ne peuvent bénéficier de l’indemnité d’assurance …(3o) pendant leur service, les salariés ou préposés de l’assuré ou du conducteur dont la responsabilité est engagée du fait de l’accident”

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scheme9, or any other insurance arrangement held by the employer for his/her employees just as “workmen compensation insurance” that CRBC Ltd concluded for its’ workers on the 23/01/2021.

With regard to this case, it is clear that the above- mentioned SANLAM AG Plc ‘s General Insurance Policy does not include the insured’s employees at work, neither does include the driver whose vehicle caused the accident. It is also clear that such persons are as well not covered by an insurance10 that CRBC Ltd has subscribed for its vehicles.

Considering all the above provided explanations, the court finds that the compulsory civil liability insurance with regard to automotive vehicles could not apply for compensating the accident that claimed the life of Nshimyumukiza Isacar. b. Which Insurance scheme applies better for the accident that claimed the life of Nshimyumukiza Isacar while at work?

Before answering the above question related to determination of an insurance scheme that best applies for

9 Article 47 (6) of the Law n0 13/2009 of 27/05/2009 governing labour in Rwanda provides that one of the main obligations of the Employer is to have his/her employees affiliated with Social Security Scheme -Article 2 (1) of the Law n0 06 of 22/03/2003 modifying and completing the Decree-Law of 22/08/1974 on Social Security Scheme provides that this law concerns workers subject to labour regulations, non-retired political appointees, and government statutory civil servants. While the second paragraph of the very article provides the following: “occasional and temporary workers shall as well be considered as works mentioned in paragraph one of this article. 10 See special insurance coverage: I. Particular conditions for covering personal accidents (for owners, relatives and drivers)

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paying compensations due to the accident that claimed the life of Nshimyumuremyi Isacar, it is important to first clarify about this accident before we talk of the related damage compensations.

With regard to the accident that claimed the life of Nshimyumukiza Isacar, article 13 (1) of the Law n0 06/2003 of 22/03/2003 modifying and completing the Decree-Law of August 22, 1974 concerning organisation of social security defines work injury as “Work injury is considered as any accident, whatever the cause may be, that befalls a worker while on duty”. When we look into other countries, scholars of French laws referred to article L 411-1 s. CSS and work injury was largely defined as an event or series of events occurring on specific dates and arising out of, or during the course of employment, resulting in body injury, regardless of when the injury manifested itself11” Nshyimyumukiza Isacar had an accident while at CRBC Ltd.’s work, as they brought the building sand for the construction of the road RUVUMU- KIBUYE, and all litigants concur on such a fact. Such a version makes it clear that Nshimyumukiza Isacar succumbed into work-related accident, and his case must be handled with reference to social security legislations, and the accident compensation procedures must follow suit.

Concerning determination of persons responsible for the payment of compensations, legal doctrines from foreign countries such the above mentioned French Scholars, the provision of article L.451-1 CSS of French laws provides that work accidents are not compensated through tort liability12; arguing that work accidents are

11 Yvonne Lambert-faivre na Stéphanie Porchy-Simon: Droit du domage corporel, systeme d’indemnisation, éditions DALLOZ, 8è édition, P428 12 Idem. P437

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handled via social security schemes ( sécurité sociale), that cater for the victim’s medical support in the right proportions of his/her medical conditions and any other needed assistance; and related damage compensations follow the same framework. They have also added that workers could as well have private insurance coverage for any bodily injuries they might sustain while at work13.

[40] The employer must as well subscribe for “workers’ compensation insurance” scheme which can at times be referred to as “workmen compensation insurance”. Such an insurance is meant to cover the employees’ accidents while at duty and it saves the Employer from the workers’ complaints over work-accident damage compensations. This is the stance of insurance scholars as it is explained at the website of Insurance Information Institute (III) of Pennsylvania in the United States of America14. The above is the very explanation given by one Julia Kagan from New York via INVESTOPIA15 website, and via

13 Lorsque la victime d’un domage corporel ne peut attendre aucune indemnisation d’un tiers responsible, elle dispose cependant de certaines prestations de sécurité sociale qui lui permettent notamment de recevoir dessoins médicaux correspondant à son état, et éventuellemnt quelques subsides en éspèces; c’est aussi dansle cadre de la sécurité sociale que la victime d’un accident de travail est indemnisée. Elle peut en outre avair veillé à sa prévoyance personnelle en ayant souscrit des assurances de personnes pour ses dommages corporels d’accident ou de maladie”. Idem. Para 401. 14 “Workers compensation insurance serves two purposes: It assures that injured workers get medical care and compensation for a portion of the income they lose while they are unable to return to work and it usually protects employers from lawsuits by workers injured while working.” https://www.iii.org/publications/insuring-your- business-small- business-owners-guide-to-insurance/specific-coverages/workers- compensation-insurance. 15 https://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/workers-compensation.asp

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ASSURALIA16, the Belgian website. All these scholars argue that affiliating one’s employees with workmen compensation insurance scheme is compulsory.

Even in Rwanda, the above said insurance coverage is mandatory for construction works. Article 41 of the Law n0 10/2012 of 02/05/2012 governing urban planning and building in Rwanda provides the following: “the constructor shall, upon opening the construction site, subscribe an insurance to cover all possible risks that might arise on the construction site”, while article 42 of the very law provides that the constructor shall be covered with liability insurance covering any damage that may result from his/her actions.

Besides, Rwanda has some active specific legislations meant for workers’ welfare and protection: (i) article 47 (6) of Rwanda Labor law n0 13/2009 of 27/05/2009 in force by the time Nshimyumukiza Isacar had an accident, provided that one of the employer’s main obligations include having his/her employees affiliated with Social Security scheme ; article 2(1) of the Law n0 06/2003 of 22/03/2003 modifying and completing the Decree-Law of 22/08/1974 concerning organisation of social security as modified to-date provides the following : “ this law applies to workers subject to the provisions of labor regulations, non-retired State political appointees, and State civil servants under statutes regulations”, while paragraph 2 of the very article provides the following : “ casual and temporary workers shall as well be considered as workers mentioned under paragraph one of this article”

16 “L’assurance contre les accidents du travail est une assurance obligatoire à charge de l’employeur. Il doit la souscrire auprès d’une entreprise d’assurance agréée pour couvrir ce risque. La police d’assurance doit être conclue avant l’embauche du premier travailleur” https://www.assuralia.be/fr/theme/travail- entreprise/assurance- accidents-du-travail.

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For judgment RS/NJUST/RC 00007/2022/SC17, the Supreme Court held that in any circumstance, every worker must have all his/her social security contributions remitted regardless of whether the worker is hired under unwritten or informal contract, or whether he/she has been hired for some temporary work.

Looking at the elucidations made by the above mentioned scholars coupled with the stance of the aforesaid Supreme Court’s precedent, it is pretty clear that each worker must be have his/her social security contributions remitted even if the worker was hired for some temporary employment, and it is ever clear that issues relating to work accidents are governed by social security legislations, adding to a fact that employers whose workers are engaged into construction works must have a separate insurance scheme for workers’ protection .

For this case at hand, the file contains nothing proving that

CRBC Ltd declared and affiliated Nshimyumukiza Isacar and the rest of its’ workers on the construction of the road Ruvumu-Kibuye. The only insurance scheme available is the one referred to as “workmen compensation insurance” which provided a lump-sum of Frw 1,000,000 for each worker’ fatal accident. Had CRBC Ltd declared, affiliated and remitted social security contributions for its workers, Nzayikorera Jeanne, her child, and Nshimyumukiza Isacar’s parent would have been given the allowance meant for work-accident victim’s family. Nonetheless, such is not the issue for this case.

Considering all the above provided explanations, the court found that the best applicable insurance scheme would have been CRBC Ltd.’s affiliation into Social Security

17 See the case of Hategekimana Bonaventrue v. Hayton Ltd rendered by the Supreme Court on the 14 April 2023, pagagraph 36.

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scheme and/ or the so-termed “workmen compensation insurance” scheme.

With regard to whether the paid damages are appropriate, the court found that lump sums payment is lawfully acceptable by the laws governing work-accident insurance coverage just as it has been written by Arnaud Buisson Fizellier18, a scholar who argues that work-related accidents are compensated in lump sum payments, and the principle of proportional compensation procedure that is common in tort liabilities does not apply to work hazards19. Besides, social security insurance pays in proportions of the insured risks, and in the light of the insurance agreement as concluded with the insurer. The court has therefore found that SANLAM AG Plc has abode by the terms of “workmen compensation insurance” agreement it concluded with CRBC Ltd on the 23 January 2014, and it therefore has no more obligations. 1.II.2. Determining the worthiness of the compensation sought by Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co- applicants, and persons responsible for its payment in case of relevance

After the Court found that the claim for the sought compensations was not supposed to base on the Presidential order n0 31/01 of the 25/08/2003 on compensations for body injury caused by motor vehicles, it decided not to look into the above issue.

18 Arnaud Buisson Fizellier, La réparation intégrale du préjudice: rappel du principe et applications pratiques. Lettre d’information décembre 2006. www.bfpl-law.com/publications/la-reparation-integrale-du- prejudice- rappel-du-principe-et-applications-pratiques-lettre- dinformation-decembre-2006. 19 “la législation sur les accidents du travail et maladies professionnelles qui n’offre aux victimes qu’un régime de réparation forfaitaire, lequel ne peut assurer une réparation intégrale de la victime”.

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2.II.3. The merit of all civil damages requested for along this case.

Counsel Nzabayezu Evariste representing Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants argues that his clients incurred a huge loss due to the follow-up costs of this case; right away from the Insurance Company to the Intermediate Court, and then to the High Court and the Supreme Court; arguing that in case his clients’ claim is found relevant, may the court order SANLAM AG Plc and CRBC Ltd to refund Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co- applicants Frw 4,000,000 for counsel fees, and Frw 1,500,000 for the litigation costs.

Counsel Rusanganwa Jean Bosco representing SANLAM AG Plc. argues that the claimants’ request for civil damages has no justification since their principal claim was found baseless.

And, in his counter-claim, Counsel Rusanganwa Jean Bosco argues that since SANLAM AG Plc. had been and is still being dragged into unnecessary lawsuits, he prays the court to order Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants to give SANLAM AG Plc. Frw 1,000,000 for the incurred case related expenses and Frw 1,000,000 for Counsel fee, adding to the charges ordered by the previous courts.

Counsel Nsabayezu Evariste representing Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants argues that SANLAM’s request for civil damages is unfounded, adding that his clients are lawfully entitled to the requested compensations.

Counsel Niyitegeka Eraste representing CRBC Ltd, has as well made a counter-claim arguing that the company he represents deserves Frw 2,000,000 for moral damage compensations for having been unjustly pulled into

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unnecessary court cases yet CRBC Ltd, as an employer, had already faithfully fulfilled all its obligations. And he requested the claimants to refund CRBC Ltd Frw1,000,000 for counsel fees.

Counsel Nsabayezu Evariste representing Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co-applicants argue CRBC Ltd.’s request for damage compensation is unfounded since it is CRBC Ltd that caused the whole chaos when it concluded an unfair insurance agreement by which it conceded to pay the victim’s family with just Frw1,000,000 for each employee’s lethal work accident. DETERMINATION OF THE COURT:

Article 111of the Law n0 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedure, provides that “the claim for representation fees is incidental to the principal claim and it aims at repaying expenses incurred during judicial proceedings”.

The Court finds that Nzayikorera Jeanne and her co- applicants are the loosing parties in this case and are therefore liable to pay the damages claimed, while they themselves are not entitled to any of the damages they request. The Court holds that the parties entitled to damages are SANLAM AG Plc and CRBC Ltd; however, the amounts they claim are excessive, unsupported by evidence, and there is no indication that they undertook any exceptional steps in pursuing the case, as it was handled by their respective counsel. For these reasons, and in the Court’s considered discretion, each is awarded Frw 500,000 in counsel fees only.

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III. DECISION OF THE COURT

Holds that the application made by Nzayikorera Jeanne, Uwimpundu Marie, Mukashema Mamelithe, Ndengeyingoma Bosco, Tuyishimire Beatrice, Nyirangirimana Beathe, Nyiragasigwa Agnes and Bihoyiki Vestine, for review of judgment RCA 00017/2021/HC/KIG rendered by the High Court on the 25 November 2022, lacks merit;

Holds that the ruling on case RCA 00017/2021/HC/KIG rendered by the High Court on the 25/11/2022is stayed;

Orders Nzayikorera Jeanne, Uwimpundu Marie, Mekashema Mamelithe, Ndengeyingoma Bosco, Tuyishimre Béatrice, Nyirangirimana Béathe, Nyiragasigwa Agnès and Bihoyiki Vestine to jointly give SANLAM AG Plc and CHINA ROAD AND BRIDGE CORPORATION Ltd, each Frw 500,000 for counsel fee.

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Page 515

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SANLAM ASSURANCES GENERALES Plc v NDAYISABA [Rwanda SUPREME COURT - RS/INJUST/RC 00006/2024/SC (Hitiyaremye, P.J., Muhumuza, Kalihangabo, J.) 14 March 2025] Civil law – Damages arising from an accident – Career damage – For a claimant to be awarded career damages, they must demonstrate that they previously held employment of any kind, and that the accident had consequences which caused them to lose that job, change it, perform it under hardship, or become unable to obtain job promotion. Civil law – Career Damage – Evidence – Among the admissible evidence capable of showing that the claimant had employment are attestations issued by local administrative authorities of the area where the claimant resided confirming that they had a job, evidence from former employers or workmates, pay slips or records (MoMo) showing receipt of wages or allowances, or any other probative material capable of establishing that fact. Facts: This case arises from a motorcycle accident in which the vehicle, driven by Bagaragaza, struck Ndayisaba, who was a pedestrian, the collision having resulted from the rider’s failure to properly regulate his speed. The accident caused Ndayisaba a permanent disability assessed at forty- eight percent (48%). He subsequently claimed various heads of compensation from

SANLAM

ASSURANCES GENERALES Plc (SANLAM), the insurer of the motorcycle involved, but no settlement was reached. He therefore brought an action before the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court, while SANLAM argued that he was not entitled to all the categories of damages claimed. The Court 129

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found the claim to be well-founded and ordered the defendant to pay compensation, including compensation for financial loss, career damages, pretium doloris, and other related damages. The defendant appealed that decision to the High Court, arguing that the damages awarded were not granted in accordance with the law because the beneficiary had no identifiable employment at the time of the accident; the Court found the appeal partly founded and upheld all the awarded damages except those relating to temporary incapacity, which it set aside. SANLAM resorted to the procedure of review on grounds of injustice, the matter being referred to the Supreme Court for reconsideration on the specific issue of whether career damages were properly awarded. The appellant argued that Ndayisaba was not entitled to such damages because he had no identifiable employment at the time of the accident, noting that these damages are reserved for a student or any person who previously held a job but lost it, or whose working conditions or prospects for promotion were affected as a result of the accident. The appellant further submitted that the lower court confused damages for loss of opportunity to secure employment with career damages, leading it to award compensation that was not legally justified. Ndayisaba submits that the mere fact of being unemployed does not imply an absence of earning capacity, since any person without a disability is ordinarily capable of securing employment and generating income. He further contends that he worked as a mason’s assistant and later as a construction technician, although it is difficult to produce formal evidence of such work because remuneration in that sector is commonly made in cash.

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Held: 1. For a claimant to be awarded career damages, they must demonstrate that they previously held employment of any kind, and that the accident had consequences which caused them to lose that job, change it, perform it under hardship, or become unable to obtain job promotion.

2. Among the admissible evidence capable of showing that the claimant had employment are attestations issued by local administrative authorities of the area where the claimant resided confirming that they had a job, evidence from former employers or workmates, pay slips or records (MoMo) showing receipt of wages or allowances, or any other probative material capable of establishing that fact. The application for the review of judgment on grounds of injustice has merit. Statutes and statutory instruments referred to: Law n° 062/2024 of 20/06/2024 governing evidence, article 4. Presidential order no 31/01 of 25/08/2003 on compensation for personal injury due to accidents caused by motor vehicles, article 19. Cases referred to: Radiant Insurace Company v Murekatete, RS/INJUST/RC 00004/2023/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 2/04/2024. Prime Insurance Company Ltd v Uwimanimpaye, RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 02/12/2022. Radiant Insurance Company Ltd v Mukaneza Clarisse, RS/INJUST/RC 00007/2023/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 05/04/2024.

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Judgment I.

BACKGROUND OF THE

CASE

This case arises from a road traffic accident that occurred on 07/10/2017, when a TVS Victor motorcycle with registration number RB 479 V, ridden by Bagaragaza Emmanuel, reached Giporoso Village, Kabeza Cell, Kanombe Sector, Kicukiro District, City of Kigali, and struck Ndayisaba Mathieu, who was a pedestrian, causing him bodily injuries. The investigation report prepared by the Judicial Police established that the accident was caused by Bagaragaza Emmanuel’s breach of traffic regulations, specifically his failure to maintain proper control of the speed at which he was riding.

Following the accident, Ndayisaba Mathieu underwent medical assessment to determine the degree of permanent incapacity resulting from the incident, and the evaluation established a permanent incapacity rate of 48%. SANLAM AG Plc, however, indicated that the incapacity attributable to the accident stood at 45%.

On 14/01/2021, Ndayisaba Mathieu requested SANLAM AG Plc, as the insurer of the vehicle that caused the accident, to settle the matter amicably and grant him compensation arising from the accident. As no amicable settlement was reached, he filed a claim before the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court seeking various damages. SANLAM AG Plc submitted its defence, arguing that the damages claimed by Ndayisaba Mathieu lacked legal basis, as some of the items he sought were not compensable under the law.

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The Court held that the claim filed by Ndayisaba Mathieu was well-founded and ordered SANLAM AG Plc to pay him a total of Frw 9,443,814, comprising Frw 4,933,580 as damages for financial loss, Frw 1,080,000 for pretium doloris, Frw 1,080,000 for aesthetic , Frw 540,000 for loss of career damage, Frw 540,000 for temporary incapacity, Frw 550,234 incurred for medical expenses and follow-up of the case, Frw 200,000 as damages for being dragged into unnecessary lawsuits, Frw 500,000 as counsel fees, and Frw 20,000 for deposited court fees.

SANLAM AG Plc appealed to the High Court, arguing that the damages for financial loss had been improperly assessed, that the award for career damage was granted on the basis of subjective considerations, and that the damages for temporary incapacity were awarded without the Court first analyzing the legal provisions governing such compensation.

In judgment No RCA 00207/2022/HC/KIG rendered on 05/06/2023, the High Court held as follows: That it concurs with the manner in which the Intermediate Court of Nyarugenge calculated the damages for financial loss; That Articles 18 and 19 of Presidential order no 31/01 of 25/08/2003 on compensation for personal injury due to accidents caused by motor vehicles do not provide that a person without employment is automatically excluded from receiving compensation for career damage, since such compensation would not be awarded to a student with no source of income nor automatically to any person solely because they completed their studies;

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That it did not follow the position established in judgment No RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 02/12/2022 for Prime Insurance Company Ltd v Uwimanimpaye Jean Claude, because the reasoning therein does not justify denying damages to a person without employment while granting them to a student ; That Ndayisaba Mathieu was not entitled to damages for temporary incapacity, as he had already been awarded damages for financial loss in these proceedings.

The Court held that the appeal lodged by SANLAM AG Plc was partly founded; it upheld the damages for financial loss and for career damage as previously awarded against SANLAM AG Plc in judgment No RC 00239/2021/TGI/NYGE rendered by the Intermediate Court of Nyarugenge on 20/04/2022; it set aside the damages for temporary incapacity that had been imposed on SANLAM AG Plc; and it ordered SANLAM AG Plc to pay Ndayisaba Mathieu a total of Frw 8,903,814, comprising Frw 4,933,580 for financial loss, Frw 1,080,000 for pretium doloris, Frw 1,080,000 for aesthetic damage, Frw 540,000 for career damage, Frw 550,234 for medical expenses and file- processing costs, Frw 200,000 for being dragged into unnecessary lawsuits, Frw 500,000 as counsel fees, and Frw 20,000 as court fees.

On 14/06/2023, SANLAM AG Plc wrote to the President of the Court of Appeal requesting the revision of judgment No RCA 00207/2022/HC/KIG rendered by the High Court on 05/06/2023 on grounds being vitiated by injustice. Upon examining this request, the President of the Court of Appeal wrote to the President of the Supreme Court requesting that the judgment be reviewed. By Decision No 069/CJ/2024 of 15/05/2024, the President of the Supreme

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Court ordered that the case be transmitted to the Registry of the Supreme Court for re-hearing.

In its submissions, SANLAM AG Plc contends that the alleged injustice warranting the revision of the judgment lies in the fact that the court awarded compensation for career damage in contravention of the law, arguing that Ndayisaba Mathieu had no employment at the time of the accident. Conversely, Ndayisaba Mathieu maintains that no legal provision was violated, asserting that he indeed had a job even though he lacks supporting evidence, as he was paid in cash.

The public hearing was held on 13/02/2025, with SANLAM AG Plc represented by Counsel Nkeza Sempundu Clément and Ndayisaba Mathieu represented by Counsel Abasa Fazili. During the proceedings, the parties presented opposing arguments regarding whether Ndayisaba Mathieu was entitled to career damage, as well as the legal basis for the other damages claimed in the case. II.

ANALYSIS OF LEGAL ISSUES

IN THE CASE 1. Whether Ndayisaba Mathieu is entitled to career damage.

Counsel Nkeza Sempundu Clément, representing SANLAM AG Plc, submits that Ndayisaba Mathieu was not entitled to career damage, noting that in the lower courts he consistently stated that he had no identifiable employment at the time of the accident, which is why all awarded damages had been calculated on the basis of the SMIG (Interprofessional Guaranteed Minimum Wage) of Frw 3,000. He argues that it was therefore surprising that the

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High Court held that Articles 18 and 19 of Presidential order no 31/01 of 25/08/2003 on compensation for personal injury due to accidents caused by motor vehicles, contain no provision excluding an unemployed person from receiving compensation for career damage while a student with no income is entitled to them.

He further contends that the High Court, in its interpretation of Article 19 of the above-mentioned Presidential Order, erred when it held that although an accident victim may not yet have secured a salaried position, this does not preclude the possibility that they perform other forms of work, such as daily labour, while awaiting formal employment, and that the accident could deprive them of the opportunity to obtain such work compared to the prospects they would have had if the accident had not occurred. He argue that this reasoning lacked any factual or legal basis, as Ndayisaba Mathieu had no employment of any kind prior to the accident.

He further submits that Article 19 of the cited Presidential Order expressly provides that career damages are reserved only for two categories of persons : students and individuals who previously held salaried employment but lost it as a result of the accident. He argues that, since Ndayisaba Mathieu does not fall within either of these two categories, such damages cannot be grounded on speculative future prospects. He adds that any permanent incapacity resulting from the accident, and its impact on his capacity to work, was already compensated through other forms of indemnification. He therefore maintains that, given that the High Court itself acknowledged that Ndayisaba Mathieu neither held formal employment nor was a student at the time of the accident, the Court lacked any legal basis for awarding him career damages, as the law restricts such indemnities to persons earning a salary.

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He argues that the High Court’s finding that Ndayisaba Mathieu could potentially lose employment opportunities in the future is inconsistent with the Presidential Order as well as with the jurisprudential position previously adopted by the Supreme Court in similar matters. He referred to Supreme Court judgment No RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC1, in which the Court held that a person who cannot demonstrate that they held gainful employment at the time of the accident cannot be awarded career damages, since there is no actual loss to be compensated. He also cites Supreme Court judgment No RS/INJUST/RC 00007/2023/SC2, where the Court clarified that the impact of permanent incapacity on one’s career relates specifically to the diminished prospects of promotion or advancement for someone who was already employed. He concludes that, since Ndayisaba Mathieu had no known salaried employment at the time of the accident, he was not eligible for career damages.

He further argues that the High Court conflated loss of opportunity with career damage. He submits that counsel for Ndayisaba Mathieu did not, and could not, base the claim on alleged “unknown employment,” since no such category exists in law, and that the Court therefore erred by treating speculative future opportunities as equivalent to a legally cognizable career damage.

He concludes on this point that, based on the positions established by the Supreme Court, it has been indicated that Ndayisaba Mathieu is not entitled to

1 See judgment No RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC rendered by the Supreme Court on 02/12/2022, Prime Insurance Company Ltd v Uwimanimpaye Jean Claude, paragraph 27. 2 See judgment No RS/INJUST/RC 00007/2023/SC rendered by the Supreme Court on 05/04/2024, Radiant Insurance Company Ltd v Mukaneza Clarisse, paragraph 53.

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compensation for career damage, as he does not meet the requirements set out in Article 19 of the above-mentioned Presidential Order. He therefore requests the Supreme Court to order him to reimburse SANLAM AG Plc the amount of Frw 540,000 corresponding to compensation that was improperly awarded.

Counsel Abasa Fazili, representing Ndayisaba Mathieu, argues that the grounds invoked by SANLAM AG Plc to seek a review of the judgment on the basis of an alleged of injustice are unfounded. He submits that, according to the reasoning provided by the High Court, the intention was to clarify that, even where a person does not hold a formally recognized occupation, this does not negate the fact that they provide value to themselves or to others. He further notes that the Court demonstrated that, as long as an individual is not disabled, they are capable of performing some form of work; therefore, when that individual later becomes disabled, such incapacity prevents them from carrying out the work they had ordinarily been able to undertake prior to the impairment.

He further submits that, in everyday life, Ndayisaba Mathieu initially worked as a mason’s assistant and later as a mason; therefore, counsel argues, SANLAM AG Plc cannot persuasively claim that he had no occupation, given that throughout that period he was supporting his wife and children. He notes that the nature of such work makes it difficult to produce documentary proof, as wages were paid in cash. He adds that the fact that his client was awarded compensation for financial loss demonstrates that he indeed performed income-generating activities. Counsel concludes that this aligns with Article 19 of the referenced Presidential Order, which provides that a person eligible for compensation for career damage is one who is engaged in

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work and earns an income, irrespective of the type of occupation one holds.

He also argues that it is inconsistent for SANLAM AG Plc to accept the award of compensation for financial loss granted to Ndayisaba Mathieu while simultaneously contending that he should not receive compensation for career damage, despite having sustained a permanent incapacity as certified by a medical professional. He submits that this incapacity has had a profound impact on his client, rendering him unable to perform work as he previously did and constituting a barrier to obtaining any form of employment. As a result, he returned to his home area in the Western Province because he could no longer work, and he remains under medical treatment to date.

He concludes by submitting that the High Court did not depart from the jurisprudential position established in judgment No RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC, as its decision is consistent with that precedent. Rather, the Court explained that the reasoning contained in that judgment is insufficient to support the view that a person who did not hold a formally recognized occupation at the time of the accident is automatically ineligible for career damages, since such a person is deprived of the opportunity to obtain and retain employment. The Court further held that the earlier judgment does not provide adequate clarification on this issue, as was also explained in judgment No RS/INJUST/RC 00007/2023/SC referenced above.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

The issue in dispute between the parties in this case is whether a person who is unemployed or who does not hold a well-determined job should be entitled to career damages. In addressing this question, it is necessary to clarify the

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nature and purpose of this category of compensation, to identify the persons who qualify for it, and to determine whether Ndayisaba Mathieu had any form of employment at the time the accident occurred. a. The issue of career damages and those entitled to them.

Article 19 of the Presidential order no 31/01 of 25/08/2003 on compensation for personal injury due to accidents caused by motor vehicles provides that career damage shall stand for (i) either loss of a definite career opportunity reasonably expected for a pupil, a high school, technical or university student or equivalent ; or (ii) the career damage of a person already in working life. In its last paragraph, this provision stipulates that career damage shall be restricted to six months of income calculated and limited to 30 times the guaranteed minimum wage.

In judgment No RS/INJUST/RC 00004/2023/SC, the Court relied on the legal expert Joëlle Marteau-Péretié, who explained that career damage is understood as the loss of income resulting from the work a person performed before the accident, and that its purpose is to compensate for the professional consequences suffered by the victim, such as being forced to change their occupation, perform their previous work under more onerous conditions, or shift to a different type of activity3. The expert further clarified that compensation awarded under the category of professional impact is intended to cover the effects of the accident that may reduce a person’s value on the labour market, compensate for the increased hardship in performing the work previously undertaken or future work to be performed,

3 Judgment RS/INJUST/RC 00004/2023/SC rendered by the Supreme Court on 2/04/2024, RADIANT Insurace Company v Murekatete Denyse, paragraph 36.

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address situations where the individual is compelled to change employment, or cover the loss of opportunities for career promotions resulting from the accident4.

Based on this precedent, it is evident that compensation for career damage is reserved for a person who had an occupation, whether they ceased to earn income due to the consequences of the accident, changed to work they are still capable of performing, continued in the same activity but under more onerous conditions resulting from the accident, or remained in the same job but lost prospects for promotions due to diminished productivity. This necessarily implies that a person with no occupation does not fall within the scope of such compensation. It follows that an applicant seeking compensation for career damage must demonstrate that they indeed had some form of employment, together with the impact the accident had on that employment, whether through loss, change, increased hardship, or loss of promotion opportunities. This burden of proof was reiterated in judgment No RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC5, where the Court found that Uwimanimpaye Jean Claude was not entitled to such compensation because he failed to provide evidence of the employment, he claimed to have held6.

4 See paragraph 37 of the same judgment. 5 See Judgment No RS/INJUST/RC 00010/2021/SC rendered by the Supreme Court on 02/12/2022, Prime Insurance Company Ltd v Uwimanimpaye Jean Claude, paragraph 27. 6 The position established in this case was refined and elaborated in judgment No RS/INJUST/RC 00007/2023/SC, rendered by the Supreme Court on 05/04/2024, Radiant Insurance Company Ltd v Mukaneza Clarisse, at paragraph 53, where the Court held that compensation for career damage should not be construed as compensation for loss of employment itself.

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b. Whether Ndayisaba Mathieu had any form of employment at the time the accident occurred

Article 4 of the Law n° 062/2024 of 20/06/2024 governing evidence reads that a claimant has the burden to prove his or her claim. The respondent provides arguments substantiating his or her defence. And article 12 of the Law n° 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to the civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedure states that the claimant must prove a claim, failing which the respondent wins the case.

In this case, Ndayisaba Mathieu, who claims to have held employment that supported him and for which he sought compensation for career damage, bears the burden of adducing evidence; failure to do so results in him losing the case. His Counsel contends that he worked as a mason after having performed a mason’s assistant, but asserts that no evidence can be produced to verify the work Ndayisaba Mathieu performed due to its informal nature, as he was paid in cash.

The Court finds that counsel for Ndayisaba Mathieu should have presented any available evidence capable of demonstrating that he performed that work, such as testimony from local administrative authorities confirming his employment, statements from persons for whom he worked or his workmates, wage receipts, payment records, or any other relevant proof. In the absence of such evidence, Ndayisaba Mathieu was not entitled to compensation for career damage because he failed to demonstrate that he had employment at the time of the accident.

Based on the applicable legal provisions and the foregoing explanations, the Court finds that Ndayisaba Mathieu was not entitled to compensation for career damage

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and must therefore reimburse SANLAM AG Plc the amount of Frw 540,000 corresponding to the compensation previously awarded to him in violation of the law.

2. The legal basis for damages requested in this case

Counsel Nkeza Sempundu Clément, representing SANLAM AG Plc, submits that the award of compensation for career damage to Ndayisaba Mathieu caused the company he represents to be dragged into unnecessary lawsuits. He therefore asks this Court to order Ndayisaba Mathieu to pay SANLAM AG Plc a total of Frw 2,000,000, comprising Frw 700,000 as counsel fees for the proceedings before the High Court, Frw 800,000 as counsel fees for the current proceedings, and Frw 500,000 as procedural fees at each level, given that the company engaged legal counsel to represent it.

Counsel Abasa Fazili, representing Ndayisaba Mathieu, responds that the damages claimed by SANLAM AG Plc are unfounded because all the awards granted to his client were lawfully justified. He further states that he will not reimburse the Frw 540,000 awarded as compensation for career damage, as it had been confirmed by the Court. He concludes by requesting the Court to order SANLAM AG Plc to pay Ndayisaba Mathieu damages for being dragged into lawsuits, amounting to Frw 2,000,000 as counsel fees and Frw 1,000,000 as procedural fees.

Counsel for SANLAM AG Plc maintains that the damages sought by Ndayisaba Mathieu have no merit, as he is unable to rebut the precedent-setting cases previously litigated by SANLAM AG Plc, which support the claim it now brings before the Court.

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DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

The Court finds that Ndayisaba Mathieu is not entitled to the damages he seeks, as he is a looser in this case. With respect to the damages claimed by SANLAM AG Plc, the Court holds that the company is entitled to certain amounts because it has won this case. Concerning the counsel and procedural fees claimed for the proceedings before the High Court, the Court finds that the company should not be awarded such an amount, as the company has partly lost the case at that level. However, it deserves to be awarded the amounts claimed at this level. The Court nonetheless considers the sums requested to be excessive and unsupported by evidence ; exercising its discretion, it awards Frw 500,000 as counsel fees and Frw 300,000 as procedural costs. III.

DECISION OF THE COURT

Declares the application filed by SANLAM AG Plc for the review of the judgment Nº RCA 00207/2022/HC/KIG rendered by the High Court on 05/06/2023 on grounds of being vitiated by injustice, well- founded;

Orders Ndayisaba Mathieu to reimburse SANLAM AG Plc Frw 540,000 awarded as compensation for career damage;

Orders Ndayisaba Mathieu to pay SANLAM AG Plc Frw 800,000 for both counsel and procedural fees.

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COMMERCIAL CASE

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ECOBANK RWANDA PLC v. RUSEKAMPUNZI ET AL. [Rwanda COURT OF APPEAL – RCOMAA 00058/2024/CA (Rutazana, P.J.) 14 October 2024] Commercial law – Auction – Valuation of assets to be auctioned – Assets to be auctioned must be subject to a valuation, carried out at the time of sale, that reflects their market value as determined by a certified valuer. Commercial law – Auction – The auction terms and conditions – A receiver cannot alter the contentes of the terms and conditions of the auction, without informing the concerned parties about the changes. Facts: DATAPRO GRAPHICS Ltd was granted a loan by ECOBANK, Rusekampunzi acted as mortgagor for it, whereby he mortgaged his property registered under UPI: 1/02/13/01/1374. DATAPRO GRAPHICS failed to repay the loan. This fact prompted Ecobank to request to the Registrar General to sell the mortgage which was granted, and the property was auctioned. Rusekampunzi wrote to the Registrar General requesting that the auction should be invalidated alleging that it was unlawfully conducted. Having noted that he was not given a response, he filed a claim before the Commercial Court requesting that the auction should be invalidated on grounds that the valuation was outdated, and that the auction notice was advertised in a newspaper different from the one the receiver had provided for in the auction terms and conditions. The Commercial Court ruled that the auction was conducted in compliance with the law, and therefore should be upheld. 147

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Rusekampunzi appealed to the Commercial High Court, claiming that the auction of his property should have been invalidated. The Court ruled that his appeal has merit, that the auction of his property was unlawfully conducted because the receiver conducted the auction based on the value that was not relevant to the time of the auction, and did not comply with the provisions of the auction terms and conditions regarding the newspaper in which the auction was to be published, and ordered that the auction should be cancelled. Ecobank Rwanda Plc and Muvunyi (the receiver) appealed to the Court of Appeal, arguing that the auction should not have been invalidated because Rusekampunzi was informed of the valuation and did not challenge it or refute it. They also argued that the auction was advertised in accordance with the law. They also sought for various damages. Rusekampuzi, on the other hand, states that the valuation on which the auction is based was not conducted in accordance with the law, and does not meet all the requirements for it to be valid. He also alleges that the fact that the auction was not advertised in the newspaper mentioned in the auction terms and conditions, it is a flaw that prevented the auction from being properly attended; therefore, the errors made must be corrected and the auction invalidated. Held: 1. Assets to be auctioned must be subject to a valuation, carried out at the time of sale, that reflects their market value as determined by a certified valuer.

2. The receiver should not change the contents of the auction terms and conditions conveniently and at any time without informing the concerned parties. The appeal lacks merits. The court fee covers the expenses of proceedings.

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Statutes and statutory instruments referred to: Instructions of the Registrar General n° 001/2020/org of 12/05/2020 regulating modalities of management, lease, auction and acquisition of mortgage, articles 2, 26, 27, 28 and 29. No cases were referred to. Judgment I. BACKGROUND OF THE CASE

DATAPRO GRAPHICS Ltd was granted a loan by Ecobank Rwanda Plc, Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar acted as mortgagor for it and mortgaged his property registered under UPI: 1/02/13/01/1374. DATAPRO GRAPHICS Ltd failed to repay the loan; this fact prompted Ecobank Rwanda Plc to request to the Registrar General in Rwanda Development Board (RDB) a certificate to auction the mortgage, the request was granted. On 07/06/2024, the assets were auctioned by the Court Bailiff Muvunyi Serge, who was the Receiver, and the property was purchased by Ndikumana Frodouald.

On 14/06/2024, Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar wrote to the Registrar General requesting that the auction should be invalidated because it was unlawfully conducted, based on the following reasons: the fact that Ecobank Rwanda Plc requested that the mortgage should be auctioned without first issuing a notice of the request for repayment and demonstrating that the agreements to pay the remaining debt in installments entered into with DATAPRO GRAPHICS Ltd's guarantors were not respected; the fact that DATAPRO GRAPHICS Ltd was granted the loan without being notified of the certificate to auction the mortgage, the

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valuation of the mortgage sold, the auction terms and conditions , and the auction notice; and the fact that the report indicates that the auction was advertised in the Amakuru Media newspaper while the receiver, in the auction terms and conditions he prepared himself, stated that the auction would be advertised in the IGIHE.COM newspaper.

Upon realizing that the Registrar General did not respond to his request, on 22/06/2024, Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar filed a petition before the Commercial Court requesting the invalidation of the above-mentioned auction, based on the following reasons: • The fact that Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar, as the owner of the mortgaged property that was auctioned without notice for repayment of a debt amounting to 324,426,451 Frw; • The fact that DATAPRO GRAPHICS Ltd was granted a loan without notice of appointment of receiver; certificate to auction the mortgaged property, valuation of the property sold and notice of auction; • The fact that the report indicates that the auction notice was advertised in Amakuru Media newspaper ; however, as per the auction terms and conditions prepared by the receiver, it is clearly stated that the auction notice would be advertised in IGIHE.COM newspaper ; • The fact that the auction was conducted based on an outdated valuation conducted on 26/04/2023 while the auction was conducted on 07/06/2024 and it is clear that the value of the property is increasing.

In the judgment RCOM 00913/2024/TC, rendered by the Commercial Court on 12/07/2024, it held that the

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auction conducted on the property UPI: 1/02/13/01/1374 complied with the law and should be upheld, it ordered to Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar to pay to Muvunyi Serge 500,000 Frw for counsel fee and Frw 50,000 Frw for procedural fee.

Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar appealed against the judgment to the Commercial High Court to demonstrate that the auction of his above-mentioned property should be invalidated, based on the following reasons:  The fact that his property (which was mortgaged) was auctioned on 07/06/2024 based on the valuation made on 26/04/2023, yet it was necessary to carry out another updated valuation;  The fact that the auction terms and conditions prepared by the receiver indicated that the auction would be advertised in IGIHE.COM newspaper; however, the report indicates that the auction was advertised in Amakuru Media newspaper.

Muvunyi Serge raised an objection arguing that the Commercial Court should not have admitted Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar’s claim, on the ground that it was lodged after the expiry of the statutory time limits for seizing the Court. As to the grounds of appeal, all respondents submitted a general defence asserting that the appeal lacks merits, since Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar was duly notified of the valuation of the property forming the basis of the auction, yet he failed to challenge or contest it, thereby implying his acceptance. They argue that such a contention cannot constitute a ground for nullifying the auction, as it does not fall within the grounds provided under Article 260 of the Law relating to the civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedure. Regarding the auction notice, they contend that the fact that it was published in a newspaper

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different from the one indicated in the Ministerial Instructions governing public auctions, was merely an inadvertent error, and that it caused no prejudice, since the essential requirement is that the auction should be duly advertised.

In the judgment RCOMA 00448/2024/HCC, rendered on 14/08/2024, the Commercial High Court held that the appeal of Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar was well- founded; that the auction of his property was unlawfully conducted because the receiver conducted the auction based on a value that was not updated to the time of the auction, and did not comply with the provisions of the auction terms and conditions regarding the place where the auction was to be held, ordered that the auction should be cancelled, and ordered to Muvunyi Serge, the receiver, to pay to Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar 1,000,000 Frw for counsel fee, 200,000 Frw for procedural fee, both at first instance and appeal, and 60,000 Frw for court fee deposited at first instance and appeal.

Ecobank Rwanda Plc and Muvunyi Serge appealed to the Court of Appeal, both relying on the grounds that the auction should not have been invalidated because Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar was informed of the fair valuation of his property and the auction was advertised in accordance with the law; the appellants also claimed for procedural and counsel fees. Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar defended himself, stating that the appeal was unfounded, and he claimed for procedural and counsel fees, as well as damages for having been dragged into unnecessary lawsuits.

The public hearing was held on 04/11/2024, Ecobank Rwanda Plc was represented by Counsel Bimenyimana Eric and Counsel Mutsinzi Clémentine, Muvunyi Serge assisted by Counsel Mfashingabo Aimable

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and Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar was represented by Counsel Ndaruhutse Janvier and Counsel Mwima Michel.

Based on the foregoing debates, the Court has to examine the following issues of the case:  Determine whether the fact that the auction of the property registered under UPI: 1/02/13/01/1374, was conducted without a fresh valuation carried out at the time of auctioning it, constitutes a ground for nullifying the auction;  Determine whether the fact that the newspaper in which the auction of the property registered under UPI: 1/02/13/01/1374 belonging to Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar was different from the one indicated by the receiver in the auction terms and conditions, constitutes a ground for nullifying the auction;  Determine the basis of the procedural fee, counsel fee, and moral damages sought in this case. II. ANALYSIS OF THE LEGAL ISSUES

OF THE CASE 1 Determine whether the fact that the auction of the property registered under UPI: 1/02/13/01/1374, was conducted without a fresh valuation carried out at the time of auctioning it, constitutes a ground for nullifying the auction

In their submissions and pleadings, both appellants (Ecobank Rwanda Plc and Muvunyi Serge) concur on the ground that they criticize the Commercial High Court for having upheld the grounds on which Rusekampunzi Kabera

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Edgar based his request to invalidate the auction. They claim that it was conducted based on the valuation of his property dated 23/06/2024 when a new valuation was to be carried out during the auction, ignoring the fact that the flaw was revealed late, as he was notified of the valuation on 08/05/2024 and was not defective within 10 days as provided for in Article 28 of the Instructions of the Registrar General n° 001/2020/org of 12/05/2020 regulating modalities of management, lease, auction and acquisition of mortgage.

The appellants further submit that the notification of the valuation (to the mortgagor or the owner of the mortgaged property) is not a mere formality, rather it is a procedural safeguard intended to inform him/her that, should he/she have any objections, he/she may raise them within the time prescribed by law and when an objection is not raised, that valuation becomes the basis for the auction, as provided under paragraph 5 of Article 28 of the Instructions of the Registrar General cited above; consequently, Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar cannot rely on his own failure to exercise this right within the lawful time limits as a ground to request the annulment of the auction.

They further argue that the valuation relied upon was indeed a valuation made for purposes of the auction, as it was conducted specifically to be used in the auction of his property; rather it is Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar himself who requested the auction suspension for allowing to sell it himself, after twenty (20) days following the notification of the valuation to him, he wrote to Ecobank Rwanda Plc requesting the authorization to privately sell the mortgaged property for 156,180,000 Frw, an amount representing seventy-five percent (75%) of the value indicated in that valuation, Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar has not demonstrated that his property was sold at low price, given

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that the auction price exceeded the valuation by nearly eighty (80) million Rwandan francs.

Counsel Ndaruhutse Janvier and Counsel Mwima Michel, representing Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar, argue that this ground of appeal is unfounded because, as the Commercial High Court explained, the valuation on which it was based was not made during the auction and therefore did not meet the legal requirements to be valid, based on Article 26 of the aforementioned Instructions of the Registrar General, in its sub-paragraph 5, which provides that the information contained in the mortgage auction terms and conditions include the market value of the property to be sold, determined by a certified real property valuer, and Article 27 of the same Instructions, in its sub-paragraph 2, which provides that the mortgage auction terms and conditions are accompanied by a report on valuation of the property at the time the mortgage is placed under receivership done by a certified real property valuer.

The lawyers of Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar further explain that he had the right to remind the receiver that the valuation he had notified to him had a flaw that made it invalid in any way and at any time, because this is not done in a counter-valuation against the one provided by the court bailiff, and that even if he did not remind him, the flaw in the valuation would not be removed, and the auction in which it was used would still be canceled.

The lawyers of Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar further submit that the very fact that the appellants themselves acknowledge that the amount realized from the auction of his property exceeded the valuation used in that auction demonstrates that the said valuation was outdated. They argue that this is unsurprising, since the valuation in question was conducted on 26/04/2023 and was subsequently used for three separate auctions, the last of

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which was annulled by the Commercial High Court after the issuance of the sale authorization by the Registrar General on 07/05/2024, more than one year later. They contend that the Commercial High Court correctly found that Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar could not be permitted to challenge the valuation outside the legally prescribed timeframe, noting that each authorization to sell mortgaged property must be supported by a valuation conducted contemporaneously with the application to the Registrar General.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

The debate on this issue is based on whether, after Muvunyi Serge was appointed by the Registrar General on 07/05/2024 as the receiver of the property UPI:1/02/13/01/1374 belonging to Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar, he should have conducted another valuation of the property that reflects the basic price to be paid at auction, or whether he was allowed to conduct the auction based on the existing valuation, which was made on 26/04/2023.

Article 26, paragraph one, sub-paragraph 5º, of Instructions of the Registrar General n° 001/2020/org of 12/05/2020 regulating modalities of management, lease, auction and acquisition of mortgage, provides that the mortgage auction terms and conditions include at least the market value of the mortgaged property determined by a certified real property valuer.

Article 27, paragraph one, sub-paragraph 2º, of the aforementioned Instructions of the Registrar General nº 001/2020/org of 12/05/2020 provides that the auction terms and conditions document shall be accompanied by a report on valuation of the property at the time the mortgage is placed under receivership done by a certified real property

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valuer and notified to the mortgagor and owner of mortgaged property when the latter is not at the same time the mortgagor.

Article 28 of those Instructions states that " When the mortgagor or the owner of the mortgaged property when the latter is different from the debtor is not satisfied with the valuation produced by a certified real property valuer, he or she has the right to object to the valuation through a counter- valuation produced by a certified real property valuer appointed by the Institute of real property valuers in Rwanda. The counter-valuation is submitted to the receiver within a period not exceeding ten (10) days counted from the day following the day of receipt of the valuation by the objecting party, but including the day of submitting the counter-valuation to the receiver".

The provisions of Articles 26 and 27, read together, mean that one of the things that the receiver appointed by the Registrar General must take into account when preparing the auction is that the property to be sold must be valued, at the time of sale, at its current market value as determined by a certified real property valuer. This also implies that the said valuation serves as the reference price for bidders, acting as the base price during the auction process.

The Court finds that by providing that the mortgaged property should be auctioned based on its market value at the time of sale, it is clear that the legislator intended to protect the owner of the property to be sold, so that his property is not sold at any price that may result in a loss, rather be sold at a fixed price based on its market value at the time of sale, because that value may change over time, and the practice shows that the value of land increases over time.

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In particular, as the Commercial High Court explained in the case under appeal, the fact that the real estate prices change over time is emphasized by the fact that the legislator, in Law n° 32/2015 of 11/06/2015 relating to expropriation in the public interest, provided in its article 221 that the list of prices of land and developments on it is reviewed annually.

In relation to this case, the auction terms and conditions for the above-mentioned property dated 20/05/2024 prepared by Muvunyi Serge indicate that the value of the property of Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar registered under UPI: 1/02/13/01/1374 is 208,240,000 Frw; this value is also reflected in the valuation report which was based on, prepared on 26/04/2023 by a real estate valuer named Abayo Emmanuella; and it is also reflected in the Auction Report as the basic price of the property.

Basing itself on the explanations provided in paragraphs 18 to 22 of this judgment, the Court finds that the property of Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar mentioned above was sold based on a valuation that was no longer current, as it had been conducted more than a year earlier. Consequently, such valuation cannot be deemed to reflect the market value at the time of the auction sale. Considering also the explanations above regarding the fluctuations in land prices over time, it is evident that this situation caused

1 The article 22 provides that “Land values and prices for property incorporated on land consistent with the prevailing market rates provided under this Law shall be established by the Institute of Real Property Valuers in Rwanda. The list of land values and prices for property incorporated on land shall be reviewed every year and approved by the regulatory Council for the real property valuation in Rwanda before it becomes effective. The unit prices for land and property incorporated thereon shall be published every year in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Rwanda”.

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him a loss, since the bidders relied on an outdated valuation when submitting their offers.

The Court finds that, although Article 28 of the Instructions of the Registrar General Nº 001/2020/org of 12/05/2020 mentioned above provides that when the mortgagor or the owner of the mortgaged property when the latter is different from the debtor is not satisfied with the valuation produced by a certified real property valuer, he or she has the right to object to the valuation through a counter- valuation within a period not exceeding ten (10) days calculated from the day following the day of receipt of the valuation, this does not remove the primary obligations of the receiver, as a professional, provided for by the law as explained above, to rely on the updated valuation that is relevant to the time and made at the time of the auction; therefore, the fact that Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar did not immediately object to the valuation when it was submitted, the receiver cannot use it as an excuse to demonstrate that what he/she did was in compliance with the law; and if there was a loss caused to him as explained, there is nothing to prevent Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar from relying on that defect to request that the auction be invalidated.

Based on all the elucidations provided above, this ground of appeal is unfounded.

2. Determine whether the fact that the newspaper in which the auction of the property registered under UPI: 1/02/13/01/1374 belonging to Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar was different from the one indicated by the receiver in the auction terms and conditions, constitutes a ground for nullifying the auction

Ecobank Rwanda Plc and Muvunyi Serge concur on this ground of appeal, explaining that their criticism of the impugned judgment lies in the fact that the Court annulled

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the auction on the basis that the receiver admitted to having made a typographical error in the auction terms and conditions, by indicating that the auction would be advertised in IGIHE.COM whereas it was in fact published in Amakuru Media. They contend that the lower Court wrongly considered this error as misleading both potential buyers and the property owner, while in reality the bidders are not among the recipients of the auction terms and conditions. They further argue that this typographical error had no practical consequence, since the auction was well attended, and even Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar personally participated and sought a buyer himself. Therefore, what matters is that the auction was duly advertised in an authorized newspaper, at the Cell office, and on the Radio, and the Court did not reject these facts.

The lawyers of Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar argue that this ground of appeal is baseless because the Commercial High Court did not err in its analysis of the judgment under appeal. They explain that those concerned by the auction terms and conditions should have encouraged others to participate in the auction, and the latter should have gone to see the advertisement in the newspaper they were told about, that the fact that they were told about the newspaper and did not find the advertisement in it, is a defect that prevented the auction from being properly attended; therefore, the mistakes made must be corrected and the auction must be invalidated because advertising an auction is not just a mere formality but aims to protect the rights of the owner of the property, his creditors, buyers or anyone who has a claim on that property, based on the position set in the judgments RCOMAA 00064/2019/CA,

RCOMAA 00028/2023/CA and

RCOMAA 00031/2016/SC-RCOMAA 00036/16/CS, all rendered by the Court of Appeal.

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DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

The debate on this issue is based on whether the fact that the auction was advertised in a newspaper different from the one that the receiver had stated in the auction terms and conditions, is a reason for invalidating the auction.

Article 29 of the Instructions of the Registrar General n° 001/2020/org of 12/05/2020 regulating modalities of management, lease, auction and acquisition of mortgage concerns the publication of auction, and provides that the receiver advertises the auction in a print or online newspaper operating in Rwanda.

Article 26 of the same Instructions also provides that the receiver shall prepare a written document of mortgage auction terms and conditions containing the information mentioned in that article2, and any other information as the receiver deems necessary. Article 28 of the said Instructions provides that the receiver shall notify the mortgagee and the mortgagor of the auction terms and conditions at least 10 days before the date of the auction, and reserves a copy thereof to the Registrar General and the owner of the mortgaged property when the latter is different from the debtor.

2 Such article provides that “A receiver prepares the mortgage auction terms and conditions, which include at least the following:1° number of the mortgaged property; 2° location of the mortgaged property; 3° area of the mortgaged property; 4° a statement that the property is offered on an “as is” basis; 5° market value of the mortgaged property determined by a certified real property valuer; 6° date of the auction; 7° time of the auction; 8° location of the auction; 9° schedule for subsequent auction dates in the event of postponement; 10° details of escrow account to be used to deposit the proceeds of the auction; 11° bid security; 12° indicating the payment priority order of the proceeds from the sale of a mortgage; 13° any other information the receiver deems necessary for the purposes of the auction”.

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Article 2 of the Instructions of the Registrar General Nº 002/2021/ORG of 29/06/2021 amending the Instructions of the Registrar General n° 001/2020/org of 12/05/2020 regulating modalities of management, lease, auction and acquisition of mortgage provides, in its last paragraph, that during the auction, the mortgagee, the mortgagor, or the owner of the mortgaged property has the right to find himself or herself the buyers that can bid during the auction.

Based on the combined interpretation of Articles 26 and 2 referred to above, the Court finds that the auction terms and conditions, prepared by the receiver and notified to the Registrar General, who delegated those responsibilities, as well as to the mortgagee, the mortgagor, and the property owner where distinct from the mortgagor, constitutes an official instrument encompassing the essential information prescribed under Article 26 mentioned above, together with any other relevant details deemed necessary by the receiver regarding the auction and its modalities. Consequently, the Court finds that the receiver is not permitted to alter the content of that document arbitrarily or at any time without duly notifying the aforementioned parties as required under the Registrar General’s Instructions. Such conduct would not only amount to unprofessional practice but could also undermine the rights of the mortgagee, the mortgagor, or the property owner to seek bidders during the auction process, thereby adversely affecting both the level of participation and the overall results of the auction.

The case file indicates that the auction terms and conditions prepared by Muvunyi Serge, who was the receiver, and notified to Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar, states that the auction of his property mentioned above will be advertised in IGIHE.COM newspaper, surprisingly, on

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10/06/2024, the auction of that property was advertised in Amakuru Media newspaper.

Based on the elucidations set out in paragraph 34, the Court finds that the fact that the receiver notified the parties concerned by the auction terms and conditions, including Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar, that the auction of his property would be advertised in the newspaper IGIHE.COM but did not comply with it by instead advertising it in a different newspaper (Amakuru Media), as explained above; in addition to being unprofessional conduct for the receiver, they also violated the rights of Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar as the owner of the property to seek bidders during the auction, because this information contained in the auction terms and conditions provides for the manner in which the auction will be conducted and from which he encourages buyers to participate; the fact that the receiver could notify them where to find the auction notice and not advertise it could confuse and mislead them, as the Commercial High Court had explained it, and could also affect the participation in the bidding, and the overall results of the auction; all this would cause the owner of the property to suffer undue losses; based on these elucidations, this is a reason why the auction is invalidated.  Determine the basis of the procedural fee, counsel fee, and moral damages sought in this case

Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar requested the Court to order to the appellants to pay to him 1,500,000 Frw for the procedural fee at all levels of the proceedings ; 3,000,000 Frw for the counsel fee for two lawyers who represented him, 60,000 Frw for the court fee paid at the first and second levels, and 5,000,000 Frw as moral damages for being dragged into unnecessary lawsuits.

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The appellants state that the claims of Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar are baseless.

Article 111 of Law n° 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to the civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedure provides that: “the claim for legal costs is adjudicated at the same time with the principal claim. It can also be admitted and adjudicated even if the principal claim has not been admitted.”

The Court finds that Ecobank Rwanda Plc and Muvunyi Serge are the ones who appealed to this Court, making it necessary for Rusekampunzi Edgar Kabera to pursue the case and hire the advocates to defend him, and as explained above, their appeal lacks merit; therefore, based on the provisions of Article 111 mentioned above, the Court grants to Rusekampunzi Edgar Kabera, at its discretion, 700,000 Frw for the counsel fee and 300,000 Frw for the procedural fee at this level, because those granted at the previous levels were allocated in the case under appeal; while he is not entitled to moral damages because this is the first time to seek them. III.

DECISION OF THE COURT

Holds that the appeal of ECOBANK RWANDA Plc and that of Muvunyi Serge lack merits.

Holds that the ruling of the judgment RCOMA 00448/2024/HCC rendered by the Commercial High Court on 14/08/2024 is sustained.

Orders to Ecobank Rwanda Plc and Muvunyi Serge to jointly and on equal basis pay to Rusekampunzi Kabera Edgar seven hundred thousand francs (700,000 Frw) for

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counsel fee and three hundred thousand (300,000 Frw) for procedural fee at this stage.

Rules that the court fee deposited by the appellants covers the expenses of the proceedings.

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167 PLATEFORME COMPANY RWANDA LTD v. MUHITTIN ISILDAK

PLATEFORME COMPANY RWANDA LTD v. MUHITTIN

ISILDAK [Rwanda COURT OF APPEAL – RCOMAA 00007/2025/CA (Ngagi, P.J.) March 21, 2025] Commercial procedure – Time limits for lodging an appeal – The claims seeking the judicial confirmation of a debt arising from a commercial transaction and the conversion of a seizure into a distraint shall be adjudicated in accordance with summary procedure, and any appeal shall equally be lodged and processed within the statutory timelines governing summary procedure, that is, within three (3) working days. Facts: After Muhittin Isildak had leased his building to Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd, and the latter failed to pay the monthly rent of USD 750 as mutually agreed, he sought the intervention of court bailiffs who seized the assets on the leased premises. Subsequently, he filed a claim before the Commercial Court, seeking judicial confirmation of the rental debt and requesting that the seizure be turned into a distraint. He further prayed for the award of interest on the outstanding amount and reimbursement of litigation- related expenses. Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd Ltd raised a preliminary objection of lack of jurisdiction of the Commercial Court, arguing that the creditor should have initiated the claim through the ordinary procedure, starting with a pre-trial conference. They contended that a judge adjudicating the case related to the summary procedure cannot determine the merits of a case to confirm the existence of a debt, rather the judge issues interim orders in case of urgency; that the 167

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confirmation of a debt does not constitute an interim order, it is rather a final judgment. The Commercial Court ruled that those objections were irrelevant. The Commercial Court rendered judgment dismissing the objection raised by Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd Ltd as baseless and declared that the seizure carried out on its property was thereby turned into a distraint. Dissatisfied with the decision, Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd Ltd appealed to the Commercial High Court, requesting to the Court to order the respondent to refund the amount of money received. The Commercial High Court confirmed the decision of the Commercial Court. Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd then appealed to the Court of Appeal, where Muhittin Isildak raised a preliminary objection of inadmissibility, contending that the appellant had filed the appeal out of time. He argued that, since the case concerning the seizure of a rental debt, requesting to the court to confirm the debt and to convert the seizure into a distraint, are the matters that fell within the category of urgent claims (summary procedure) and any appeal should have been lodged within three (3) working days from the date of pronouncement or notification of the court decision. In response, Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd argued that the judgment appealed against was rendered on 19/12/2024, and the appeal was lodged on 15/01/2025; therefore,

the appeal time limit was duly observed, since the time limit for appeal is thirty (30) days, given that the case in question is not an urgent claim (summary procedure). Held: The claims seeking the judicial confirmation of a debt arising from a commercial transaction and the conversion of a seizure into a distraint shall be adjudicated in accordance with summary procedure, and as they do not derive from any principal lawsuit, they shall equally be heard, pronounced

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and appealed within the time limits provided for summary procedure cases, that is, within three (3) working days. The objection relating to non-observation of time limits for lodging an appeal has merit. The court fees cover expenses incurred in the case. Statutes and statutory instruments referred to: Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to the civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedure, articles 188, 231 and 232. Cases referred to: Balton CP v. New Century Development LTD, RCOMAA 00040/2022/CA decided by the Court of Appeal on 23/09/2022.

Judgment I.

BACKGROUND OF THE

CASE [1] Muhittin Isildak states that on 01/01/2024 he leased his building to Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd for a monthly rent of seven hundred and fifty United States dollars (750 USD), but that the company refused to pay voluntarily despite carrying out business activities and generating income every month. He explains that, although he repeatedly reminded Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd Ltd to honour its rental obligations, the company failed to take any action. He further indicates that the company’s intent to permanently deprive him of the accrued rents became evident when it attempted to surreptitiously remove

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its equipment from the leased premises, and when it refused to sign a settlement agreement that it had itself requested. He adds that, as a result, he sought the intervention of court bailiffs, who proceeded to carry out a seizure on the equipment located at the leased premises. He then filed a claim seeking judicial confirmation of the rental debt, together with an order turning the seizure into a distraint. He also claims the accrued interests on the outstanding debt as well as litigation-related expenses. [2] Muhittin Isildak further explained that the outstanding rental debt owed to him amounts to ten months of unpaid rent (10 months), equivalent to USD 75,000, and that this amount should continue to accrue until the judgment becomes final. [3] Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd Ltd raised a preliminary objection, arguing that the Commercial Court lacked jurisdiction to hear this matter because a creditor in such circumstances must follow the ordinary way of filing a case, starting with a pre-trial conference. The company further contended that a judge adjudicating summary procedure cases cannot adjudicate the merits of the case to confirm a debt, as such a judge may only issue an interim order in case of urgency. that confirmation of a debt is not an interim order; it is rather a final judgment. The Court, however, ruled that the objection is irrelevant. [4] Plateforme Company

Rwanda Ltd further argued that the claimant is a foreign national and should therefore be required to provide security for foreigners, which could be used to satisfy any award of costs should he lose the case. It additionally claimed that the claimant lacks standing and legal capacity to sue because the alleged debt arises from a lease agreement as he does not prove his ownership of the leased property, asserting that he is merely seeking undue gain. The company maintained that it had leased from

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Muhittin Isildak commercial premises and that the parties had agreed he would provide all documents relating to ownership of the property; that although Muhittin Isildak had notified it that rent payments would not commence until after six months, on 01/01/2024 he sent a lease agreement accompanied by documents relating to property rights as previously agreed, and also confirmed that no amendment to the lease was to be made before the agreed period elapsed. The company asserted that it had already begun paying rent and that the total amount paid so far is 1,465,000 Rwandan francs, comprising Frw 1,065,000 received via mobile money and Frw 400,000 paid in cash on various dates. [5] The company further argues that although it paid the rent, a dispute later arose regarding the UPI numbers indicating the ownership of the property. It explains that when they inquired about this issue, the claimant informed them that he was the owner of the premises. It adds that after paying for electricity, they discovered that the name appearing in the REG system and the property registered under UPI: 1/01/06/07/47 belongs to the University of Kigali, which, in their view, demonstrates that Muhittin Isildak was receiving rent for the premises fraudulently. [6] In its judgment RCOM 01630/2024/TC rendered on 20/11/2024, the Commercial Court held that:  the objections raised by Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd, namely that Muhittin Isildak must first provide the security for foreign nationals and that he lacks standing and legal interest to sue, are irrelevant;  the counterclaims lodged by Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd seeking the cancellation of the lease agreement for lack of consensus due to alleged improper representation, the reimbursement of all

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sums received by Muhittin Isildak, as well as damages and interest arising from alleged misconduct by the Court Bailiffs, are inadmissible;  the allegations by Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd Ltd that the lease agreement is void on the grounds that Muhittin Isildak leased premises he did not own are baseless;  the rental arrears owed by Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd to Muhittin Isildak amount to seventy- five thousand United States dollars (USD 75,000);  Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd must pay Muhittin Isildak the said USD 75,000 in rental arrears, together with litigation expenses consisting of Frw 1,000,000 as advocate fee and Frw 100,000 as legal costs;  the seizure of movable property for unpaid rent, as established in the bailiffs’ report dated 30/10/2024 prepared by Court Bailiffs Counsel Fortunée Nyirabizeyimana and Counsel Shakila Liliane Nyirarugwiro, is hereby turned into a distraint;  Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd must reimburse Muhittin Isildak the Frw 20,000 he deposited as court fees. [7] Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd appealed to the Commercial High Court, alleging that the Commercial Court failed to comply with Articles 91, 9, 10 and 24 of Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to the civil, commercial, labor and administrative procedure, and requested to the Court to order the defendant to refund the monies allegedly received. Muhittin Isildak responded that the appeal lodged by Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd lacks merit. [8] In the judgment

RCOMA 00737/2024/HCC delivered on 19/12/2024, the Commercial High Court held that the appeal filed by Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd

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was baseless and ruled that the decision in RCOM 01630/2024/TC, rendered on 20/11/2024 by the Commercial Court, remained unchanged. It further ordered that court fees be transferred to Public Treasury. [9] Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd again appealed to this Court, its appeal was registered under RCOMAA 00007/2025/CA. The case was heard in public on 05/03/2025, with Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd Ltd represented by Counsel Ditchou Tchounja Charles Claude Duplex, and Muhittin Isildak represented by Counsel Ndorimana Arnaud. The Court proceeded to hear the preliminary objection on non-compliance with appeal time- limits raised by counsel for Muhittin Isildak. II.

ANALYSIS OF LEGAL ISSUES i. Whether Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd delayed lodging their appeal [10] Counsel for Muhittin Isildak argues that the appeal filed by Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd is inadmissible for having been lodged out of time. He explains that the case is based on a distraint relating to unpaid rent, a case which requires the Court to confirm the existence of a debt, and that the request for the seizure to be turned into a distraint constitutes a matter to be heard under summary procedure. He relies on paragraph 5 of Article 231 of Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to the civil, commercial, labor and administrative procedure, which provides that such case is heard in the form of summary procedure. He further submits that paragraph 2 of Article 188 of the same Law stipulates that the appeal is made within three (3) working days from the time the order was pronounced or from the day the parties were aware of the decision.

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[11] He further explains that the judgment under appeal, RCOMA 00737/2024/HCC, was delivered on 19/12/2024, whereas Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd lodged its appeal on 15/01/2025, almost one month later. He argues that this is the reason why the Registrar of the Court of Appeal refused to register the appeal, as indicated in Decision No. 0001/2025/GCA/COM of 16/01/2025, paragraph 5, which was based on Article 21 of Law No. 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 mentioned above. Therefore, he alleges that the appeal filed by Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd should not be admitted because it was lodged out of time. [12] Counsel for Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd submits that the judgment under appeal was delivered on 19/12/2024 and the appeal was lodged on 15/01/2025, meaning that the time-limits for filing an appeal were complied with, since an appeal must be lodged within thirty (30) days. He argues that the judgment appealed against is not a summary procedure case. He explains that, relying on Article 231, paragraph 4, of Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 governing the civil, commercial, labor and administrative procedure, which provides that such a case must be adjudicated on the merits, it follows that it is not an urgent claim (summary procedure). Consequently, Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd complied with the time-limits for lodging the appeal.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT [13] Article 232 of Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to the civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedure provides for the following: “Any person: 1° who bears a bill of exchange; 2° who bears a promissory note; 3° who bears an unpaid cheque; 4° a creditor whose right is based on a legal commercial transaction; may request from the bailiff the seizure after assessing the authenticity of the

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above-mentioned documents and stating that the debt is unpaid”. Paragraph two of the same article, stipulates that the creditor must file a complaint within forty-eight (48) hours of seizure, before a competent court, for confirmation of the debt. While paragraph three of the very article reads that the seizure mentioned in Paragraph 2 of this Article persists unless it is cancelled by the court on the request of the property’s owner. The final judgement on the principal claim changes the seizure into distrain. The case is heard in the form of summary procedure. [14] Article 231, paragraphs 1 and 5, of the aforementioned Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 provides for the following: “If the tenant of a house, land or other goods refuses to pay rents, the owner may request from the bailiff the seizure of movable property or other goods which belong to the tenant, found in the leased buildings and on the land, or which were removed without their consent. The final judgement on the principal claim turns the seizure into distraint if the claimant wins the case. The case is heard in the form of summary procedure. [15] Article 188, paragraph 2, of the aforementioned Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 provides as follows: “The appeal is made within three (3) working days from the time the order was pronounced or from the day the parties were aware of the decision. The case also is decided within

a period not exceeding three (3) days”. [16] In the judgment RCOMAA 00040/2022/CA, rendered on 23/09/2022, in Balton CP v. New Century Development Ltd, the Court explained that after analyzing Article 188 of Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018, a decision on a summary procedure must be appealed within three (3) working days, counted from the date the decision was pronounced or from the date the parties were served with the decision. In other words, this three-day period starts from

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the date the decision was pronounced for parties present at the hearing, or from the date the decision was communicated to parties who were absent when the case was heard. [17] As recalled above, Articles 231 and 232 of the aforementioned Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 provide that the claims seeking confirmation of a debt arising from a commercial transaction, as well as claims seeking to turn a seizure into a distraint for payment, are heard under the procedure applicable to urgent claims. This means that, although such claims are not summary proceedings in the strict sense, because they are not incidental to a principal claim, they are nonetheless heard, pronounced, and appealed within the time limits prescribed for urgent claims. [18] In relation to the present case, the case file indicates that the judgment under appeal, RCOMA 00737/2024/HCC, was delivered on 20/12/20241, and Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd lodged its appeal on 15/01/2025. [19] Based on Article 188, paragraph 2, together with Articles 231 and 232 of Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 cited above, the Court finds that the period for filing an appeal had to start running on 20/12/2024, the date on which the decision was pronounced, with the applicable time limit being three (3) working days. Considering that 20/12/2024 fell on a Friday, it follows that the three-day working period elapsed on Tuesday, 24/12/2024, since 21/12/2024 and 22/12/2024 were weekend days. It is therefore clear that the last permissible date for Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd to lodge its appeal was 24/12/2024, in order to comply with

1 “What is evident is that although the copy of the judgment indicates that it was pronounced on 19/12/2024, the judgment was in fact pronounced on 20/12/2024 as shown in the minutes of the judgment- delivery hearing, which is also reflected in the IECMS under the section titled ‘COURT SESSIONS’.”

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the statutory appeal period. Having filed the appeal on 15/01/2025, nearly one month later, it is evident that the statutory time limit was not respected, as recalled above. Accordingly, the appeal must be declared inadmissible for having been lodged out of time. [20] Regarding the argument advanced by counsel for Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd that the present matter is not an urgent claim but an ordinary case, and that the appeal was therefore lodged within the proper timeframe, the Court finds this argument unfounded; since the main issue is not whether the matter qualifies as summary procedure, indeed, it does not, as previously explained, but rather whether such a claim is heard and appealed under the regime applicable to urgent claims. The Court finds that, in accordance with Articles 231 and 232 of Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018, claims seeking confirmation of a debt arising from a commercial transaction and claims seeking the conversion of a seizure into a distraint are heard under the summary- application procedure, which necessarily entails that appeals are lodged within the three-day (3 working days) period provided for urgent claims. [21] Counsel for Muhittin Isildak, relying on Article 111 of Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to the civil, commercial, labor and administrative procedure, and on Article 26 of Regulation no 01/2014 fixing the scale of fees for

Advocates prays this Court of Appeal to order Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd to pay Muhittin Isildak the amount of four million Rwandan francs (4,000,000 FRW), consisting of three million (3,000,000 Frw) as counsel fees and one million (1,000,000 Frw) as legal costs. [22] Counsel for Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd submits that the amounts claimed by Muhittin Isildak as costs incurred in this case are excessive, and requests the Court to assess them at its discretion.

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[23] Article 111 of Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018, cited above, provides as follows: “ The claim for representation fees is an incidental claim to the principal claim aiming to repay expenses incurred during judicial proceedings. The claim for legal costs is adjudicated at the same time with the principal claim. It can also be admitted and adjudicated even if the principal claim has not been admitted.” [24] The Court finds that, since Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd lodged an appeal before this Court, Muhittin Isildak necessarily hired a counsel to represent him. On the basis of Article 111 of Law no 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 cited above, it is clear that Muhittin Isildak deserves to be reimbursed the advocate fee and the legal costs he claimed. However, given the nature and extent of the work performed in this appeal, the amounts claimed are excessive. In the exercise of its discretion, the Court therefore awards him five hundred thousand Rwandan francs (500,000 FRW) as advocate fee and two hundred thousand Rwandan francs (200,000 Frw) as legal costs at this level of proceedings, payable by Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd. III.

DECISION OF THE COURT [25] Holds that the objection of non-compliance with the time limits for lodging the appeal raised by Muhittin Isildak alleging is well-founded. [26] Declares that the appeal lodged by Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd is inadmissible for having been filed out of time. [27] Orders Plateforme Company Rwanda Ltd to pay Muhittin Isildak the sum of five hundred thousand Rwandan francs (500,000 FRW) as advocate fee and two hundred

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thousand Rwandan francs (200,000 FRW) as the legal costs at this appellate level. [28] Rules that the court fees deposited cover expenses incurred in this case.

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UWINEZA ET.AL v POSADA PLUS LTD [Rwanda COURT OF APPEAL RCOMAA 00071/2024/CA (Rutazana, P.J.) 29 November 2024] Commercial law – Auction – Publication of the auction – Auction notices. The receiver is not obliged to serve the property’s owner with auction notices – The latter is rather notified of the auction terms and conditions which includes the auction schedule. Facts: This case started when POSADA Plus Ltd sued Uwineza (the receiver) before the Commercial Court, seeking the invalidation of the auction conducted on its property registered under UPI: 1/03/05/04/1106, mortgaged with Equity Bank Rwanda; arguing that the auction has been unlawfully publicized. Before hearing of the case, the court deemed necessary to order the forced intervention of Equity Bank Rwanda Plc, the creditor, and that of Mukamurenzi, the mortgage’s buyer. Uwineza and Equity Bank Rwanda Plc contended that POSADA Plus Ltd’s grounds for the invalidation of the auction are unfounded; while Mukamurenzi argued that she bought the disputed property lawfully, and she should not be involved in this case because she has no case to answer. They all s requested for legal costs and advocate fee. In the case RCOM01185/2024/TC, the court held that the reasons for the invalidation of the auction are irrelevant, and it ordered them to refund Uwineza the legal costs, and then refund Equity Bank Rwanda Plc and Mukamurenzi Annet the advocate fee for each. 181

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POSADA Plus Ltd appealed to the Commercial High Court requesting it to determine : whether the auction notices were legally served; whether the auction of the disputed property should remain unchanged as long as the underlying debt is still under debate, yet the amount of the involved debt was still under litigation; whether the Commercial court should have ordered POSADA PLUS Ltd ought to pay the defendants the legal costs and the advocate fee, disregarding the fact that it is the court that ordered their forced intervention in the case; whereas Uwineza dragged POSADA PLUS Ltd into lawsuits; whether in case of the auction postponement or its lack of bidders, the auction is not publicized as provided for by the law whether the auction notices were supposed to be handed to the Executive Secretary of the cell instead of Cell Economic Development Officer ( CEDO. All the defendant submitted that the appeal lodged by POSADA Plus Ltd is irrelevant, arguing that the laws governing the auction were observed and they request the legal costs amd the advocate fee. As per the judgment RCOMA 00577/2024/HCC, the court held that the appeal lodged by POSADA PLs Ltd has no merit since the receiver failed to notify POSADA Plus of the second and the third notices of the auction, and it then ordered Equity Bank Rwanda Plc to refund Mukamurenzi with the cost of the auctioned property and it also

ordered Uwineza Angelique to pay POSADA Plus Ltd the legal costs and the advocate fee. Mukamurenzi, Equity Bank Rwanda Plc, and Uwineza appealed to the Court of Appeal, and argued that the Commercial High Court discarded evidence proving that POSADA Plus Ltd had been notified with the second and the third notices of the auction. Equity Bank Rwanda Plc and Uwineza made reference to article 29 of the instructions of the Registrar General on managing, leasing, auctioning and

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mortgage acquisition, and added that the receiver had no obligation to serve the owner of the property with the auction notices. POSADA Plus Ltd contended that the appeal has no merit and it requested the court to order that each appellant pay damages for being dragged into an unnecessary litigation. As per the judgment RCOMAA 00071/2024/CA, the court held that the appeal lodged by Mukamurenzi, Equity Bank Rwanda Plc and Uwineza has merit, and that the auction conducted on the disputed property is still valid. Held: A special law takes precedence over a general law (Specialia generalibus derongant). The court ought not to rely on article 253 of the Law n° 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to civil, commercial, labor and administrative procedure, yet there are the instructions of the Registrar General n° 001/2020/org of 12/05/2020 regulating modalities of management, lease, auction and acquisition of mortgage. Therefore, the receiver is not obliged to serve the property’s owner with auction notices. The latter is rather notified of the auction terms and conditions which includes the auction schedule. The appeal has merit. Statutes referred to: Law n° 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to civil, commercial, labor and administrative procedure, article 111; Law n° 13/2010 of 07/05/2010 modifying and completing Law n0 10/2009 of 14/05/2009 relating to mortgages, articles 2 and 3; Instructions of the Registrar Generaln° 001/2020/ORG of 12/05/2020 relating to managing, leasing, auctioning

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and acquisition of mortgages, articles, 1, 24, 26, 28 and 29. No cases were referred to. Judgment I.

THE BACKGROUND OF

THE CASE

POSADA Plus Ltd applied for and obtained a loan from Equity Bank Rwanda Plc but POSADA Plus Ltd did not repay it as per the loan agreement. On 09 August 2024, its mortgaged property registered under UPI 1/03/05/04/1106 was auctioned and bought by Mukamurenzi Annet. On t 19 August 2024, POSADA Plus Ltd wrote to the Registrar General requesting the invalidation of the the auction for the following reasons: the fact that the auction notices were not lawfully served, the fact that the amount of the claimed loan is still under litigation under case RCOM 00389/2023/TC, and the fact that procedures related to auction, seizure and surety were not observed.

When POSADA Plus Ltd realized that the Registrar General had not replied to their letter,, they filed a claim before the Commercial Court suing Uwineza Agelique (the receiver), and they sought the invalidation of the auction, alleging that it was notified in accordance with the provisions of article 258 of the Law n0 22/2018 of the 29/04/2018 relating to civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedure, together with article 10 of the Ministerial order n0 005/MoJ/AG/21 of 07 June 202, and they raised the following reasons:

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 The fact that POSADA Plus Ltd was not notified of the auction notices since its Managing Director named Ntakirutimana Sandrine, was not served with them.  The fact that the auction notices indicated neither the debtor nor the due debt.  The fact that the auction notices do not featured the photographs of the auctioned property, yet a very important detail to entice the bidders to bid; arguing that the lack of such an information led to bidders’ low turn up especially for the first and second auctions.  The fact that the Executive Secretary of the Cell in which the auctioned property is located testified of not having received the auction notices for him to authorise their posting.

Before hearing the case, the court found it is so important to summon Equity Bank Rwanda Plc, as both the creditor and the mortgagee which requested the auction, together with Mukamurenzi Annet, the bidder who purchased the mortgage.

Uwineza Angelique and Equity Bank Rwanda Plc submitted that all arguments made by POSADA Plus Ltd for the invalidation of the auction are no relevant. while Mukamurenzi Annet alleged that she purchased the disputed property lawfully, and she should not have been summoned to this case because she has no case to answer. All respondents requested for legal costs and the advocate fee.

In the judgment RCOM 01185/2024/TC rendered by the Commercial Court on 18 September 2024, the court held that all grounds that POSADA Plus relied on to request the invalidation of the auction are unfounded, and it ordered the

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company to give Uwineza Angelique 500,000 Rwf for legal costs and 100,000 Rwf for the legal costs. The court also ordered them to give Equity Bank Rwanda Plc and Mukamurenzi Annet 500,000 Rwf each for the advocate fee.

POSADA Plus Ltd appealed against the judgment and prayed the court to determine the following:  Whether the auction notices of 09 August 2024 complied with the law, notably the provisions of article 253 of the Law N° 22/2018 relating to civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedure, together with the provisions of article 10 of the Ministerial order N°005/MoJ/AG/2021 of 07/06/2021;  Whether the enforcement order mentioned under article 241(5) of the above mentioned Law N° 22/2018 is different from the rest of other enforcement orders such that its publication must not indicate the owner of the property, the creditor and the photographs of the concerned property as per the requirement of the aforesaid article 253;  Whether the auction conducted on POSADA Plus Ltd.’s property was to be validated, yet the underlying debt is still under litigation in the case RCOM 00398/2024/TC.  Whether the Commercial court should order POSADA Plus Ltd to pay the defendants the legal costs and advocate fee, ignoring the fact that it is the court itself that ordered their forced intervention in the case; whether Uwineza (the receiver) is the one who dragged POSADA Plus Ltd into lawsuits  Whether, in case of the auction postponement or lack of bidders, the auction is not publicized as

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provided for by article 29 of; Instructions of the Registrar General n° 001/2020/org of 12/05/2020 regulating modalities of management, lease, auction and acquisition of mortgage  whether the auction notices were not supposed to be handed to the Cell Economic Development Officer(CEDO), instead of the Executive Secretary of the Cell.

All the defendants submitted that the the grounds of appeal put forward by POSADA Plus Ltd are irrelevant, as the laws governing the auction were complied with and they claimed the legal costs and the advocate fee.

In the case RCOMA 00577/2024/HCC decided by the Commercial High Court on 25/10/2024, the court held that the appeal lodged by POSADA PLs Ltd has merit since the receiver failed to serve POSADA Plus Ltd with the second and the third notices of the auction, and it ordered invalidation of the auction conducted on POSADA Plus Ltd.’s property on the 09/08/2024; and it then ordered Equity Bank Rwanda Plc to refund Mukamurenzi with the cost of the auctioned property and it also ordered Uwineza Angelique ( the receiver) to give POSADA Plus Ltd 1,200,000 Rwf for the advocate fee and the legal costs, and 60,000 Rwf for court fees for both the first and the appeal instances.

Mukamurenzi Annet, Equity Bank Rwanda Plc and Uwineza Angelique appealed to the Court of Appeal, and they brought a joint complaint about the fact that the Commercial High Court ignored the evidence submitted to it proving that POSADA Plus Ltd was served with the second and third notices of the auction. Besides, Equity Bank Rwanda Plc and Uwineza Angelique made reference to article 29 of the Instructions of Registrar General on

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management, lease, auction and mortgage acquisition, and added that the receiver had no obligation to serve the property’s owner with the auction notices.

POSADA Plus Ltd contended that the appeal is irrelevant because the appelants allege that the auction complied with the laws while they were aware that it is not true as explained in the appealed judgment. POSADA Plus Ltd requested the court to order each appellant to pay 1,000,000 Rwf for having dragged the company into unnecessary lawsuits.

The hearing was conducted in public on the 18 November 2024, Mukamurenzi Annet was represented by Counsel Hakizimana Francois Xavier, Equity Bank Rwanda Plc was represented by Counsel Mukandoli Brigitte, Uwineza Angelique was represented by Counsel Twizeyimana Theophile, while POSADA Plus Ltd got represented by Counsel Gahamanyi Justin.

Based on the debated issues highlighted above, the court is set to determine the following issues:  Whether the receiver had a mandate to notify POSADA Plus Ltd, the owner of the mortgaged property under UPI: 1/03/05/04/1106 of auction notices;  In case the court finds that POSADA Plus Ltd was supposed to be notified of the auction notices, the court will examine whether such notifications were effected;  The court will also determine the relevance of the damages claimed;

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II. LEGAL ISSUES AND ANALYISIS

THERETO  Whether the receiver ought to notify POSADA Plus Ltd, the owner of the mortgaged property under UPI: 1/03/05/04/1106 of auction notices;

[13] In her filed statements and submissions before the court, Uwineza Angelique (the receiver) and Counsel Twizeyimana Theophile, her attorney, together with Counsel Mukandoli Brigitte representing Equity Bank Rwanda Plc allege that their appeal aims at demonstrating that the auction should not have been invalidated, and they presented the following reasons:  Looking at the provisions of article 29 of Instructions of the Registrar General n° 001/2020/org of 12/05/2020 regulating modalities of management, lease, auction and acquisition of mortgage , especially the section of publication of the auction, the receiver had no obligation to serve POSADA Plus Ltd with auction notices;  Even though this article does not provide it, POSADA Plus Ltd was notified of the auction by a court bailiff who handed the auction notice to Sindayigaya Firmini, a legitimate husband to Ntakirutimana Sandrine, the owner of the property, also the Managing Director of POSADA Plus Ltd. The auction notices were served at POSADA Plus Ltd.’s office but Sindayigaya Firmini declined to receive them and to acknowledge its reception as it is detailed by the court bailiff’s statement; but such a refusal does not remove a fact that the auction notices were served. Moreover, Sindayigaya Firimini is the very person who, on 20 June 2024, had received other related documents which

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included permit to sale the mortgage, mortgage market valuation report, the request for POSADA Plus Ltd.’s identification information for a linkage to public Online Titles Enforcement platform, and POSADA Plus Ltd never objected about his reception of the previous documents. And still, it is Sindayigaya Firmini who always made a follow-up on the auction via his telephone number 0787277377, as it is indicated by message chats he kept exchanging with Uwineza Angelique. It is therefore clear that POSADA Plus Ltd cannot allege that it was not served with auction notice, yet they deliberately declined its reception.  The fact that on the 20th June 2024, the receiver wrote to POSADA Plus Ltd requesting for the company’s identification information needed for linking the Company to the online Judgements Execution Platform for them to follow the auction procedures; and the request was received by Sindayigaya Firminin on the 20th June 2024 but did not provide the requested identification details. Therefore, it is clear that POSADA Plus Ltd surrendered its right of making a follow-up on the auction updates.

In his submissions, Counsel Hakizimana Francois Xavier, representing Mukamurenzi Annet, alleged that what he criticizes about the judgment appealed against is the fact that the Commercial High Court held that the sale by auction of the property registered under UPI: 1/03/05/04/1106 be invalidated, on the mere allegation of not serving POSADA Plus Ltd, the owner of the property, with the auction notice, a decision made in a blatant disregard of the presented evidence submitted to it proving that on the 02 July 2024, Mr. Pfakwandika, the Court bailiff, served POSADA Plus Ltd with the auction notice containing all three auctions

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sessions and their respective dates. Adding that the same announcement was published under IGIHE.COM, an online newspaper, and it was also posted at the premises of the Cell Office. And on the very date of 02 July 2024, POSADA Plus Ltd was n notified of the auction terms and conditions.

Mukamurenzi Annet’s Counsel alleged that the Commercial High Court held that POSADA Plus Ltd had not been linked to the public online Judgments Execution Platform, arguing that Counsel Uwineza Angelique wrote to POSADA Plus Ltd on 20 June 2024 requesting for an email address for a linkage into the Execution Platform but they never reacted, and she had no any other means of linking them to the platform, rather POSADA Plus Ltd acted deliberately with the intent to initiate lawsuits. During the hearing, Mukamurenzi Annet’s attorney explained that the Commercial High Court misinterpreted the facts by basing its ruling on the provision of article 253 of the Law n0 22/2018 of the 29/04/2018 relating to civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedure. Arguing that since the issue at hand concerned the decision of the RegistrarGeneral, the court was bound to base its judgment on the provisions of article 29 of the aforesaid instructions of the Registrar General n° 001/2020/org of 12/05/2020 regulating modalities of management, lease, auction and acquisition of mortgage; and the article never provides whether the mortgagor or the property’s owner should be notified of the auction. Nonetheless, regardless the absence of any legal provision, the receiver made a diligence of informing them as it has been earlier explained. He therefore based on all the provided reasons, and requested the court to Validate the auction.

Both appellants of this case alleged that the judgment RCOMAA 00064/2019/CA, Kayumba Godfrey v. SIMACO Ltd, RDB v. Safari ( see paragraph 23) rendered

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by the Court of Appeal on the 03 October 2019, and judgment RCOMAA 00028/2023/CA rendered by the Court of Appeal on the 20 October 2023 in Majyambere Industry CO Ltd, Valerien Munyaneza v. Compagnie Generale de Banque Plc should not be relied upon in the appeal case; since their precedents concern complying with the time limits of publicizing the auctions, and that is not the subject matter in this case.

Counsel Gahamanyi Justin representing POSADA Plus Ltd, in his submissions and his statements alleged that that all the filed appeals are irrelevant. Concerning Mukamurenzi Annet’s appeal, POSADA Plus Ltd.’s attorney argued that the Commercial High Court found that the POSADA Plus Ltd had not been served with both the second and the third auction notices, neither were they posted on the premises of the Cell Office. With regard to the first notice, the court held that it had been announced, but it had been done lawfully.

With regard to the above mentioned service of auction notices to POSADA Plus Ltd, Counsel Gahamanyi Justin explained that the allegations by Uwineza Angelique that POSADA Plus Ltd was notified of the auction notices by Mr. Pfakwandika, should not be relied upon to assert that POSADA Plus Ltd, legally represented by Madam Ntakirutimana Sandrine, was lawfully served with the auction notices, more so that the court bailiff did not indicate about the identity and authority link between the notified person and POSADA Plus Ltd; while article 47 of the Law Nº 22/2018 relating to civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedure clearly explains how corporates with legal personality, must be notified electronically.

Counsel Gahamanyi went on to explain that the above mentioned article 29 of the instructions of the Registrar General’s Nº 001/2020/ORG provides clearly that

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when an auction is adjourned or when no bidders turned up, it must be re-advertised; he alleged that such re- advertisement was not done since when they inquired about the posting of the auction notices on the billboard of Rubirizi Cell Office, the home location of the auctioned property, the Cell Executive Secretary replied that they had no records indicating that they had received the concerned auction notices, he also adds that even the court bailiff who went to verify about the posting of the auction notices at the Cell Office notice board, reported having seen a variety of other announcements, including those of the last year 2023, but none relating to the auctioning of POSADA Plus Ltd.’s property featured on the notice board.

He further explained that POSADA Plus Ltd sought assistance from Rwanda Forensic Institute requesting the Institute to verify about the veracity of the auction advertisement in IGIHE.COM. The investigation revealed that sole advert of 02nd July 2024 was published in the newspaper, and such a version concurs with the judgment of High Commercial Court on the appealed case whereby it held that the second and the third advertisements of the auction have not been served to POSADA Plus Ltd, adding that the notices service could not be possible since the notices never existed. He therefore argues that after the adjournment of the first auction, the receiver never bothered to advertise the auction within the 24 hours’ time limit as it is provided under article 253 of the Law Nº 22/2018, again confirmed by articles 4 and 13 of the Ministerial order n0 005/MoJ/AG, and emphasized by article 2 of Instructions of the Registrar General n0 002/AG/2021. He also argued that the auction notices that Mukamurenzi Annet considered as notifications to POSADA Plus Ltd contain no details of the creditor, neither do they indicate the debtor nor the photographs of the auctioned property, and the appellant can rebut such a fact, neither can they highlight the defects of

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the appealed judgement especially on the ruling about the violation of the provisions of article 10 of the aforesaid Ministerial order n0 005/MoJ/AG/2021.

Counsel Gahamanyi Justin also argued that the receiver’s defence according to which she allegedly wrote to POSADA Plus Ltd requesting for the company’s email address for a linkage into the Online Titles Enforcement Platform should not be upheld, especially due to fact that the alleged letter was not only handed to the wrong person but also was unlawfully served. It is therefore clear that the letter was handed before issuing the auction terms and conditions, and anyone might wonder about which auction POSADA Pls Ltd was required to be linked to.

With regard to the appeal made by Uwineza Angelique, POSADA Plus Ltd’s Counsel argued that her appeal is unfounded, adding that in the appealed judgement, the court made it all clear and it explained all about the importance of advertising the auction, and the benefits of notifying the property owner with the auction notices, which includes the mortgagor’s right of finding best offering bidders.However Uwineza Angelique did not comply with it because she did not notify POSADA Plus Ltd of the auction notices, and when she failed to lawfully post the notices at the recommended places, just as it has been explained as far as Mukamurenzi Annet’s appeal is concerned.

Concerning the submissions by Uwineza Angelique, the court examined the grounds that had not been considered before, The Counsel of POSADA Plus Ltd stated that that was not true because the court determined the issues related to the fact that the auction was unlawfully advertised and the court clearly explained that the Instructions of the Registrar General never supersede laws, but they supplement them.

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DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

The point of disagreement on this issue consists of determining whether the receiver had to notify POSADA Plus Ltd as the owner of the mortgaged property registered under UPI: 1/03/05/04/1106, with the auction notices. The appellants argued that mortgages are registered with the Office of Registrar General in accordance with special formalities as defined by the Instructions of the Registrar General of 12/05/2020 relating to management, lease, auction and mortgage acquisition, arguing that based on article 29 of the foregoing Instructions pertaining to the advertisement of the auction of the mortgage, it is quite clear that the receiver had not notify POSADA Plus Ltd of the auction notices; while POSADA Plus Ltd argued that such mortgages are governed by article 253 of the Law n° 22/2018 of the 29/04/2018 relating to civil, commercial, labor and administrative procedure together with article 10 of the Ministerial order n° 005/MoJ/AG/2021 of 07/06/2021, and then confirmed by article 2 of the Instructions of the Registrar General n° 002/2021/ORG of the 29/06/2021. In case the Court finds that the receiver had to notify the property’s owner with the auction notices, the court will determine whether it was done lawfully.

Article 2, paragraphs 1 and 2 of Law n° 13/2010 of 07/05/2010 modifying and completing Law n° 10/2009 of 14/05/2009 relating to mortgages provides as follows: “The mortgage contract shall contain clauses that grant the mortgagee the power to manage, lease, sell or take over the mortgage in case of the mortgagor’s default. The mortgage contract shall also specify the time, place and terms of sale and the procedure to be followed in case of default. Where the mortgagor is in default, the mortgagee shall notify the mortgagor in writing of his/her choice to use one of the

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remedies specified in the preceding paragraph and transmit a copy thereof to the Registrar General”.

Article 3 (3) of the same Law relating to the sale of mortgages provides that “the Registrar General shall prepare instructions governing the auction sale of the mortgage and other remedies specified under paragraph one of article 2 of this Law”.

Article 1 of the Instructions of the Registrar General n° 001/2020/ORG of 12/05/2020 relating to management, lease, sale and mortgage acquisition as modified and updated, provides that the instructions establish modalities of management, lease, sale and takeover of the mortgage in case of the mortgagor’ default of payment.

The court finds that all the above mentioned provisions read together, the issues pertaining to mortgages, repayment default remedies, sale and takeover of the mortgaged property in case of default are all governed by the above mentioned law of mortgages together with the aforesaid Instructions of the Registrar General for application concerning the management, lease, sale or acquisition of the mortgage. Particularly, matters pertaining to the sale of mortgages which constitute case at hand, those instructions contain different provisions pertaining to the publication of the auction, elements of the auction notice, the auction procedures and many more.

The court finds that, based on all the above provided clarifications and the principle of precedence of a special law over a general law ( Specialia generalibus derogant), such special laws are better placed for indicating whether the sale of a mortgage registered with the Registrar General has been lawfully conducted; and not the provisions of article 253 of the Law n° 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to civil, commercial, labor and administrative procedure; which

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though related to the publication of the auction, the law that contains it concerns the judicial procedure in general, particularly the chapter of execution of judgements. It is therefore clear that its provisions cannot take precedence for interpreting issues pertaining to the sale of mortgages recorded in the Books of the Registrar General over the existing special legislations.

Article 26 of the above mentioned Instructions of Registrar General N° 001/2020/ORG of the 12/05/2020 relating to management, lease, auction and acquisition of the mortgage as modified todate provides that the receiver prepares the mortgage auction terms and conditions which include at least the following items: the number of the mortgaged property, the location of the mortgaged property, the surface area of the mortgaged property, the honest description of the mortgaged property, the actual market value of the mortgaged property determined by a certified real estate valuator, the date and time of the auction, location of the auction, the schedule of subsequent auction dates in the event of postponement, the details of the bank account to be used for depositing the proceeds of the auction, the debts payment priority order, any other related information the receiver deems necessary.

Article 28 of the Instructions of the Registrar General provides that at least ten (10) days before the auction date, the receiver notifies both the mortgagee and the mortgagor of the auction terms and conditions and reserves a copy thereof to the Registrar General and the owner of the mortgaged property, when the latter is different from the debtor; while article 27 of the very Instructions provides that auction terms and conditions are accompanied by a copy of a certificate to auction the mortgage notified to the owner of the mortgaged property when the latter is not at the same time the mortgagor, there must also be a report

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on the property valuation done at the time the property is placed under receivership, and made by a certified real property valuator and notified to the mortgagor and the owner of the mortgaged property when the latter is not at the same time the mortgagor. Article 24 of the same Instructions provides that the certificate to auction the mortgage shall include the details about the mortgagor, description of the mortgage, and the auctioneer just as it is stipulated under article 24 of the Instructions of the Registrar General.

It is article 29 of the aforesaid Instructions n0 001/2020/ORG of 12/05/2020 of the Registrar General relating to management, lease, auction and mortgage acquisition that provides about the publication of the auction, and it provides as follows: “at least ten (10) days before the auction date, the receiver advertises the auction on the radio or television and in one of the print or online newspaper operating in Rwanda. These days are counted from the day following the date of the publication of the advert, and the auction date must be included”.

The court finds that, looking at the provisions of the aforesaid Instructions of the Registrar General, nothing shows that the receiver must serve the owner of the property with the auction notices. All the related articles provide for is that the property owner must be notified of the auction terms and conditions, which include the schedule of the auction dates just in case of adjournment (see article 26); the provisions also clarify that the auction must be published as per the outlay of article 29. Considering all the above provided elucidations, the receiver had no mandate of serving POSADA Plus Ltd, the owner of the mortgaged property, with the auction notices. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to examine whether this was done and how it was done.

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The arguments put forward by POSADA Plus Ltd alleging the unlawful posting of the auction notices at the Cell Office premises and publish them in IGIHE.Com, were conducted unlawfully. Not only such allegations have never been raised and examined along the appealed judgement, but also they were never appealed against before this court; since the appeal has been jointly filed by Mukamurenzi Annet, Uwineza Angelique and Equity Bank Rwanda Plc., and they appealed about POSADA Plus Ltd.’s notification of the auction notices, while POSADA Plus Ltd lodged no appeal before this court.

Based on all the above provided elucidations, the appeal lodged by Mukamurenzi Annet, Uwineza Angelique and Equity Bank Rwanda, has merit.

Whether the legal costs and the advocate fee requested by the parties are relevant.

Uwineza Angelique prayed the court to order POSADA Plus Ltd to pay her 3,000,000 Rwf for both legal costs and the advocate fee since she had to hire lawyers for three instances, starting from the Commercial Court up to this level. EQUITY BANK RWANDA Plc also prayed the court to order POSADA Plus Ltd to pay them 500,000 Rwf for the advocate fee at this level , and 500,000 Rwf for the previous instance.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

Article 111 of the Law n° 22/2018 of 29/04/2018 relating to civil, commercial, labor and administrative procedure provides the following: “the claim for courtroom representation is incidental to the principal claim, and it seeks repayment of the incurred case related expenses. The cost claim can be adjudicated at the same time with the

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principal claim, but it can also be admitted and adjudicated even when the principal claim is not”.

The court finds that Uwineza Angelique and Equity Bank Rwanda Plc lodged the appeal before this court, and just as it has been above explained, their appeal has merit. Therefore, looking at the provision of the aforesaid article 111, POSADA Plus Ltd must refund them for all the legal costs incurred, and the court, at its discretion, awards them each 1,000,000 Rwf for the advocate fee, and for Consel Uwineza Angelique and Equity Bank Rwanda Plc., there must an additional amount of 600, 000 Rwf for legal costs because she requested it. III. DECISION OF THE COURT

Holds that the appeal lodged by Mukamurenzi Annet, Uwineza Angelique and Equity Bank Rwanda PLC, has merit.

Holds that the judgment RCOMA 00577/2024/HCC is fully overturned.

Holds that the public auction of 9 August 2024 conducted on the property registered under UPI: 1/03/05/04/1106, is still valid.

Orders POSADA Plus Ltd to pay Uwineza Angelique one million Rwanda francs (1,000,000 FRW) for the advocate fee and six hundred thousand (600,000 FRW) for the incurred legal costs.

Orders POSADA Plus Ltd to pay Equity Bank Rwanda Plc one million Rwanda francs (1,000,000 FRW) for courtroom representation costs.

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Rules that the deposited court fees equal the costs incurred in this case.

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CRIMINAL CASE

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Page 591

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PROSECUTION v. MUNYAKAZI ET.AL [Rwanda SUPREME COURT - RS/INJUST/RP 00003/2023/SC (Hitiyaremye, P.J, Kazungu and Muhumuza J.) June 27, 2025] Criminal law – A criminal intent – Conspiracy to commit an offense - A crime of conspiracy to commit an offense is considered complete whenever two or more persons share the intention to commit an offense and agree on the manner in which it will be carried out, even if the crime itself is carried out by only one of them or is not ultimately executed. Facts: In the present case, the Prosecution brought charges against the accused, alleging that Munyakazi and his accomplices conspired to kill a person known as Sifa, as established by various witnesses. It is further alleged that on the evening of 22/02/2020, between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., two children of Manifashe and Sifa were set on fire while they were inside their home. The act was preceded by the breaking of a window glass of the room in which they were sleeping. The child aged two years died instantly, while the other child, aged three and a half years, sustained severe burns resulting in permanent disability, namely the amputation of a leg. When the case reached the High Court, Musanze Chamber, the accused were acquitted of the charges in case n0 RPA 00395/2021/HC/MUS, decided on 07/07/2022. In that judgment, the individuals identified as Nsengiyumva, Munyakazi, Mugiraneza, and Uwamariya were found guilty of the offence of ethnic discrimination, but were acquitted of the offences of murder, while the individuals identified as Munyamahoro and Hitimana were acquitted of all charges. 205

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The Prosecution filed an application for review on the grounds of injustice, which was decided by the Supreme Court, arguing that the lower court had disregarded sufficient elements of evidence establishing the accused persons’ criminal liability for the offences with which they were charged, including murder, wilful arson of a building, intentional assault resulting in permanent disability, and the offence of discrimination. The Prosecution further contended that these offences were preceded by discriminatory acts committed against a person known as Sifa since the time she married a person known as Manifashe. The Prosecution therefore sought review of the case, submitting that the High Court acquitted the accused of the aforementioned offences on the ground that no one had seen them commit the acts or coming from the scene, and that there was no evidence in connection with them and the crime scene at the time the offences were committed. The Prosecution argued that the Court reached this conclusion while disregarding testimonial evidence, including the statement given by Munyamahoro during the criminal investigation Bureau, in which he indicated that there had been a conspiracy to harm Sifa. In that statement, he explained that Nsengiyumva used to visit their home (at Munyakazi’s residence) and encouraged them to join him using the expression “kumwiyungaho” in order to kill

Sifa. Among the issues examined by the Supreme Court was whether there existed evidence that the High Court, Musanze Chamber, had disregarded, which could establish the conviction of Munyakazi, Mugiraneza, Uwamariya, Munyamahoro, and Nsengiyumva for the offences of murder, wilful arson of a building, and intentional assault and battery resulting in permanent disability. The Court found that some acts had been committed at different times, but as part of a common plan planned by the families of

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Munyakazi and Nsengiyumva, aimed at harming the family of Sifa and Jérôme on the basis of ethnic discrimination. The Court further held that the grounds relied upon by the High Court to convict the accused of the offence of ethnic discrimination were the same grounds that ought to have been relied upon to convict them of the offences of murder, wilful arson of a building, and intentional assault and battery resulting in permanent disability. Held: - For a criminal conspiracy to exist, there must be an agreement to commit an act that is defined by law as a criminal offence. The sharing of the intention to commit an offence and the guily mind of how the offence is to be carried out constitute the conspiracy to commit an offence, which is punishable by law even if the offence itself is ultimately committed by only one of the conspirators or is not carried out at all. The agreement to commit the offence is, in itself, sufficient. Application for review the case on grounds of injustice is justified; Munyakazi, Mugiraneza, Munyamahoro, Uwamariya and Nsengiyumva are convicted of the offences against them of discrimination, murder, wilful arson of someone and that of intentional assault and battery resulting in permanent disability; Hitimana is convicted of the offence of ethnic discrimination. Statutes and statutory referred to: Law no 062/2024 of 20/06/2024 governing evidence, article 48, 53 and that of 81. Law no 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general, Article 20,61,62,107,121,163 and that of 180.

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California Penal Code Section 182-185 Caselaws referred to: Prosecution v Nshimiyimana Alexis and others, RPAA 0059/08/CS decided by the Supreme Court on 19/11/2010. Doctrines referred to: Charles Montaldo, What Is a Conspiracy? Crime and Criminal Justice,http://crime.about.com/od/Crime101. Raoul Declercq, La preuve en matière pénale, Bruxelles, Editions juridiques Swinnen H., 1988, p.25. H-D. Bosly et Damien Vandermeersch, Droit de la procédure pénale, Bruxelles, La Charte, 2001, p.926. Michel Franchimont, Ann Jacobs et Adrien Masset, Manuel de procédure pénale, Bruxelles, Larcier, 2012, 4è édition, p.1191 Judgment I.

BACKGROUND OF THE CASE

On the evening of 22/02/2020, between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., in Marantima Village, Rwebeya Cell, Cyuve Sector, Musanze District, two children of Manifashe Jérôme and Sifa Célestine were set on fire while inside their home, following the breaking of the window glass of the room in which they were sleeping. The child named Ikirezi Kundwa Délice, aged two (2) years, died instantly, while the other child, Umutoniwacu Agatako Winner, aged three and a half (3.5) years, sustained severe burns resulting in disability, namely the amputation of a leg.

Following these events, an investigation was conducted, resulting in the arrest of Munyakazi Evariste; his

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daughter, Uwamariya Visensiya; his sons, Munyamahoro Innocent and Mugiraneza Ildephonse; as well as Nsengiyumva Théoneste, who was the Social, Economic and Development Officer (SEDO) of Cyamvumba Cell in Kabatwa Sector, and Hitimana Jean de Dieu, who was the Head of Marantima Village.The Prosecution brought charges against Munyakazi Evariste, his sons and daughter, and Nsengiyumva Théoneste for the offences of discrimination, murder, wilful arson of a building, and intentional assault and battery resulting in permanent disability. Hitimana Jean de Dieu was charged solely with the offence of discrimination. The Prosecution thereafter referred the case to the Intermediate Court of Musanze.

In the Case n0 RP 00209/2020/TGI/MUS, decided on 08/04/2021, the Court declared Nsengiyumva Théoneste, Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Munyamahoro Innocent, and Uwamariya Visensiya convicted of the offences of ethnic discrimination, murder, willful arson of another person and intentional assault and battery, and sentenced each of them to life imprisonment. The Court further declared Hitimana Jean de Dieu convicted of the offence of ethnic discrimination and sentenced him to seven (7) years’ imprisonment and a fine of Frw 1,000,000.

All the accused appealed against this judgment before the High Court, Musanze Chamber, their appeal was registered under n0 RPA 00395/2021/HC/MUS. By its decision of 07/07/2022, the Court declared Nsengiyumva Théoneste, Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse and Uwamariya Visensiya convicted of the offence of ethnic discrimination, but acquitted of the offences of murder, willful arson of another person’s building, and intentional assault resulting in permanent disability, and sentenced them to seven (7) years’ imprisonment and a fine of one million (Frw 1,000,000) Rwandan francs. The Court further

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declared Munyamahoro Innocent and Hitimana Jean de Dieu acquitted of all the charges brought against them and ordered their immediate release.

The court explained that there were no sufficient and conclusive elements of evidence to prove the offences of murder, willful arson of another person’s building, and intentional assault resulting in permanent disability against all the accused who were prosecuted for those offences. It further explained that there was no conclusive element of evidence proving that Hitimana Jean de Dieu committed the offence of ethnic discrimination, and that no act constituting ethnic discrimination was established in respect of Munyamahoro Innocent.

The Prosecution wrote to the President of the Court of Appeal requesting for review of that judgment on grounds of injustice. After examining the request, the President of the Court of Appeal petitioned to the President of the Supreme Court for a review on grounds of injustice. Upon considering the report submitted to him, on 03/11/2023 the President of the Supreme Court rendered Decision n0 165/CJ/2023, ordering that the case be retried, and it was registered under n0 RS/INJUST/RP00003/2023/SC.

The case was called on15/05/2024, and all parties appeared; however, the case was not tried1 and was adjourned several times for various reasons2. The hearing was resumed on 07/05/2025.The Prosecution was represented by Gakwerere Javan, a National Prosecutor;

1 In order for the Prosecution to interrogate the witnesses referred to in the judgment rendered by the High Court, Musanze Chamber, which did not interrogate, and also to interrogates other witnesses who submitted their written testimony in the system on the day of the hearing. 2 They include being one of the judges in the bench was no longer belonging to the Supreme Court and the Court having conducted an investigation at the scene of the crime.

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Munyakazi Evariste, Nsengiyumva Théoneste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Uwamariya Visensiya and Munyamahoro Innocent were assisted by Counsel Uwamahoro Nyiranzayino Christine; Hitimana Jean de Dieu was assisted by Counsel Nyirabera Josephine.;

In both his submissions and pleadings, the representative of the Prosecution argues that the High Court, Musanze Chamber, ignored sufficient elements of evidence establishing the accused persons’ guilt in respect of the alleged offences. He further submitted that those offences were preceded by acts of discrimination against SIFA Célestine from the time she married Manifashe Jerôme, and subsequently conspired to kill her, as confirmed by various witnesses.

Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Uwamariya Visensiya, Munyamahoro Innocent, and Nsengiyumva Théoneste submitted that they never formed any conspiracy to kill Sifa Célestine, and that there is no evidence linking them to the scene where the alleged offences were committed, because on 22/02/2020 they were not at home, and at the time when the children were allegedly set on fire, they had not yet arrived at home. Hitimana Jean de Dieu also contends that there is no evidence establishing his guilt in respect of the offence of discrimination with which he is charged, as he never ignored any complaint that Sifa Célestine may have brought to him.

In this instant case, the Court examined the following issues: a) Whether there are elements of evidence establishing that Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Uwamariya Visensiya, Munyamahoro Innocent and Nsengiyumva Théoneste committed the offences of murder, willful arson of nother person’s building, and

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intentional assault resulting in permanent disability, which the High Court, Musanze Chamber, allegedly disregarded; b) Whether there are elements of evidence establishing that Munyamahoro Innocent and Hitimana Jean de Dieu alias Bondo committed the offence of ethnic discrimination, which was disregarded by the High Court, Musanze Chamber; c) To determine the penalties to be imposed on the accused persons. II. ANALYSIS OF LEGAL ISSUES 1. Whether there are elements of evidence establishing that Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Uwamariya Visensiya, Munyamahoro Innocent and Nsengiyumva Théoneste committed the offences of murder, willful arson of nother person’s building, and intentional assault resulting in permanent disability, which the High Court, Musanze Chamber, allegedly disregarded.

The representative of the Public Prosecution stated that the High Court acquitted the accused of the aforementioned offenses on the grounds that no one had witnessed them committing the acts or leaving the scene, and that there was no evidence linking them to the scene of the crime during the commission of those offenses. The Court allegedly did so while ignoring the testimony of Munyamahoro Innocent during Investigation, who indicated that there had been a conspiracy to harm SIFA Célestine because Nsengiyumva had been coming to their home (at Munyakazi), and had encouraged others to join him where he used to call “kumwiyungaho”, in order to kill Sifa.

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He futher argued that in his testimony, Munyamahoro indicated that those he suspected of burning the children of Sifa Célestine were Nsengiyumva, Mugiraneza, and Uwamariya, as they were constantly in conflict with her. The representative of the Public Prosecution Authority also explained that Munyamahoro stated that Mugiraneza was frequently requesting them (his parents and siblings) to fight against SIFA and kill her, failing so, lead to sell and emmigrate. He further noted that Uwamariya also raised about that ideology of Mugiraneza during her interrogation in the Investigation Bureau, stating that her brother had indeed stated.

Munyakazi Evariste in his defense, denied the charges against him, and that when the security organs arrived at the scene of the alleged crime, they found nothing else had burned and he wonders how a house set on fire with gasoline could fail to ignite, and nothing also showing that fire had been extinguished, and one child had already been removed from the house and therefore, Sifa Célestine should indicate who assisted in extinguishing the fire and removing the child from the house.

Mugiraneza denies the charges brought against him. He states that he has no conflict with SIFA Célestine that would make him want to harm her; that Nsengiyumva hates him because he had one of his relatives imprisoned because of Mugiraneza, and therefore they could not have planned anything together; and he never accepts the testimony of Gakara Danani and Habyarimana Emmanuel because he has disputes with them.

Uwamariya Visensiya denies the charges brought against her, stating that there was no conspiracy to cause harm to Sifa Célestine; that her co-accused are adults such that she could not have engaged with them in any plan. She further contends that she never accepts the testimony of

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Gakara Danani, Habyarimana Emmanuel and Rucagu Boniface on the grounds that they are existing disputes with her family.

Munyamahoro Innocent argues that he denies the charges brought against him, stating that Nsengiyumva did not come to his home to incite them to harm Sifa Célestine; that no conspiracy to commit the alleged offences ever existed; and that on the very day of the commission of the alleged offence, he was being visited by his wife’s parents, making it impossible for him to both receive visitors and participate in any act intended to harm Sifa. He concludes by rejecting the testimony of Gakara Danani, Habyarimana Emmanuel, and Rucagu Boniface, on the grounds that there are existing disputes between him and those witnesses.

Nsengiyumva Théoneste, in his defense, states that he was not a friend of the Munyakazi family such that they could have conspired the alleged plan; that he had no dispute with Jérôme, as he sold him land to allow access for his vehicle at a time when other neighbors had refused. He further states that he does not accept the testimony of Munyamahoro, arguing that they had no occasion to meet in order to conspire the alleged plan as he used to be busy. He requests the Court to declare founded the testimony of Uwimbabazi Providence and Mukundente Liliane, who stated that there was no discrimination in Marantima Village. He concludes by rejecting the testimony of Habyarimana Emmanuel.

Counsel Uwamahoro Nyiranzayino Christine, assisting Munyakazi, Nsengiyumva, Munyamahoro, Mugiraneza and Uwamariya, submits that the statements given by Munyakazi and Munyamahoro during the investigation bureau should not be valid, as they amount to mere speculation, and that what Munyamahoro stated was the result of panic. She further indicates that the defense

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does not accept the testimony of Habyarimana Emmanuel and Gakara Danani. She goes on to explain that the issue at hand concerned access for Jérôme’s vehicle, which was subsequently resolved, and that the authorities decided that Jérôme would purchase from Munyakazi the portion of land necessary to allow vehicle access; this decision was documented in an official report. She states that none of the reports produced indicate that the alleged discrimination occurred, and that consequently no evidence has been presented to establish the alleged conspiracy in this case. She added that the defense rejects the testimony of Habyarimana Emmanuel and Gakara Danani.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

In this present case, the root cause is whether there are sufficient elements of evidence establishing that the accused mentoned above committed the offences of murder, willful arson of another person’s property, and intentional assault and battery resulting in permanent disability, which the High Court, Musanze Chamber, disregarded.

Article 20 of Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general, as amended, provides as follows: “Conspiracy to commit an offence is an agreement between two (2) or more persons to engage in the commission of an offence by any one or more of them. Conspiracy to commit an offence is punishable by the same penalty as the intended offence. Any person involved in conspiracy but who reports it to administrative authorities, judicial or security organs and disclose to them the names of involved criminals and their accomplices is exempted from the penalty prescribed for conspiracy if he/she reports it before the commission of the offence in respect of which conspiracy takes place.”

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As explained under Sections 182–185 of the California Penal Code, any undoutful act marking the beginning of the commission of an offence is not required to establish a conspiracy, the essential is to prove that, two or more persons had the intent and agreed to commit an offence3.

Charles MONTALDO also explains that it is not necessary to establish any act aimed at executing the offence of conspiracy; that conspiracy is sufficient, even if there was no act amounting to an attempt to commit the crime occured4.

The aforementioned demonstrate that, for a conspiracy to exist, there must be an agreement to carry out an act that is classified as a criminal offence by law. The sharing of the intent to commit an offence and the mutual understanding that the offence will be carried out constitute the conspiracy punishable by law, even if the offence is ultimately committed by only one of the conspirators or is not committed at all; the conspiracy is sufficient.

Article 81 of Law n0 62/2024 of 20/06/2024 governing evidence provides that the competent organ

3 Conspiracy is when “two or more persons conspire to commit a crime.” They do not actually have to take any action towards committing the crime, but it must be proven that they both intended and agreed on that end. California Penal Code of 2005, Section 182-185. 4 The crime of conspiracy can be charged whether or not the crime is ever actually carried out. And in some jurisdictions, no action toward carrying out the crime has to be proven for a conspiracy to exist. For example, if two people plan to rob and bank and they go buy ski masks to wear during the robbery, they can be charged with conspiracy to commit bank robbery, even if they never actually rob the bank or even attempt to rob the bank. Buying ski masks is not a crime, but it furthers the conspiracy to commit a crime, Charles Montaldo, What Is a Conspiracy?, Crime and Criminal Justice,http://crime.about.com/od/Crime_101.

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admits the human presumption only if it is relevant, precise and consistent and in such case only as the law admits evidence by any means.

Legal scholar Raoul DECLERCQ states that, in accordance with the provisions of the law, while making a decision, it is the judge, exercising independence and impartiality, who determines the value of the evidence before them in the case file5. Similarly, scholars H.-D. Bosly and Damien VANDERMEERSCH state that when the law does not provide a specific modality of evidence production, the trial judge, acting freely and independently, assesses the weight of the evidence and bases their judgment and decision on that assessment6.

The aforementioned also indicates that the law recognizes that a judge, in the exercise of their independence and discretion, determines the weight of the evidence before them in the case file, and that such evidence is evaluated based on all circumstances of the case.

The case file indicates that Manifashe Jérôme came to reside in Marantima Village in 2008; at that time, his neighbors, including the family of Munyakazi and that of Nsengiyumva, welcomed him warmly, and they lived together peacefully without any problems.

5 « Sous réserves des exceptions prévues par la loi, le juge apprécie librement et souverainement la valeur probante des éléments qui se trouvent à sa disposition pour fonder sa décision » (Raoul Declercq, La preuve en matière pénale, Bruxelles, Editions juridiques Swinnen H., 1988, p.25). 6 « Lorsque la loi n’établit pas un mode spécial de preuve, le juge du fond apprécie souverainement en fait la valeur probante des éléments sur lesquels il fonde sa conviction » (H-D. Bosly et Damien Vandermeersch, Droit de la procédure pénale, Bruxelles, La Charte, 2001, p.926).

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The case file further shows that in 2016, he married Sifa Célestine, after which problems began, allegedly instigated by the family of Munyakazi and that of Nsengiyumva, who conspired to harm the family of Manifashe and Sifa Célestine. From that time, acts of violence occurred, including: calling Sifa a snake, calling her a witch, telling her to go live in Karwasa where other Tutsis reside, making noise to her when she went out, ambushing her, throwing stones at her, threatening Jérôme that they would harm him because he had brought in them a witch, building a stone wall on the road to prevent his vehicle from exiting the enclosure, throwing stones and injured her, and throwing excreta to her house, as confirmed by witness Murwanashyaka Célestin while asked by the Intermediate Court of Musanze. The case file shows that these acts escalated to the point where Uwamariya assaulted Sifa, for which the Primary Court of Muhoza sentenced her to three (3) years’ imprisonment and a fine of Frw 500,000.

As explained by the Prosecution, these acts were carried out at different times but within the framework of a plan devised by the family of Munyakazi and that of Nsengiyumva aimed at harming the family of Sifa Célestine and Jérôme, based on ethnic discrimination. a. Regarding Munyakazi Evariste

The Court finds that Munyakazi Evariste is accused by his son, Munyamahoro Innocent, during his interrogation on 23/02/2020, at the Criminal Investigation Bureau, he was asked about the role of his parents in the burning of Sifa’s children, who immediately replied that he could not deny their involvement, as they had disputes that had led to litigation between them. He added that they may have

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collaborated with Nsengiyumva in a manner of which he was unaware7.

Another witness, Gakara Danani, told the Criminal Investigation Bureau that he suspects SIFA’s children were burned by members of the family of Munyakazi because of the hatred they held toward Sifa for being a Tutsi woman8. Regarding the question of who participated in burning Sifa’s children in the house, Uwamariya Visensiya, although she responded that she did not know them, added that no neighbor lives with her in good relationship.9 b. Regarding Uwamariya Visensiya

Witness Mukantazinda Béatha, during her interrogation at the Criminal Investigation Bureau on 25/02/2020, stated that while they were at Munyakazi’s house, a girl (Uwamariya) ran in shouting that they had to turn off the lights at Sifa’s house and that the children were burned. The witness also explained that the girl came after Innocent (Munyamahoro) had gone outside towards the road10.

In his interrogation at the Criminal Investigation Bureau, as stated above, Munyamahoro Innocent stated that among those he suspects of burning SIFA’s children includes Uwamariya Visensiya. Munyakazi also stated that among those he suspects of participating in that offence includes Uwamariya11.

7 Statement of interrogation of Munyamahoro Innocent of 23/02/2020, p.3, C29. 8 Statement of interrogation of Gakara Danani of 26/02/2020, p.2, C 73 9 Statement of interrogation of Uwamariya Visensia of 25/02/2020, p.3, C25. 10 Statement of interrogation of Mukantazinda Béatha of 25/02/2020, p.2, C50. 11 Statement of interrogation of Munyakazi Evariste of 23/02/2020, p.2, C13

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The Court further finds that, in the hearing report before the Intermediate Court of Musanze on 23/02/2021, Uwamariya stated that on the day of the offence, her brother called her to go somewhere12, after which she returned to keep laundry at the church. During the hearing, she also said that when she arrived home to fetch water, she found the situation had occurred and that the police had already arrived. However, before the same Court, in the hearing of 31/05/2021, she stated that on 22/02/2020 she was at the church washing choir clothes, then returned home to go to the parish, and afterwards went back to the church; upon returning, she found that the alleged children had been burned, at which point people came and asked her about Nsengiyumva and Munyakazi. Before the High Court, she stated that after fetching water, she saw four motorcycles together, and upon arriving home, she heard people saying that Sifa’s children had been burned.

The Court finds that Uwamariya, in her statements to various authorities, contradicted herself, sometimes stating that the offence occurred while she was at her home, on the other hand saying that she returned from fetching water and found that it had happened. When these contradictions are considered alongside the statements of Munyakazi and Munyamahoro during the Criminal Investigation Bureau, in which they initially suspected her of participating in the offence, as well as the statement of Mukantazinda Béatha, such contradictions indicate that she sought to evade her responsibility the commission of the offence. c. Regarding Nsengiyumva Théoneste

The Court finds that the suspect is accused by Munyakazi, who stated during his interrogation before the

12 Hearing report of 23/02/2021, p.6

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Investigation Bureau that he suspects him of having participated in the offence because he had ongoing conflicts with Sifa, and that on the day the offence was committed he had been at home throughout the day. He is also accused by Munyamahoro Innocent, who stated that during his interrogation before the Investigation Bureau that he suspects him of having committed the offence and that he even went to his home to ask them to collaborate with her in killing SIFA.These allegations are corroborated by the testimony of Habyarimana Emmanuel, who stated that SIFA’s family was harassed by Nsengiyumva Théoneste and Munyakazi on the grounds that she was a Tutsi woman, and that during the time the offence was committed, Nsengiyumva refused to render assistance and instead went into hiding at a neighbour’s home.This is further supported by the statement of Uwabera Alice, the Executive Secretary of Cyuve Sector, who stated that immediately after the offence occurred she intervened, and SIFA informed her that the persons she suspected were Nsengiyumva Théoneste and the family of Munyakazi, as they were the ones who consistently harassed her on the grounds that she was a Tutsi woman.

The Court finds that, apart from the incriminating witnesses, the accused himself was characterised by inconsistencies in his statements regarding her whereabouts on the day the offence was committed. During the Investigation, he stated that he had attended various activities in Kabatwa Sector, and that upon returning home, immediately after removing his shoes, he heard screams coming from Sifa’s home and went to render assistance. However, while being interrogated before the Prosecution, he stated that he arrived at his home after 7:30 p.m., found that security organs had already arrived, by entering the home of SIFA and Jérôme as someone who had rendered the assistance, was immediately arrested by the police. It further

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appears that on the day she was interrogated by the Prosecution, namely on 02/03/2020, he was also issued with a letter by the Executive Secretary of Kabatwa Sector stating that on 22/02/2020 he had spent the whole day in that Sector mobilizing the population to engage in pyrethrum farming. However, among the activities he herself claimed to have carried out on 22/02/2020 in Kabatwa Sector, the mobilization of the population for pyrethrum farming does not appear. During the investigation conducted by this instant Court, his wife, Ikitegetse, and Ntamabyariro Daphrose, the wife of Munyakazi, stated that Nsengiyumva returned from work carrying a bag and found that the offences had already been committed. His wife further stated that he had spent a week working away from home and that it was on that day that he returned home. d. Regarding Mugiraneza Ildephonse

The witness Gakara Danani stated during the Investigation that the individuals he suspects of burning children in the house are Munyakazi and his sons, as they had ongoing conflicts with Jérôme’s family, and had also told him that they would confront him because he had brought in them a Tutsi woman. His involvement in the offence is further demonstrated by the fact that he told his siblings that they should get rid of Sifa, or, if she resisted, they should relocate and flee with her. This idea was confirmed by Munyamahoro and Uwamariya. e. Regarding Munyamahoro Innocent

The Court finds that the suspect is accused by Gakara Danani, who stated that he suspects that those who set fire to Sifa’s children are Munyakazi and his sons. This is further corroborated by the testimony of Mukantazinda Béatha, the mother-in-law, who stated that when

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Uwamariya came running, shouting that the lights should be turned off because Sifa’s children had been burnt in the house, it was at that moment that Innocent came out. Moreover, Munyamahoro himself stated during the Investigation that Nsengiyumva came to their home to incite them to kill Sifa, but he never reported it to the authorities in order to prevent the offence beforehand. Furthermore, wherever Munyamahoro Innocent was interrogated, he never stated that he had arrived at their home on the evening when the offence occurred. f. General conclusion

The Court finds that Munyamahoro Innocent stated during the Investigation Bureau that the persons he suspects of having committed the offence of burning SIFA’s and Jérôme’s children are Nsengiyumva, Mugiraneza, and Uwamariya. Munyakazi (his father), on the other hand, stated that the persons he suspects of having involved in the commission of that offence are Nsengiyumva, Uwamariya, and his wife. These statements demonstrate the existence of a conspiracy, as both witnesses maintain that the offence was committed by more than one person.

The Court finds that the High Court convicted Munyakazi Evariste, Nsengiyumva Théoneste, Uwamariya Visensiya, and Mugiraneza Ildephonse solely of the offence of discrimination, based on the evidence including the testimony of Munyamahoro Innocent given during the Investigation Bureau, as well as that of witnesses Habyarimana Emmanuel and Gakara Danani; however, it is clear that the hatred they harboured against Sifa, grounded in discrimination, is what led them to devise a plan to burn her children, in case they miss her (Sifa). Uwamariya, while being interrogated in the Investigation Bureau, stated that no neighbour had a good relationship with SIFA. Mukantazinda Béatha stated that, shortly after the offence

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had been committed, Uwamariya came to her home and told those present to switch off the lights at Sifa’s house the children had been burned inside the house, raising questions as to where she was coming from, how she knew that the children had been burned, and why she did not call upon people to render assistance.

The Court further finds that the grounds relied upon by the High Court to convict the accused of the offence of ethnic discrimination are the same grounds that ought to have supported their conviction for murder, wilful arson of someone’s building, and intentional assault and battery resulting in permanent disability. Indeed, it was that discrimination which escalated into extreme violence and cruelty, leading the accused to form a plan to burn the children inside the house. The context in which the offences were committed is clear and undoubtful. To declare that the accused are innocent on the ground that no one saw them committing the offence or leaving the scene amounts to wilful disregard of the facts, since the offence would in any event not have been committed openly or in the presence of witnesses.

The Court also finds that the perpetrators of the crime were not likely to be seen by anyone, given the location of their residence, as shown in the diagram in the case file prepared by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau. Moreover, the Court itself observed how close their houses were, making it easy for the accused to monitor SIFA’s movements leaving the children alone at home and ensuring that she would return so that they could carry out their malicious plan. Furthermore, the room in which the children were sleeping, is located at the back of the house they lived in, within the compound, and is very well hidden, so that an ordinary person who is not a close neighbor would not know that they were there.

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The Court, in the course of its investigation conducted on 18/03/2025, Sifa stated that, on the day and at the time when the offence was committed, as she was returning from shopping, she saw Ntamabyariro Daphrose, who, upon seeing her, ran toward her own home. When Sifa arrived at her house, she found that her children had already been burned, and she immediately understood that Ntamabyariro had been keeping her under surveillance. The Court finds that this constitutes additional evidence indicating that the offence was planned at the residence of Munyakazi, and that the perpetrators came from that household as well as from the household of Nsengiyumva, given that their homes are adjacent and that these two families were the ones seeking to cause harm to Sifa.

The Court finds that the statements made during the Investigation Bureau on 23/02/2020, immediately after the offence had been committed, are the ones that should be considered. This analysis is consistent with the views expressed by Michel Franchimont, Ann Jacobs, and Adrien Masset in their book Manuel de procédure pénale, in which they state that a judge may consider the statements made by a witness during the investigation, while disregarding those given during trial13. This further are consistent with the position taken by these scholars in the same book, to the effect that a judge may base a decision on statements made without an oath during the investigation or inquiry, even where such statements are not repeated the same as previously stated under oath during trial14.

13 « (…) le juge peut légalement décider que la déclaration d’un témoin entendu sans serment au cours de l’information préparatoire présente plus de crédit que celle faite ultérieurement par celui-ci à l’audience, fût- ce sous serment » (Michel Franchimont, Ann Jacobs et Adrien Masset, Manuel de procédure pénale, Bruxelles, Larcier, 2012, 4è édition, p.1191). 14 « Le juge peut fonder sa conviction sur des déclarations faites sans serment au cours de l’instruction préparatoire ou au cours de

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The Court, based on the legal provisions mentioned above, the writings of legal scholars, and the explanations provided, finds that, in the Case n0 RPA 00395/2021/HC/MUS, the High Court, Musanze Chamber, overlooked clear evidence that would have amounted to the conviction of the accused on all the charges brought against them, consequently, the accused ought to have been convicted of the offences of wilful arson of someone’s building, murder, and assault and battery resulting in permanent disability.

2) Whether there are elements of evidence establishing conviction of Munyamahoro Innocent and Hitimana Jean de Dieu, alias Bondo, of the offence of ethnic discrimination, which were disregarded by the High Court, Musanze Chamber.

The representative of the Prosecution submits that, on the day Sifa Célestine was beaten by Uwamariya, namely on 19/02/2019, a witness who was present, Rucagu Boniface, stated that, in the words spoken at the scene, he heard Munyamahoro refers to Sifa as a dangerous person, and say that they had sent snake to come and eat them, thereby impossible to declare them acquited of this offence.

With regard to Hitimana Jean de Dieu, the Prosecution explains that Munyakazi stated that Hitimana was the one who advised him to construct the wall made of stones across Jérôme’s access road, which constitutes conduct demonstrating that he too supported the plan to harass the family of Jérôme and Sifa.

They conclude saying that Munyamahoro and Hitimana were aware of the plan devised to cause harm to

l’information alors même qu’elles ne sont pas confirmées sous serment à l’audience » (Michel Franchimont et alii, op.cit. p.1160).

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SIFA, yet neither of them reported it to the competent authorities. The Prosecution referred to the testimony of Gakara Danani and Murwanashyaka Célestin, who stated that the family of Jérôme and Sifa was persecuted because the wife was a Tutsi woman, and that Hitimana Jean de Dieu was aware of this situation but took no action; however, this testimony was disregarded.

Munyamahoro Innocent, in his defence, submits that the allegation that he referred to SIFA as a dangerous person or a snake was made by RUCAGU Boniface, but contends that this is untrue, arguing that had it been true, he would have been prosecuted for it at the time.

Counsel Uwamahoro Nyiranzayino Christine, assisting him, submits that the Intermediate Court acted on the basis of emotion, given that the witnesses it heard, including local authorities, stated that they had never been aware of any issue of discrimination, which is nonetheless alleged to have been the root cause of the other offences committed. She further argues that the Prosecution should not rely on incriminating statements attributed to Munyamahoro that were made in the proceedings against Uwamariya Visensiya for assault and battery, in order to use them in this present case, as such statements cannot be treated as newly introduced evidence.

Hitimana Jean de Dieu, in his defense, submits that no issue of discrimination has ever been existed in Marantima Village. He states that in 2017, Manifashe was thrown a stone and that the matter relating to that act of violence was duly addressed. He further states that in 2019, there was merely a dispute of a pathway between Manifashe and the family of Munyakazi, and that no issue of discrimination was raised. He also acknowledges that he did not show some negligence in handling certain matters brought to his attention; instead, he resolved them promptly

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and prepared reports accordingly. He therefore contends that the statements made by Gakara Danani, Rucagu Boniface, Habyarimana Emmanuel, and Murwanashyaka should not be considered, especially since those made by Habyarimana Emmanuel, who succeeded him as village leader and whom he accuses of seeking his imprisonment in order to prevent him from interfering with his leadership.

He further states that he never advised Munyakazi to build a wall made of stones along Jérôme’s pathway, as what he sought for, was a compensation. He concludes by stating that when the incident occurred at SIFA’s home, they intervened and found SIFA present, they requested her to identify where the fire originated from, and she showed them a small spot from which the fire had started. It was he who then contacted the Cell Executive Secretary so that an investigation could be initiated, and he was immediately listed among the suspects.

Regarding the investigation report conducted by the Court, Hitimana Jean de Dieu submits that the testimony of Habyarimana Emmanuel should not be considered as he contradicts himself: during the investigation he stated that Hitimana was arrested after responding to the incident, on the other hand he stated that Hitimana was merely observing. He further states that the statement that Mugiraneza served as his secretary during his tenure as village leader is not true, and that the allegations that he discriminated against Manifashe and Sifa and refused to prepare reports concerning their complaints are also unfounded, as he did in fact prepare a report regarding the violence committed against Manifashe when he was attacked with stones.

Counsel Nyirabera Josephine, counsel for the defense, submits that the inculpatory statements, Uwabera Alice and Gakara Danani, are unfounded, as he was the one

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who requested the Cell authorities to resolve the dispute concerning the pathway access of the car between Munyakazi and Manifashe Jérôme and that Munyakazi himself testified before the Court that Hitimana never advised him to build a wall, and that the statements made before the Court are the ones that should be relied upon.

She further submits that the Prosecution initially charged Hitimana as an accomplice to the offence of discrimination, but later alleged that he was a principal offender, which in itself demonstrates that he never played any role in the commission of the offence with which he is charged. Consequently, the Court should find that all the matters raised are made of doubt, and therefore declares that he was not an accomplice to the offence of ethnic discrimination, and further finds that there are no grounds for the review the case on grounds of injustice.

She concludes by stating that she does not accept the testimony of Murwanashyaka Célestin and that of Habyarimana Emmanuel, as their statements are false; for example, he was the one who prepared the report of 20/4/2017 concerning the person who had thrown stones at Manifashe Jérôme. She requests that the Court should base on the testimony of Mukandutiye Albertine, Mukamarara Espérance, and Ntibarikure Vicentien. She further requests the Court to examine the reports appearing on pages (cotes) 79 and 87, as they discharge Hitimana.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

The legal issue in this present case is to determine whether there is concrete elements of evidence proving that Munyamahoro Innocent and Hitimana Jean de Dieu, alias Bondo, committed the crime of ethnic discrimination, which was overlooked by the High Court, Musanze Chamber.

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Article 163 of Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general, as amended, provides that any person who commits one of the following acts: i. act which inconveniences a person or a group of people or causes division among persons or a group of people on the basis of race, ethnicity, origin, clan, family connection, colour of skin, sex, region, nationality, religion, political ideology, economic classes, culture, language, social status, physical or mental disability or physical appearance; ii. acts aimed at denying a person or a group of people their rights granted under the Rwandan law or international conventions ratified by Rwanda, on the basis of race, ethnicity, origin, clan, family connection, colour of skin, sex, region, nationality, religion, political ideology, economic classes, culture, language, social status, physical or mental disability or physical appearance; iii. act instigating a person to deny another person or a group of people their rights granted under the Rwandan law or international conventions ratified by Rwanda, on the basis of race, ethnicity, origin, clan, family connection, colour of skin, sex, region, nationality, religion, political ideology, economic classes, culture, language, social status, physical or mental disability or physical appearance.

Article 53 of Law n0 062/2024 of 20/06/2024 governing evidence provides that the competent organ assesses the admissibility or inadmissibility and probative value of testimonial evidence. It is not bound by the number of witnesses. Instead, it mainly considers their knowledge of facts and sincerity of their declarations.

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Article 48 of Law n0 062/2024 of 20/06/2024 governing evidence provides that any person who took part in the commission of an offence, or the victim of the offence, may be heard as a witness.

Matters relating to the probative value of testimony were upheld in Case n0 RPAA 0059/08/CS, decided on 19/11/2010, between the Prosecution, Nshimiyimana Alexis, Twagirumukiza Anastase, and Habimana Bosco, in which the Supreme Court held that the testimony of persons is not deprived of its probative value merely because they are related to one another or have an interest in the case, since its value does not depend on the witnesses but instead on the truth contained therein, which is determined solely by the court after analysing the statements of the witnesses. a. Regarding Munyamahoro Innocent

The court finds that the witness Gakara Danani alleged that he, his father, and Mugiraneza used to tell Manifashe Jérôme that they would harm him because he had married a Tutsi woman; the court also finds that the witness Rucagu Boniface, from the Ivestigation Bureau, in the case file of Uwamariya Visensiya, who was charged with the crime of assault and batteries committed to Sifa, stated that during a fight he was present and heard Munyamahoro Innocent call Sifa a dangereous person who came to eat them; this statement constitutes element of evidence of ethnic discrimination. b. Regarding Hitimana Jean de Dieu

Regarding Hitimana Jean de Dieu, the court notes that Munyakazi Evariste, during his interrogation during the Investigation Bureau, stated that he was the one who advised him to build a wall made of stones along the road so that the vehicles of Manifashe and SIFA would be unable to get out; moreover, the witness Gakara Danani stated that he saw the

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persecution carried out against SIFA but merely observed it without taking any action. This was further upheld by the witness Murwanashyaka Célestin, who was questioned by the Intermediate Court of Musanze during an investigation conducted on 05/03/2021, and who said that Hitimana never reported the problems of Manifashe when they were brought to him, and also stated that the Tutsis had other places where they could live. The court finds that this constitutes elements of evidence proving that he too committed acts of discrimination against Sifa Célestine.

The court finds that Hitimana never prepared any report relating to the persecution based on ethnic discrimination against the family of Manifashe and Sifa, and that such discrimination is clear in the case file, with some individuals having already been convicted of this crime by both lower courts. This constitutes element of evidence that he supported such acts. The fact that the High Court has not convicted him such act, amounts to ignoring the elements of evidence.

Based on the explanations provided above, the court finds that there are sufficient elements of evidence to establish that Munyamahoro Innocent and Hitimana Jean de Dieu, also known as Bondo, committed the crime of ethnic discrimination.

3. To determine the penalties that should be imposed to the accused persons

The Representative of the Prosecution requests that Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Uwamariya Visensiya, Nsengiyumva Théoneste, and Munyamahoro Innocent should be found guilty of the concurrent offenses of murder, wilful arson of another person’s building, intentional assault resulting in permanent disability, and the crime of ethnic discrimination committed against the family

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of Manifashe Jérôme and his wife SIFA Célestine, and asks that each of them should be sentenced to life imprisonment.

He further states that Hitimana Jean de Dieu, alias Bondo, should be found guilty of the crime of ethnic discrimination, which he committed jointly with Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Munyamahoro Innocent, Uwamariya Visensiya, and Nsengiyumva Théoneste, and that be sentenced to seven (7) years’ imprisonment and a fine of Frw 1,000,000.

Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Munyamahoro Innocent, Uwamariya Visensiya, Nsengiyumva Théoneste, and Counsel Uwamahoro Nyiranzayino Christine, counsel for them, request the Court to declare all of them acquitted of all charges brought against them before this instant Court.

Hitimana Jean de Dieu and Counsel Nyirabera Josephine, Counsel for him, submit that there are no grounds for the review of this case on grounds of injustice since all grounds raised were examined by the High Court and found them unfounded, and requests the Court to declare the application for review the case on grounds of injustice for the decision concerning Hitimana Jean de Dieu remain unchanged.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT

The issue before this instant case is to determine the penalties to be imposed on the accused persons.

Article 180, paragraph two, of Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general,

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as amended, provides that any person who deliberately sets fire on another person’s building upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than ten (10) years and not more than fifteen (15) years with a fine of not less than three million Rwandan francs (FRW 3,000,000) and not more than five million Rwandan francs (FRW 5,000,000).

Article 107 of Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 mentioned above, provides that a person who intentionally kills another person commits murder. Upon conviction, he/ she is liable to life imprisonment.

Article 121, paragraph 3, of Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 mentioned above, provides that If assault or battery has caused illness or non-permanent incapacity to work, the penalty is imprisonment for a term of not less than ten (10) years and not more than fifteen (15) years and a fine of not less than three million Rwandan francs (FRW 3,000,000) and not more than five million Rwandan francs (FRW 5,000,000). If assault or battery has resulted in an incurable illness, permanent disability to work, full loss of function of an organ or serious mutilation, the penalty is imprisonment for a term of not less than ten (10) years and not more than fifteen (15) years and a fine of not less than three million Rwandan francs (FRW 3,000,000) and not more than five million Rwandan francs (FRW 5,000,000).

Article 163, paragraph 2, of Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 mentioned above, provides that a person convicted of committing one of the acts referred to under Paragraph One of this article is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five (5) years but not more than seven (7) years and a fine of not less than five hundred thousand Rwandan francs (FRW 500,000) but not more than one million Rwandan francs (FRW 1,000,000).

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Article 61, paragraph 3, of Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 mentioned above, provides that Ideal concurrence of offences occurs when: 1º a single act constitutes several offences; 2º separate acts which constitute separate offences, are related among themselves as they are aimed at accomplishing a single criminal intent.

Article 62, paragraph 2, of Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 mentioned above, provides that in case of ideal concurrence of offences referred to in item 2º of Paragraph 3 of article 61 of this Law, the judge imposes the maximum penalty provided for the most serious offence.

The Court finds that there has been an ideal concurrence of offences committed by Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Munyamahoro Innocent, Uwamariya Visensiya, and Nsengiyumva Théoneste because they have committed ethnic discrimination against SIFA Célestine, by persecuting her on the grounds that she is a Tutsi woman, with the intention of causing harm to her. This conduct ultimately resulted in the burning of the house in which the children were sleeping, resulting to the death of one child and the permanent disability of another. Consequently, the Court finds that the maximum statutory penalty applicable is life imprisonment, as provided for the offense of murder.

The court finds that with regard to HITIMANA Jean de Dieu, having been convicted of the offense of ethnic discrimination, he should be sentenced to seven (7) years’ imprisonment and a fine of one million Rwandan francs (Frw 1.000.000). III. DECISION OF THE COURT

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Declares the application filed by the Prosecution seeking a review the case n0 RPA 00395/2021/HC/MUS on grounds of injustice, which was rendered by the High Court, Musanze Chamber, on 07/07/2022, well-founded;

Declares the ruling of the case n0 RPA 00395/2021/HC/MUS, rendered by the High Court, Musanze Chamber, on 07/07/2022, overturned entirely;

Declares Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Munyamahoro Innocent, Uwamariya Visensiya, and Nsengiyumva Théoneste convicted of the charges brought against them, namely ethnic discrimination, murder, wilful arson of another person’s building, and intentional assault resulting in permanent disability.

Declares Hitimana Jean de Dieu convicted of the offense of ethnic discrimination.

Sentences Nsengiyumva Théoneste, Munyakazi Evariste, Mugiraneza Ildephonse, Munyamahoro Innocent, and Uwamariya Visensiya each to life imprisonment.

Sentences Hitimana Jean de Dieu to seven (7) years’ imprisonment and to pay a fine of one million Rwandan francs (Frw 1,000,000).

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PROSECUTION v. MUTIGANDA ET AL. [Rwanda COURT OF APPEAL - RPA 00103/2021/CA (Tugireyezu, P.J.) 14 February 2025] Criminal law – The offence of terrorism – Terrorist groups or affiliated organisations – Where it is established that a group already designated as a terrorist group is composed of other groups or associations pursuing the same objective, such groups or associations automatically acquire the status of terrorist groups. Criminal law – The offence of terrorism – Membership of a terrorist group – Attempt – Scope of constitutive acts – Non-applicability of attempt – The constitutive acts of the offence of membership of a terrorist group include joining such an organization, consenting to become a member, commencing participation in its activities, or undertaking any act that increases its operational capacity. There is no attempt in relation to the offence of membership of a terrorist organization, since the execution of even any single constitutive act suffices to completely commit an offence. Facts: In April 2019, after Ndayisenga Vedaste had conspired with Haragirimana Abdallah and reached a common plan to join an irregular armed group of Kayumba Nyamwasa, he travelled to Nyanza District where he met with Niyonizeye Claude, Mutiganda Thierry, Nshimiye Eric, Maniraho Théoneste and Ndayisenga Claude, whom he incited to enlist in the said 237

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armed group, assuring them that a woman named Umugwaneza Shakira would facilitate their passage to Uganda. Following these discussions, upon returning home, Ndayisenga Claude immediately disclosed the matter to his parents, who in turn reported it without delay to the local administrative authorities, thereby triggering investigations by security and intelligence services. The Prosecution arraigned them before the High Court, Specialized Chamber with jurisdiction over international and transnational crimes, indicting the accused for the offence of inciting persons to join an irregular armed group, the offence of consenting to membership of a terrorist organization, and the offence of being an accomplice to the accused in relation to Umugwaneza Shakira. The Prosecution requested that the accused should be held guilty of the charges, Umugwaneza Shakira should be sentenced to the imprisonment for a term of fifteen (15) years and each of the other co-accused sentenced to the imprisonment for a term of twenty (20) years. The Court found that, with the exception of Umugwaneza Shakira, the accused were guilty of the charges and accordingly sentenced each of them to the imprisonment for a term of fifteen (15) years. The accused appealed against the judgment before the Court of Appeal, raising a preliminary objection that they ought to be released on grounds that the indictment had been brought by incompetent Prosecutor. They argued that the offence of forming an irregular armed group falls within the competence of the Prosecutor General or a Prosecutor duly delegated by him, in their case such provision had not been observed. They further contended

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that the offences of joining an irregular armed group and membership of a terrorist organization are mutually exclusive, submitting that their liability, if any, could only arise under the offence of membership of an irregular armed group. The Prosecution acknowledged that the two offences cannot be cumulative, but maintained that the accused had in fact committed the offence of membership of a terrorist organization. The Court held that the offence for which the accused were properly liable was that of membership of a terrorist organization. Upon further consideration of the grounds of appeal, Haragirimana argued that he had not committed the offence for which he was convicted, contending that Ndayisenga accused him due to personal enmity and that the other co-accused only repeated what they had heard from Ndayisenga, since he had never met them. The Prosecution responded that this defence was unfounded, pointing out that Haragirimana himself had admitted during the investigative stage that he had no prior conflict with Ndayisenga, and further that it was Haragirimana who informed Ndayisenga of the existence of Kayumba Nyamwasa’s irregular armed group in Uganda. Ndayisenga and Mutiganda, for their part, requested that the legal characterization of the offence be altered so that they would only be punished for the attempt to join a terrorist organization, arguing that although they had agreed to enlist in Kayumba Nyamwasa’s irregular armed group, they were apprehended before reaching their destination, and thus sought mitigation of sentence. The Prosecution submitted that their acceptance to join an irregular armed group affiliated with a terrorist organization constituted the full commission of the

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offence, since they were arrested while already prepared to depart, and that their sentences could not be further mitigated given that the trial court had already granted them the penalty reduction. Held: 1: Where it is established that a group already designated as a terrorist group is composed of other groups or associations pursuing the same objective, such groups or associations automatically acquire the status of terrorist groups 2. The constitutive acts of the offence of membership of a terrorist group include joining such an organization, consenting to become a member, commencing participation in its activities, or undertaking any act that increases its operational capacity.

3. An attempt cannot exist in relation to the offence of membership of a terrorist group, since the mere commission of any of the constitutive acts of that offence is sufficient to completely commit an offence. The appeal lacks merit; The accused are guilty of the offence of membership of a terrorist group. Statutes and statutory instruments referred to: Law nº 46/2018 of 13/08/2018 on counter-terrorism, article 18.

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Cases referred to: Prosecution v. Maj (Rtd) Mudathiru Habib alias Mussa et al, RPA 00047/2021/CA rendered by the Court of Appeal on 14/03/2024. Prosecution v. Abayisenga Venant et al., RPA 00016/2020/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 22/03/2024. Prosecution v. Lt Mutabazi Joël et al., RPA 00012/2019/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 22/11/2019. Prosecution v. Habineza, RPA 00029/2022/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 23/02/2024; Prosecution v. Abayisenga Venant et al., RPA 00016/2020/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 22/03/2024. Prosecution v. Abayisenga Vénant et al., RPA 00016/2020/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 22/03/2024. Prosecution v. Murindahabi Jean de Dieu, RPAA 00293/2021/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 15/07/2022. Prosecution v. Nsabimana Callixte alias Sankara et al., RPA 00060/2021/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 04/04/2022. Prosecution v. Munyanshoza Eric,

RPAA 00086/2022/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 24/03/2023.

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Judgment I.

BACKGROUND OF THE

CASE [1] In April 2019, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, who served as muezzin in Nyagatare, was suspected of the fact that, after communicating with HaragirimanaAbdallah, he travelled to his place of birth in Nyanza District, Kibirizi Sector, Cyeru Cell, Muyebe Village, where he met with Niyonizeye Claude, Mutiganda Thierry, Nshimiye Eric, Maniraho Théoneste and Ndayisenga Claude. They discussed the matters relating to an irregular armed group of Kayumba Nyamwasa, including the ways to join and the routes to reach Uganda, assuring that a woman named Umugwaneza Shakira would facilitate their connection with a man named Kabila to reach Uganda without following recognized procedures. Following these discussions, Ndayisenga Claude reported to his parents that a young man intended to take him and others to Kayumba Nyamwasa’s terrorist armed group, prompting his parents to immediately report the matter to local authorities and they were tracked by the investigation organs. [2] Upon completion of the investigation, the Prosecution arraigned them before the High Court, Specialized Chamber with jurisdiction over the international and transnational crimes, charging Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah and his co-accused

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with the offences of inciting persons to join an irregular armed group, the offence of consenting to membership of a terrorist organization, and the offence of being an accomplice to the accused in relation to Umugwaneza Shakira. The Prosecution prayed that the accused should be held guilty of the charges, Umugwaneza Shakira was sentenced to the imprisonment for a term of fifteen (15) years and each of the other co-accused was sentenced to the imprisonment for a term of twenty (20) years. [3] All the accused pleaded not guilty and, in their defence, requested to be given justice, asserting that they did not participate in the offences for which they were charged. [4] In the judgment No RP 00001/2020/HC/HCCIC, rendered on 18/11/2021, the High Court, Specialized Chamber with jurisdiction over international and transnational crimes, found that there were sufficient elements of evidence to convict the accused, including:  The statements of Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah recorded during the Investigation on 29/11/2019;  The testimony of Ndayisenga Claude;  The statements of Mutiganda Thierry during the Investigation. Relying on those elements of evidence, the Court held that Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, Mutiganda Thierry, and Nshimiye Eric were guilty of membership of a terrorist

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group. It further held that Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, Mutiganda Thierry and Nshimiye Eric were guilty of voluntarily consenting to join or being recruited into an irregular armed group. Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah and Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah were also convicted of the offence of incitement to join an irregular armed group. However, as the acts committed did not cause significant harm—despite the malicious intent toward the security of Rwanda and its population, and because no adverse consequences materialized—the Court mitigated their sentence, sentencing each to the imprisonment for a term of fifteen (15) years. The Court further found that Umugwaneza Shakira, Niyonizeye Claude, and Maniraho Théoneste were not guilty of the charges against them, as there were no conclusive elements of evidence proving their involvement, and ordered their immediate release upon the pronouncement of the judgment. [5] Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, Mutiganda Thierry and Nshimiye Eric, being dissatisfied with the ruling of the judgment, lodged an appeal before the Court of Appeal under Case Nº RPA 00103/2021/CA. The hearing was initially scheduled for 13/11/2024 but was not held on that date due to the illness of one of the judges and was adjourned to 14/11/2024. At the hearing, Mutiganda Thierry was assisted by Counsel Rugamba Jules, Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah was by Counsel Nshuti Salim, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah by Counsel Ntazika Nehemie and Nshimiye Eric by Counsel Mukakalisa Jeanne d’Arc, while the Prosecution was

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represented by Ninahazwa Roselyne, National Prosecutor. The proceedings were closed and the parties were informed that the judgment would be delivered on 27/11/2024. On that date, however, the Court held that before rendering its decision, the parties had to provide clarification regarding the classification of the offences for which the accused had been convicted, and accordingly ordered the reopening of the proceedings on 05/12/2024 at 9:00 a.m. On the said date, the hearing could not proceed as some of the parties failed to appear, and it was further adjourned to 09/12/2024, with legal representation maintained as previously. [6] On 09/12/2024, the hearing resumed, the Court posed various questions to the parties, including whether the military wing of the RNC under Kayumba Nyamwasa constituted a terrorist organization, and whether the offence of membership of a terrorist organization could be cumulated with that of membership of an irregular armed group, given that the accused had been convicted based on the same conduct. The accused and their counsels raised a procedural objection, arguing that the accused ought to be released immediately as they had been prosecuted unlawfully, without the direct prosecution by the Prosecutor General or by a competent prosecutor duly authorized by him/her, as required under Article 200 of Law No 68/2018 of 30/06/2018 determining offences and penalties in general. They contended that, since the prosecution was not instituted by the Prosecutor General nor with his authorization, the accused should be released forthwith, as had been decided in the judgment No RPA 00029/2022/CA, Prosecution v. Habineza, rendered by

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the Court of Appeal on 23/02/2024. On that date, the case was adjourned to 07/01/2025 as the Defence and the Prosecution had requested the time to conduct research on the raised issues. On 07/01/2025, the hearing proceeded but was not concluded, and the matter was adjourned to 27/01/2025, at that date, the proceedings were formally closed. [7] In their appeal submissions and pleadings, Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah and his counsel contended that the Trial Chamber erred in convicting him without adducing evidence beyond reasonable doubt, and requested his acquittal on the grounds that the conviction was improperly based solely on the statements of Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, whose the testimony, as they argued, was tainted by personal animosity and marked by inconsistencies and contradictions. They further submitted that the Court wrongly found that Haragirimana had incited Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah to commit the offences in question through YouTube, whereas he neither owned a YouTube channel nor was there any evidence proving that such communications concerning the alleged offences had taken place. Additionally, in a supplementary appeal brief dated 04/12/2023, Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah petitioned the Court to order an inquiry in order to establish his good moral character and to verify the existence of personal disputes he had with Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, which he claimed were the sole basis for the latter’s incriminations.

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[8] In their appeal submissions and pleadings, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and his counsel argued that, although he maintained a plea of not guilty during trial, he had, during his interrogation by the Investigation Bureau, confessed to the offence and provided detailed explanations of how it was committed. They submitted that such confession ought to have been considered as a mitigating circumstance warranting a reduction of sentence, and that he should instead be sentenced to the imprisonment for a term of three (3) years and six (6) months equivalent to one-half of the seven (7) years provided as the minimum penalty for the offence of voluntarily joining or being recruited into an irregular armed group, and that the sentence should further be suspended. They also requested that the offence should be requalified as an attempt to become a member of a terrorist group, on the basis of the fact that their involvement progressed beyond mere discussions and moved towards the practicalities of an armed group operating outside Rwanda. [9] In their appeal submissions and pleadings, Mutiganda Thierry and his counsel requested a reclassification of the offence for which he was convicted, he should be found guilty only of attempt to become a member of a terrorist organization, and further sought a reduction and suspension of the sentence imposed. They argued that although he denied the charges during trial, he had previously admitted the offence during interrogation by the Investigation Bureau, and that such admission should be accepted and considered as a mitigating factor which should serve for being imposed a lesser sentence

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that would enable him to reintegrate into normal life, particularly given that he had no prior record of misconduct. [10] In their appeal submissions and pleadings, Nshimiye Eric and his counsel contended that the only offence he acknowledged was the failure to disclose information, as did Ndayisenga Claude, because he joined his co-accused while they were discussed matters relating to an armed group and he heard their discussions, he denied the offence of membership of terrorist group, since he never harbored any intention of joining it. Accordingly, Nshimiye Eric and his counsel prayed the Court to reduce the sentence imposed on him for the admitted offence of failure to disclose information as did Ndayisenga Claude and to suspend the execution of the penalty previously imposed to him. [11] In its submissions, the Prosecution stated that the grounds of appeal raised by all the accused persons were unfounded, since the trial court had thoroughly explained the evidence on which its decision was based. It nevertheless indicated that, although the appellants’ arguments lacked merit, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, Mutiganda Thierry and Nshimiye Eric could again benefit from the sentence reduction pursuant to Article 2 of Law No 059/2023 of 04/12/2023 amending Law No 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general and accordingly should be sentenced to the imprisonment for a term of seven (7) years and six (6) months, representing one-half (½) of the fifteen (15) years originally imposed, this being the minimum penalty

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prescribed for the offence of membership of a terrorist group, which is the most serious of the offences for which they were convicted. Concerning the request for the suspension of the sentence, the Prosecution submitted that it was not applicable, since the penalty imposed exceeded the five-year limit required for suspension. During the hearing, the Prosecutor requested for the revision of the submissions drawn up by the Prosecution about the penalty reduction for the accused and prayed the Court to consider his statements before the Court, thus arguing that the accused should not benefit from any further sentence reduction, given that they had already benefited from mitigation, and the penalty imposed was proportionate to the gravity of the offence they committed. [12] During the hearing, the accused and their legal counsels raised a preliminary objection, seeking their release on the grounds that they had been prosecuted in contravention of the law. The Prosecution, however, submitted that this objection was unfounded, noting that Article 200 of Law Nº 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general does not require that such authorization should be in written form, as it may be either written or oral. Accordingly, since the Prosecutor General did not object to their prosecution, this implied that the required authorization had effectively been granted. [13] Basing itself on the foregoing submissions, the Court finds that the issues requiring determination in the present case are the following:

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 Whether the preliminary objection raised by the accused, seeking their release on the grounds that they were prosecuted in contravention of the law, is founded;  Whether Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah was convicted without conclusive elements of evidence establishing his guilt;  Whether the classification of the offence for which Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry were convicted should be changed and they should be convicted for attempt to membership of a terrorist group;  Whether the sentence imposed on Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry should be further reduced and suspended;  Whether Nshimiye Eric was properly convicted of the offence of membership of a terrorist group notwithstanding his claims of non-participation, and whether he should benefit from a reduction of sentence in respect of the admitted offence of failure to disclose information.

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II.

ANALYSIS OF LEGAL ISSUES II.1. Whether the preliminary objection raised by the accused, seeking their release on the grounds that they were prosecuted in contravention of the law, is founded [14] The accused and their counsels raised a preliminary objection seeking their immediate release on the grounds that they were unlawfully prosecuted, since the prosecution was not initiated by the Prosecutor General nor by a person expressly authorized by the latter, as required under Article 200 of Law No 68/2018 of 30/06/2018 determining offences and penalties in general. They argued that, because the prosecution was not conducted by the Prosecutor General or upon his express authorization, their continued prosecution was unlawful and they ought to be released immediately, relying on the precedent set in the judgment No RPA 00029/2022/CA, rendered by the Court of Appeal on 23/02/2024, for the Prosecution v. Habineza Olivier1.

1 In that case, the Court of Appeal held that the indictment lodged at first instance ought not to have been examined on the merits, since the Prosecutor General had not granted authorization to investigate and prosecute Habineza Olivier for the offence of formation of an irregular armed group or joining it. For all these reasons, the Court of Appeal found that the indictment had been brought in contravention of the law, and accordingly all proceedings were to be nullified, with Habineza Olivier to be released immediately upon pronouncement of the judgment, and the Prosecution ordered to comply with the requirements of the law. See paragraphs 16 and 17 thereof.

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[15] The accused and their legal counsels further submit that the indictment filed by the Prosecution ought not to have been admitted at first instance pursuant to Article 200, paragraph 3, of the Law determining offences and penalties in general, since the offences with which they are charged—namely, inciting others to join an irregular armed group, and deliberately agreeing to be hired or recruited to join an irregular armed group— cannot be prosecuted or brought before a court unless by the Prosecutor General or by a person duly authorized by him. They therefore stated that they should be released and the Prosecution should indict them anew if it deems it necessary. [16] The accused and their counsels submit that Article 200 of the aforementioned Law provides that, for a person to be prosecuted for the offence of forming or joining an irregular armed group, such prosecution must either be initiated or expressly authorized by the Prosecutor General or the Military Prosecutor General, depending on the alleged offender. They further contend that, although the Law does not expressly prescribe the form in which such authorization must be given, it is evident that such authorization must be in writing, as is consistently the practice whereby such instruments are issued in written form. Consequently, they argue that the offences for which the accused stand charged could only lawfully be prosecuted if the proceedings had been initiated by the Prosecutor General personally or upon the basis of his written authorization.

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[17] The accused and their counsels further concur that Article 200 referenced above does not apply to the offence of membership of, or joining, a terrorist group. They contend, however, that the RNC military wing cannot be classified as a terrorist organization, since it has never been included on any official list of terrorist groups. They acknowledge only that they had joined an irregular armed group, but deny that this amounted to joining a terrorist organization. They further argue that, in line with established jurisprudence, the offence of forming or joining an irregular armed group cannot be combined with that of membership of a terrorist organization, where both charges arise from the same set of acts. [18] The State Attorney submits that the argument presented by the accused and their counsels that the prosecution was unlawfully conducted, on the basis that it was not initiated by the Prosecutor General personally nor upon his express written authorization, is unfounded. She argues that Article 200 of the Law determining offences and penalties in general does not stipulate that such authorization must be in written form, since the authorization may be either written or oral. Accordingly, the fact that the indictment was lodged by the National Prosecutor suffices to demonstrate that the Prosecutor General had approved the prosecution, given that he neither opposed nor halted the proceedings. The Prosecution further emphasizes that this provision must be interpreted in light of national security interests, and that the very act of instituting proceedings indicates that the Prosecutor General had either consented to or authorized the prosecution.

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[19] With regard to the case No RPA 00029/2022/CA decided on 23/02/2024 by the Court of Appeal for the Prosecution v. Habineza, the advocates of the accused aver that it established a precedent whereby the Prosecutor General alone is vested with the competence to grant such authorization. However, the State Attorney submits that the Court of Appeal ought to revisit this issue and provide a proper interpretation of Article 200 of the said Law, aligning it with the intent of the Legislator. She contends that the previous holding was premised on a flawed analysis and therefore constituted an error, which should not continue to serve as binding precedent in the interest of justice. Accordingly, she requests to the Court to hold that the filing of the case by a National Prosecutor duly empowered by the Prosecutor General was done in full conformity with the law. [20] With regard to the statements of the accused and their counsels that the RNC military wing of Kayumba Nyamwasa does not constitute a terrorist organization on the ground that it does not appear on any official list of terrorist groups, the State Attorney submits that such an argument is unfounded, since several judicial precedents have already affirmed that the RNC qualifies as a terrorist organization. She further explains that in the case No RPA 00047/2021/CA, decided on 14/03/2024 for the Prosecution v. Rtd Major Mudathiru et al., on the paragraph [117], this Court held that the P5 coalition was a terrorist organization, given its manifest intent to carry out terrorist acts, demonstrated by enlisting the fighters who underwent the military training and deployed in terrorist operations. Similarly, in the case No RPA

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00016/2020/CA, decided on 22/03/2024, the Prosecution v. Abayisenga Venant et al., on the paragraph [178], the Court reaffirmed the reasoning in the judgment No. RPA 00047/2021/CA, holding that P5 constituted a terrorist organization. The Court further noted the existence of an agreement establishing a coalition of opposition political parties known as Platform Five (P5), signed in Brussels on 14/08/2015, comprising five parties, namely: Amahoro PC, FDU Inkingi, PDP-Imanzi, PS-Imberakuri, and RNC. Accordingly, since the RNC was a constituent member of P5, which was judicially recognized as a terrorist organization, it logically follows that the RNC itself must also be considered as a terrorist organization, as its members were actively engaged in the terrorist activities carried out under the P5 structure, therefore, it is evident that the constituent groups are terrorist groups. [21] The State Attorney further submits that additional evidence confirming that the RNC is a terrorist group arises from the case No RPA 00012/2019/CA, wherein the parties were the Prosecution v. Gatabazi Joel et al., from paragraph [103] to [105], the Court analyzed the activities of Nshimiyimana Joseph and found evidence establishing his collaboration with the FDLR and the RNC in carrying out acts of terrorism. Consequently, given that the RNC was a constituent part of P5, itself judicially recognized as a terrorist group, and that the RNC independently was found to have engaged in terrorist activities, there exists sufficient and unequivocal basis to affirm that the RNC is a terrorist group.

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[22] Regarding the statements of the accused that the offence of forming or joining an irregular armed group cannot be cumulated with that of membership of a terrorist group based on the same acts, the State Attorney avers that she concurs with the accused because in the judgment No RPA 00060/2021/CA, on the paragraph [97], and in the judgment No RPA 00047/2021/CA, on the paragraph [134], the Court clarified that once an armed group is recognized as a terrorist group, it is not possible to prosecute it for the offence of joining an irregular armed group, rather, the accused can be prosecuted solely for membership of a terrorist group in consideration of the fact that the group pursues terrorist acts as defined under Articles 2, 18, and 19 of Law No 46/2018 of 13/08/2018 on counter terrorism. [23] In conclusion, the State Attorney submits that in case the Court could find that the objection raised by the accused is well-founded on the ground that the authorization was not granted in accordance with Article 200 referred to above, the accused should not be released as requested, rather, the Court should assess whether the acts for which they are prosecuted constitute the offence of membership of a terrorist group. She argues that the provisions of Article 200, on which the accused based their objection, are not applicable to the offence of membership of a terrorist group, which remains among the charges established against them. Consequently, even if the offences of voluntarily joining or being enlisted into an irregular armed group, as well as that of inciting others to join such a group, were to be excluded, this would not

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preclude the prosecution of the accused for membership of a terrorist group.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT [24] The debate is based on determining whether the objection raised by the accused, seeking their release on the ground that they were prosecuted in violation of the law, is well-founded. In order to assess this objection, it is necessary first to determine the following:  Whether the military wing of the RNC of Kayumba Nyamwasa, which the accused intended to join, constitutes a terrorist group or merely an irregular armed group, and whether it was therefore necessary to obtain authorization from the Prosecutor General to prosecute the accused, such that they should be released because no authorization of the Prosecutor General, as required under Article 200 of Law No 68/2018 of 30 June 2018 determining offences and penalties in general, was issued;  Whether the acts for which the accused are prosecuted, namely membership of a terrorist group, may be cumulated with the offence of forming or joining an irregular armed group, such that the accused could be prosecuted and convicted for both charges.

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a. Whether the military wing of the RNC of Kayumba Nyamwasa, which the accused intended to join, constitutes a terrorist organization or an irregular armed group, and whether it was therefore necessary to obtain authorization from the Prosecutor General to prosecute the accused, such that they should be released because no authorization of the Prosecutor General, as required under Article 200 of Law No. 68/2018 of 30 June 2018 determining offences and penalties in general, was issued. [25] In order to determine whether the accused were prosecuted in a manner contrary to or in accordance with the law, such that it was necessary to obtain authorization from the Prosecutor General to prosecute them, it is first essential to establish whether the RNC, which the accused intended to join, constitutes a terrorist organization or an irregular armed group. [26] As noted above, the accused argue that the RNC is not a terrorist organization because it does not appear on the list of terrorist groups, but rather is an irregular armed group. The Prosecution, on the other hand, maintains that the RNC is a terrorist organization and emphasizes that this has already been confirmed by the courts. [27] Concerning the determination of whether the RNC constitutes a terrorist organization or an irregular armed

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group, in judgment No RPA 00047/2021/CA2, rendered on 14/03/2024, involving the Prosecution v. Maj (Rtd) Mudathiru Habib alias Mussa et el., the Court of Appeal affirmed that the P5 group is a terrorist group. This finding was based on evidence showing that P5 planned and executed terrorist activities, recruiting combatants, providing them with military training, and subsequently moving them from South Kivu (Bijabo) to North Kivu near the Rwandan border. On the night of 04/10/2019, some of these combatants, together with the RUD- URUNANA group, carried out terrorist attacks in Kinigi, Musanze District, resulting in fourteen (14) civilian deaths, eighteen (18) injuries, and the looting of property, as corroborated by the testimonies of RUD-URUNANA combatants involved in the attack. [28] In the judgement No RPA 00016/2020/CA3, rendered on 22/03/2024, involving the Prosecution v. Abayisenga Venant et al., the Court noted that, as reflected in the agreements establishing the coalition of opposition political parties known as Platform Five (P5), concluded in Brussels on 14/08/2015, the coalition comprised five parties: Amahoro PC, FDU-Inkingi, PDP– Imanzi, PS–Imberakuri, and RNC. The Court further observed that P5 operates as a terrorist organization within the DRC, intending to carry out terrorist activities on Rwandan territory4.

2 See paragraph 117 of this judgment. 3 See paragraph 180 of this judgment. 4 See paragraph 207 of this judgment.

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[29] In the judgment No RPA 00012/2019/CA5, decided on 22/11/2019 by the Court of Appeal, involving the Prosecution v. Lt Mutabazi Joël et al., the Court, in explaining the acts of Nshimiyimana Joseph, found that there was evidence showing that he collaborated with FDLR and RNC in terrorist activities, including organizing a meeting that planned an attack at Kicukiro market, resulting in the death of 2 persons and injuries to 46 others. [30] The Court of Appeal finds that, considering the matters discussed in the aforementioned cases, it is evident that Kayumba Nyamwasa’s RNC was one of the groups constituting the P5 coalition, and as established by the Court of Appeal in Case No RPA 00047/2021/CA, that coalition was confirmed as a terrorist organization. The Court noted that on the night of 04/10/2019, some of its combatants, in collaboration with the RUD-URUNANA group, carried out terrorist attacks in Kinigi, Musanze District, killing fourteen (14) civilians, injuring eighteen (18) others, and looting their property, as confirmed by statements from RUD-URUNANA combatants involved. It is therefore clear that because P5 carried out terrorist acts and RNC was part of that coalition, RNC also participated in such acts. This establishes that when a group has already been designated as a terrorist organization and includes other groups or associations with the same objectives, those constituent groups or associations are also considered terrorist organizations. Accordingly, RNC, being one of the groups within P5,

5 See paragraphs 103 and 105 of this judgment.

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once P5 was recognized as a terrorist group, is itself deemed as a terrorist group. [31] The Court of Appeal finds that, in addition to Kayumba Nyamwasa’s RNC being designated as a terrorist group and being part of the P5 terrorist coalition as previously explained, another indication that it is a terrorist organization is the acts it carried out independently. As established in Case No RPA 00012/2019/CA, for Lt. Mutabazi Joël v. the Prosecution, RNC, in collaboration with FDLR, carried out terrorist acts, including organizing a meeting that planned an attack at Kicukiro Market, which resulted in the death of two (2) persons and injuries to forty-six (46) others. [32] The Court of Appeal further finds that, although none of the aforementioned cases explicitly declared Kayumba Nyamwasa’s RNC as a terrorist group, it is evident from those cases that RNC played a direct role in various terrorist acts, including attacks carried out either as part of P5 or in collaboration with FDLR against Rwanda, resulting in deaths, injuries, and destruction of property. The Court thus finds that these terrorist activities by Kayumba Nyamwasa’s RNC clearly demonstrate, beyond any doubt, that RNC is not merely an irregular armed group, as it was not aiming to conduct a conventional armed attack on Rwanda as per Article 200, paragraphs 1 and 2, of Law No 68/2018 of 30/06/2018 determining offences and penalties in general. Rather, based on its demonstrated involvement in attacks within Rwanda, notably in Musanze and Kicukiro

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Districts as part of P5 or alongside FDLR, RNC is confirmed to be a terrorist group. [33] The Court of Appeal finds that, given that Kayumba Nyamwasa’s RNC is a terrorist group, it is clear that the accused should have been prosecuted for the offense of membership of a terrorist group. Accordingly, it was not necessary for the prosecution to be initiated by the Attorney General or with authorization from the latter, since Law No 46/2018 of 13/08/2018 on the Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism does not require prior authorization from the Prosecutor General to prosecute individuals suspected of belonging to a terrorist group. The requirement for such authorization is only provided in Article 200, paragraph 3 of Law No 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general, which concerns only the offenses of forming or voluntarily joining an irregular armed group. Therefore, the objection raised by the accused seeking release on the grounds of being unlawfully prosecuted has no merit. [34] With regard to the judgment No RPA 00029/2022/CA rendered on 23/02/2024 by the Court of Appeal, for Prosecution v. Habineza, the defense counsels argue that this judgment established the principle that only the Prosecutor General may grant such authorization. The Court of Appeal finds that this precedent is inapplicable to the present case because that case concerned the offenses of forming or voluntarily joining an irregular armed group, whereas in the present case, the Court has already determined that the accused should be prosecuted for the offense of membership of a terrorist group.

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b. Whether the acts for which the accused are prosecuted, namely membership of a terrorist group, may be cumulated with the offence of forming or joining an irregular armed group, such that the accused could be prosecuted and convicted for both offenses. [35] The debate on this issue concerns whether, once it has been established that the accused must be prosecuted for the offense of membership of a terrorist group, they may also be prosecuted for the offense of forming or joining an irregular armed group and be convicted of both offenses based on the same acts. [36] In the paragraphs 43 and 44 of the judgment under appeal, the High Court, Specialized Chamber having jurisdiction over for the international and transnational crimes prosecuted Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, Mutiganda Thierry, and Nshimiye Eric, convicting them of both membership of a terrorist group and membership of an irregular armed group based on the same acts, while Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah and Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah were additionally prosecuted for the offense of inciting others to join an irregular armed group. [37] However, with respect to the issue of whether the offense of forming or joining an irregular armed group can be combined with that of being or consenting to be a member of a terrorist organization, the Court of Appeal finds that this matter has already been settled in various judgments rendered by this Court, including the judgment No RPA 00016/2020/CA, decided on 22/03/2024, the

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Prosecution v. Abayisenga Venant et al. In that case, the Court of Appeal held that the offense of membership of a terrorist group cannot be combined with that of membership of an irregular armed group, and that the conduct of the accused cannot constitute the offense of joining an irregular armed group but must instead be characterized as the offense of membership of a terrorist group6. Consequently, no further debate on this issue is needed in the present case. [38] The Court of Appeal therefore finds that since the accused were prosecuted and convicted of the offense of membership of a terrorist group, in addition to the offenses of inciting others to join an irregular armed group and membership of an irregular armed group, such concurrent convictions are inconsistent with the established jurisprudential position excluding the possibility of combining those offenses. It follows that the trial court erred in this respect, an error which must be corrected by holding that, in the present case, the accused should be prosecuted solely for the offense of membership of a terrorist group. II.2. Whether Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah was convicted without conclusive elements of evidence establishing his guilt [39] Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah and his counsel state that he was convicted by the Court without

6 See Paragraph 234 of the judgment N° RPA 00016/2020/CA rendered by the Court of Appeal on 22/03/2024, for the Prosecution v. Abayisenga Venant et al.

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reliance on any conclusive and credible elements of evidence. They submit that he should be acquitted, as the Court convicted him of an offense he did not commit, basing its finding solely on the testimony of Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah. They argue that the Court disregarded the fact that Ndayisenga had animosity towards him, a bias that motivated false accusations, further compounded by his contradictory statements. Moreover, none of the co-accused implicated him directly, with their assertions merely reiterating what they had heard from Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah. [40] Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah and his counsel further aver that the Court erred in finding that he had incited Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah to commit the alleged offenses through the use of YouTube, notwithstanding the fact that he does not own or operate any YouTube channel, nor did the Court rely on any evidence establishing that he engaged in conversations with Ndayisenga pertaining to the commission of such offenses. Moreover, in his additional submissions dated 04/12/2023, Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah petitioned the Court to conduct further inquiries so as to ascertain his good character and to take cognizance of the existing conflicts between himself and Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, who was the principal accuser. He also produced before the Court a certificate attesting to his good conduct, together with documentation evidencing the longstanding disputes with Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah.

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[41] Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah further submits that all witnesses interrogated, including his co- accused, consistently stated that it was Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah who incited them, with some being apprehended while attempting to depart, and that none of them implicated him or even knew him personally, as they were only acquainted with Ndayisenga. He states that their testimonies merely reiterated what Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah had told them verbally, without offering any independent evidence demonstrating his involvement in their plans. [42] The State Attorney submits that the grounds of appeal raised by Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah are unfounded, arguing that Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah testified both during the investigative stage and before the Primary Court of Busasamana during the hearing on provisional detention and release, affirming that Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah had incited him to join the military forces of Kayumba Nyamwasa. The Prosecution maintains that the appellant’s defence, namely that Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah falsely accused him out of personal animosity, is baseless, since in his own statement to the Investigation Bureau, Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah acknowledged that he had no prior conflict with Ndayisenga that would have motivated him to fabricate such allegations. Consequently, the Prosecution contends that the appellant’s current defence amounts to an attempt to evade criminal liability. The State Attorney further argues that, even assuming a conflict had existed, such a circumstance would not undermine the credibility of

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Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah’s testimony, particularly given that he explicitly confirmed having been incited by the appellant to join the armed forces of Kayumba Nyamwasa. Moreover, it is the Court that retains the competence to assess the probative value of such testimony, as established by the Supreme Court in the judgment No RPAA 0117/07/CS, rendered on 17/09/2010, wherein the parties were the Prosecution v. Cpl Ngabonziza Faustin & Sgt Biziyaremye Jean Baptiste. [43] With regard to Haragirimana Damien Abdallah’s statements that the Court wrongly held he had incited Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah to commit the offences in question through YouTube, despite the fact that he does not operate any YouTube channel, the State Attorney argues that this line of defence is unfounded, since at no point did Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah claim that Haragirimana Damien Abdallah had shown him videos of Kayumba Nyamwasa’s army on his own YouTube channel; rather, he stated that Haragirimana Damien Abdallah had informed him of the existence of Kayumba Nyamwasa’s armed forces in Uganda, encouraged him to join them, and when asked where he had obtained such information, he replied that he got it from YouTube.

DETERMINATION OF THE

COURT [44] The debate in the present case turns on whether the elements of evidence relied upon to convict Haragirimana

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Damien Abdallah were insufficient to establish his participation in the commission of the offence, and whether such elements of evidence are doubtful given that they are based on the statements of Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, who contradicted himself on several occasions and harbored animosity towards him; furthermore, none of the other witnesses interrogated mentioned him or even knew him. The issue also concerns whether further investigation ought to have been conducted in order to ascertain the truth. a. Determining whether the statements of Ndayisenga Vedaste could not be relied upon, given that he repeatedly contradicted himself, he was the sole basis for the conviction and he had animosity towards him. [45] In the judgment No RP 00001/2020/HC/HCCIC rendered on 18/11/2021, the High Court Specialized Chamber having jurisdiction over international and transnational crimes, relying on the testimony of Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah who incriminated Haragirimana Damien Abdallah of having provided him with information about the army of Kayumba Nyamwasa and further encouraged him to join it, he held that Haragirimana Damien Abdallah was guilty of the offence of inciting others to join an irregular armed group and of membership of a terrorist group. [46] With regard to the issue of relying on the testimony of a single person whose statements are contradictory, in the judgment No RPA 00016/2020/CA, the Court of Appeal set the position that the testimony or

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statements of any person (with capacity) may be heard and relied upon in a case, even if that person was a party to the case, provided that he or she has sufficient knowledge concerning the disputed matter7. As to the statements of a single individual who contradicted himself before different authorities, in the judgment No RPAA 00293/2021/CA, it was established that the Court is not bound to uphold the statements made before it when such statements contradict those given before the investigative authorities; rather, it is for the Court itself to analyze and determine which version reflects the truth of the facts8. This position was further reaffirmed in the judgment No RPAA 00450/2023/CA rendered by the Court of Appeal on 26/04/2024, wherein the parties were the Prosecution v. Muhabwizina Odette. [47] The Court of Appeal finds that the argument advanced by Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah and his counsel, namely that the statements of Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah could not be relied upon because he was the sole source of evidence and had contradicted himself, is unfounded. Indeed, during the investigation, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah indicated that Haragirimana Damien Abdallah was the one who provided him with information concerning the army of Kayumba Nyamwasa and further encouraged him to join

7 See paragraph 151 of the judgment n° RPA 00016/2020/ca rendered by the Court of Appeal on 22/03/2024, wherein the parties were the Prosecution v. ABAYISENGA Venant et al. 8 See Paragraph 28 of the judgment N° RPAA 00293/2021/CA rendered by the Court of Appeal on 15/07/2022, wherein the parties were the Prosecution v. MURINDAHABI Jean de Dieu

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it, a statement he reiterated before the Primary Court of Busasamana during the hearing on provisional detention and release. Although before the High Court, Ndayisenga Vedaste denied that Haragirimana had ever encouraged him to join Kayumba Nyamwasa’s group, claiming that his earlier testimony had been made under coercion after being struck with an iron object on his arm, and that what he had actually stated was that Haragirimana Damien had only shown him the information on YouTube9, the Court of Appeal holds that such inconsistencies do not invalidate his testimony. This is because, as previously clarified, the testimony of any person (with capacity) may be heard and relied upon in judicial proceedings, even if such a person was a party to the case, provided that he or she possesses sufficient knowledge relating to the disputed facts. [48] The Court further finds that the fact that Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah modified his statements made before the Investigation Bureau when he appeared before the High Court, claiming that his earlier admissions were made under duress, does not preclude reliance on those statements. Indeed, apart from what he declared before the High Court, he provided no evidence to substantiate his claims. The Court is not bound to accept the statements made before it if they contradict those given during the investigation; rather, it is the Court’s duty to assess and determine which statements accurately reflect the truth of the events, as previously explained. The Court also finds that the statements given during the investigation are the ones to be relied upon,

9 See paragraph 12 of the judgment under appeal.

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since during the hearing of this case10, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah reaffirmed them, stating that Haragirimana Damien Abdallah provided him with information regarding Kayumba Nyamwasa’s army and explained that they had various discussions during which he was informed that there was an army in Uganda associated with Kayumba Nyamwasa, which he had seen on YouTube. He further requested that his statements made during the investigation should be given precedence because before the High Court he stated that he did not encourage him for it due to his misunderstanding of the term “encourage”. [49] With regard to the argument advanced by Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah and his counsel that the testimony of Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah should not be relied upon because it was allegedly motivated by prior disputes between them, the Court of Appeal finds such a defense to be without merit. Indeed, during the interrogation before the Investigation Bureau, Haragirimana Damien Abdallah himself admitted that no conflict existed between him and Ndayisenga Vedaste11, the fact that he stated for the first time before the Court that they had disputes is deemed to be an attempt to evade liability. Furthermore, the allegation that Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah had animosity towards him was debated by both parties during the hearing, but the Court finds that the testimony of Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah must be relied upon, as it establishes the truth

10 See the minutes of the hearing of 14/11/2024, page 4. 11 See the statement of 15/12/2019 for the questioning of Haragirimana Damien Abdallah before the Investigation Bureau.

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of the facts (principle of freedom of evidence in criminal matters). It is for the Court to determine the admissibility and probative value of such evidence, as affirmed in the judgment No RPAA 00692/2021/CA, rendered on 20/1/2023, wherein the parties were the Prosecution v. Ndayishimiye Jean Damascène. [50] The Court further finds that another factor demonstrating that the testimony of Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah—incriminating Haragirimana Damien Abdallah of having informed him about Kayumba Nyamwasa’s army and encouraging him to join—ought to be regarded as credible and not as a product of personal retaliation, is the fact that he made such statements before he was even aware that they would later be apprehended. This is corroborated by the co-accused, namely Maniriho Théoneste, Nshimiye Eric, Niyonizeye Claude, and Mutiganda Thierry, all of whom confirmed that when Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah spoke to them about Kayumba Nyamwasa’s army, he also indicated that the information had been provided to him by Abdallah12. [51] With respect to the argument raised by Haragirimana Damien Abdallah and his counsel that none of the co-accused implicated him, the Court of Appeal finds this submission unfounded. Although the co- accused did not state that they had personally met or conversed with Haragirimana Damien Abdallah, Maniriho Théoneste, Nshimiye Eric, Niyonizeye Claude and Mutiganda Thierry all confirmed that when Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah informed them

12 The person referred to is Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah.

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about Kayumba Nyamwasa’s army, he also indicated that the information had been given to him by Haragirimana Damien Abdallah. This corroborates the assertion that, even if the co-accused did not directly accuse him, they reinforced Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah’s account that Haragirimana Damien Abdallah was the one who encouraged him to join Kayumba Nyamwasa’s army. Accordingly, there is no reason preventing the Court to rely on such evidence. [52] Based on the foregoing analysis, the Court of Appeal finds that the High Court, Specialized Chamber having jurisdiction over international and transnational crimes did not err in convicting Haragirimana Damien Abdallah on the basis of the statements made by Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, as those statements reveal no material doubt. Consequently, the ground of appeal advanced by Haragirimana Damien Abdallah, alleging that the testimony of Ndayisenga Vedaste was unreliable on account of inconsistencies, he was the sole basis for his conviction and there is personal animosity, is without merit. b. With regard to the investigation requested by Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah [53] Haragirimana Damien requests that further investigations should be conducted in order to establish the truth, particularly to verify whether he is indeed known for good conduct and whether he has had prior conflicts with Ndayisenga Vedaste. He emphasizes that the case file contains supporting elements of evidence to this effect, including the elements of evidence from local

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administrative authorities attesting his good character, as well as a proof confirming the existence of conflicts between him and Ndayisenga Vedaste. [54] The State Attorney submits that the request for an investigation is unfounded and should not be granted, since it is for the first time he requests the investigation and he never raised such issue in prior proceedings. Furthermore, even if such an investigation should be conducted and it was established that the accused was indeed of good character, this would not invalidate the elements of evidence already relied upon by the lower court, as the fact of having previously demonstrated good conduct does not preclude the commission of an offence. [55] The Court finds that the investigation requested by Haragirimana Damien Abdallah, namely to establish that he was previously of good conduct and that he had personal disputes with Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, with a view to discrediting the latter’s testimony, cannot constitute exculpatory evidence sufficient to absolve him of the offence for which he is charged. The Court further finds that it is not necessary to order such an investigation, as the available evidence is sufficient for the adjudication of the case. The Court recalls that it is not bound, in every instance where a party so requests, to order an investigation or summon witnesses where it is satisfied with the evidence already on record, provided that both parties have been afforded adequate opportunity to address the evidence, as was affirmed in the judgment No RPAA 0101/09/CS rendered on 09/03/2012.

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[56] Based on the foregoing considerations, the Court of Appeal finds that the ground of appeal raised by Haragirimana Damien, alleging that his conviction was not supported by conclusive elements of evidence, is unfounded. However, as above analyzed, the Court should not have convicted Haragirimana Damien Abdallah simultaneously of both the offence of inciting persons to join an irregular armed group and that of membership of a terrorist group, given the principle that these two offences cannot be concurrently sustained. Accordingly, Haragirimana Damien Abdallah stands to be convicted solely of the offence of membership of a terrorist group. II.3. Whether the classification of the offence for which Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry were convicted should be reclassified as attempt to accept to join a terrorist group. [57] Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry, together with their lawyers, request that the classification of the offence for which they were convicted should be reclassified, and that they should be held guilty of attempt to accept to join a terrorist group on the grounds that although they had consented to join the armed force of Kayumba Nyamwasa, they were apprehended before joining such force. [58] The State Attorney submits that this ground of appeal is unfounded, since the act of consenting to join an irregular armed group that also qualifies as a terrorist organization constitutes a consummated offence of acceptance to join such an organization. He argues that,

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together with their co-accused Nshimiye Eric, they were arrested while already prepared to depart and integrate into the said irregular armed and terrorist group, which clearly demonstrates, beyond doubt, that they had indeed consented to join it; as had already been explained in paragraph 27 of the judgment under appeal. [59] The State Attorney explains that Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry, having been convicted of the offence of consenting to join an armed group, were clearly found to have consented and were even apprehended on their way to join the irregular armed group. She stresses that the offence had already been consummated, since once consent is given, the offence is complete, and therefore the notion of attempt does not apply.

DETERMINATION OF THE

COURT [60] On this issue, the Court of Appeal recalls that the accused were prosecuted for the offence of membership of a terrorist group, as previously explained. This means that the joinder of both offences for which the accused were prosecuted and convicted is no longer open to debate at this stage. Consequently, the remaining issue is whether the fact that Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry consented to join the RNC terrorist organization of Kayumba Nyamwasa and were apprehended before joining it constitutes the consummated offence of membership of a terrorist group or merely an attempt thereof.

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- The issue pertaining to offence reclassification. [61] Article 18 of the Law Nº 46/2018 of 13/08/2018 on counter terrorism stipulates that “A person who is member of a terrorist group or accepts to join a terrorist group or who deliberately participates in the acts of a terrorist group or a group which contributes to the capacity-building of another terrorist group, commits an offence.” [62] An attempt to commit offence is punishable where the intent to commit an offence is manifested by one or more unequivocal acts constituting the inception of the offence and leading towards its commission, but which are subsequently halted, prevented from reaching the intended result or frustrated by circumstances beyond the control of the perpetrator. [63] A joint reading of these provisions indicates that an attempt to commit offence exists where unequivocal acts marking the inception of an offence and leading towards its commission are halted, prevented from achieving the intended result, or frustrated by circumstances beyond the perpetrator’s will. In contrast, the offence of membership of a terrorist group is consummated once a person has joined such a group, consented to join it, begun to take part in its activities or undertaken any act contributing to its capacity. It follows, therefore, that since the commission of any of the constituent acts of this offence suffices to consummate it, there can be no attempt to commit offence in relation to the offence of membership of a terrorist group.

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[64] The case file shows that Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah admitted having been incited to join the RNC army of Kayumba Nyamwasa, to which he consented and further encouraged others to do the same, whereas Mutiganda admitted that he too had been incited to join that army and accepted to do so. However, both were apprehended while en route before reaching Uganda, where the alleged army operates. [65] The Court of Appeal finds that, as above explained, being in a terrorist group, consenting to join that group, participating in its activities, or performing acts that enhance its capacity constitutes the offence itself, meaning that merely consenting to join constitutes a consummated offence rather than an inchoate or preparatory offence. [66] The Court finds that the request by Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry to be convicted of an inchoate offence because they consented to join the group but were apprehended before reaching it has no merit, as mere consent to join the group is sufficient for the offence of consenting to join to be consummated, even if the individuals were intercepted en route and had not yet begun participating in or contributing to the group’s activities. [67] Based on the elucidations above provided, the Court of Appeal finds that the appellants’ argument—that the High Court, Specialized Chamber hearing the international and transnational crimes, should have convicted Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry of an inchoate offence for the crimes

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they were charged with—has no merit, since the offence had already been consummated as above explained; consequently, they must be convicted of the offence of being members of a terrorist group. II.4. Determining whether the sentence imposed on Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry should be further reduced and suspended. [68] Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry and their counsel request the sentence reduction and suspension. They submit that although they denied the offence in the trial court, they had previously admitted it during the investigation. They request that their prior admission should be taken into account as a mitigating factor, resulting in a reduced sentence of three (3) years and six (6) months’ imprisonment, equivalent to half of the seven (7) year sentence, which is the minimum penalty provided for the offence of voluntarily agreeing to join or being recruited into an irregular armed group and that the sentence should be suspended. [69] The State Attorney argues that the accused should not be granted any further reduction of their sentence, since they have already been granted a reduction and the sentence imposed corresponds to the gravity of the offence they committed.

DETERMINATION OF THE COURT [70] The debate on this issue is based on determining whether the admission of guilt made by Ndayisenga

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Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry before the Investigation Bureau should constitute a mitigating circumstance warranting a further reduction of their sentence, or whether no further reduction should be granted at this stage on the grounds that they have already sufficiently benefited from a sentence reduction. [71] With regard to the consideration of admission of guilt as a ground for sentence reduction, the jurisprudence has clarified this point in several cases, including Case No. RPA 00060/2021/CA decided by the Court of Appeal on 04/04/2022 wherein the parties were the Prosecution v. Nsabimana Callixte alias Sankara et al.13, and Case No. RPAA 00086/2022/CA decided on 24/03/2023, wherein the parties were the Prosecution v. Munyanshoza Eric14. In these cases, the Court of Appeal held that the admission of guilt can only serve as a mitigating factor when it is beyond doubt, meaning it does not distort facts about how the offence was planned and executed, the persons involved, the role of the one admitting, and the means and methods used; when the accused demonstrates an understanding of the seriousness of the acts and their consequences; when they express genuine remorse by acknowledging the wrongfulness of the acts and a resolve not to repeat them; when they seek forgiveness; and when they show readiness to repair the caused harm, as reasonably expected. Furthermore, the Court clarified that admission of guilt made before the Investigation Bureau may benefit the accused in terms of sentence reduction only if it has been consistently maintained from the

13 See paragraph 136 of this judgment. 14 See paragraph 26 of this judgment.

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investigation stage through the trial before the first instance court, rather than when such admission made during the investigations is later retracted during trial at first instance and only repeated at a final stage. [72] With regard to the issue of further sentence reduction, the position was set in Case No. RPA 00060/2021/CA decided by the Court of Appeal on 04/04/2022 wherein the parties were the Prosecution v. Nsabimana Callixte alias Sankara et al. In that case, the Court of Appeal held that in criminal matters, where the appellants do not contest any other aspect of the impugned judgment except to argue that the sentence was not sufficiently reduced, every judge, at whatever level, is vested with discretion to impose a sentence proportionate to the seriousness of the offence and its consequences, in accordance with Article 4915 of Law No. 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general. However, at the appellate level, the Court emphasized that the judge is only permitted to alter the sentence imposed by the trial court where it has been demonstrated that the trial court either misapplied the law or improperly exercised its discretion in determining the sentence16. [73] In light of the foregoing considerations, this Court shall, in the following paragraphs, examine whether in the

15 This article reads that: “A judge determines a penalty according to the gravity, consequences of, and the motive for committing the offence, the offender’s prior record and personal situation and the circumstances surrounding the commission of the offence”. 16 See judgment N° RPA 00060/2021/CA rendered by the Court of Appeal on 04/04/2022 wherein the parties were the Prosecution v. Nsabimana Callixte alias Sankara et al., paragraphs 252-254.

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judgment under appeal there is any manifest error, or any misapplication of discretion or of the law, in the determination of the sentences imposed on Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry. [74] The case file demonstrates that upon their arrest, both before the Investigation Bureau and the Prosecution, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry admitted the offence and explained the manner in which it was committed; however, before the Trial Court at first instance they denied the offence, only to reiterate their admission at this appellate stage. The record further shows that the High Court, Specialized Chamber hearing the international and transnational crimes found them guilty of the offence of deliberately agreeing to be hired or enlisted to join an irregular armed group, with an additional conviction against Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah for inciting others to join such an irregular armed group, and consequently sentenced each of them to the imprisonment for a term of fifteen (15) years, being the minimum sentence prescribed for the offence of membership of a terrorist group. [75] The Court of Appeal finds that the argument advanced by Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry, that they should benefit from a sentence reduction on the ground that they admitted the offence during the investigation stage, is unfounded. As above explained, an admission of guilt made before the investigation organs can only serve as a mitigating factor if it is consistently maintained from the investigation stage through the trial at first instance before the court hearing

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the case on the merits, rather than being followed by retraction before such courts and only reiterated at the appellate stage. Consequently, since Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry admitted the offence at the investigation stage but denied it before the Trial Court, only to renew their admission at this appellate level, their admission cannot be relied upon as a mitigating circumstance warranting a reduction of the sentence. [76] As above elaborated, at appeal level, the judge must think that he/she is only permitted to change the sentence imposed by the Trial Court where it has been demonstrated that the Trial Court either misapplied the law or improperly exercised its discretion in imposing the penalty. This implies that, where an appellant seeks a reduction of sentence, the Appellate Court must examine whether the grounds relied upon by the appellant in support of such a request are well-founded. At the same time, the Court must also assess whether the sentence imposed is proportionate to the gravity of the offence for which the appellant was convicted, since the misapplication of the law or misuse of judicial discretion in sentencing is not limited to the reasons expressly raised on appeal but also encompasses instances where the punishment imposed is manifestly disproportionate. [77] In paragraphs 40 and 42 of the judgment under appeal, the Court had sentenced Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, Mutiganda Thierry, and Nshimiye Eric to the imprisonment for a term of twenty (20) years for the

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gravest offence among those of which they were convicted, namely, participation in a terrorist organization. However, relying on Article 49 of the Law determining offences and penalties in general, the Court found that, although the accused had been convicted of the said offences, their sentences warranted mitigation, given that the crimes had not resulted in any serious consequences. The Court observed that, despite their malicious intentions against the security of Rwanda and its inhabitants, they were apprehended before causing actual harm. Accordingly, each of them was sentenced to the imprisonment for a term of fifteen (15) years, being the minimum penalty provided for the offence of participation in a terrorist organization, which is the most serious of the offences for which they were convicted. [78] The Court of Appeal finds that, even at this stage, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry were convicted of the offence of membership of a terrorist group. It further finds that, in imposing sentence at first instance, the Trial Court had already imposed the minimum penalty prescribed for that offence. However, the appellants lodged an appeal seeking a further reduction of their sentences, without raising any challenge to the decision of the lower court other than requesting mitigation on the basis of their purported admission of guilt. As has been above established, their admission of guilt cannot be relied upon as a mitigating factor since, at first instance, they contested the charges. The Court of Appeal therefore considers the gravity of the offence of participation in a terrorist group for which the appellants were convicted, and compares it with the imprisonment

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for a term of fifteen (15) years imposed. It concludes that the Trial Court had already sufficiently mitigated the sentence, given that the punishment corresponds to the seriousness of the offence. Accordingly, the judgment of the lower court must be upheld. [79] With regard to the suspension of the sentence requested by Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry together with their counsel, the Court of Appeal finds that such request cannot be granted, since the sentence of imprisonment for a term of fifteen (15) years imposed upon them is not subject to the suspension under the law17, given that it exceeds five years. II.5. Determining whether Nshimiye Eric was convicted of the offence of membership of a terrorist group while he did not commit it and whether Nshimiye Eric should be granted the sentence reduction for the admitted offence of failure to disclose the information. [80] Nshimiye Eric and his counsel submit that the only offence he admits to is failure to provide information, unlike Ndayisenga Claude who did disclose it, explaining that he merely overheard his co-accused discussing matters related to the military. He therefore denies the offence of membership of a terrorist group, asserting that

17 As stipulated under article 64 Nº 68/2018 of 30/8/2018 determining offences and penalties in general, suspension of sentence is a court decision which orders the stay of execution of a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding five (5) years. Suspension of a penalty is ordered on the basis of the gravity of the offence.

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he never had such an intention. Nshimiye Eric and his counsel request the Court to reduce the sentence in relation to the admitted offence of failure to provide information as Ndayisenga Claude disclosed it, and to hold that the penalty imposed on him is suspended. [81] The State Attorney submits that this ground of appeal is unfounded, since the Court clearly established evidence showing that Nshimiye Eric was incited by Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah to join Kayumba’s armed group and that he consented. He was arrested together with Mutiganda Thierry and Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah as they were preparing to leave their homes in Nyanza District to travel through Nyagatare and illegally cross into Uganda, as reflected in paragraphs 27 and 28 of the impugned judgment. [82] With regard to the defence argument that Nshimiye Eric should benefit from a reduced sentence on the ground of admitting to the offence of failure to provide information, the State Attorney argues that this submission is without merit, as such conduct does not in itself constitute an offence. Rather, the evidence demonstrates that Nshimiye Eric agreed to join the terrorist organization RNC, an irregular armed group, and was arrested along with his co-accused while en route to Uganda through illegal paths. The State Attorney further maintains that the accused cannot benefit from any further sentence reduction since a reduction was already granted in proportion to the gravity of the offence committed, and that the suspension of sentence he requests is not permissible under the law, given that he was sentenced to

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a principal custodial sentence exceeding five (5) years, while the law only permits the suspension where the sentence does not exceed five (5) years.

DETERMINATION OF THE

COURT [83] The debate on this issue is based on determining whether there is evidence of acts committed by Nshimiye Eric which demonstrate that he consented to join a terrorist organization, or whether his conduct is limited solely to the omission of failing to provide information. [84] The case file contains the statement given to the Investigation Bureau by Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah on 29/11/2019. In that statement, Ndayisenga Vedaste explained that after discussing with Mutiganda Thierry about Kayumba Nyamwasa’s military group operating in Uganda, they sought out other young men who had previously attempted to enlist in the Rwanda Defence Force but were rejected, in order to inform them about Kayumba’s group and recruit them. They first approached Maniriho Théoneste, who agreed, then Ndayisenga Claude, who also accepted, and finally Nshimiye Eric, who likewise consented. However, Ndayisenga Claude later disclosed the information to the authorities, prompting the initiation of surveillance. Ndayisenga Vedaste further stated that when they learned from Niyonizeye Jean Claude that their plan had been discovered, he, together with Mutiganda Thierry and Nshimiye Eric, decided to leave before the others, fearing

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imminent arrest, but they were apprehended at a place known as Gasoro. [85] The case file contains the statement of Mutiganda Thierry dated 29/11/2019, given before the Investigation Bureau. In response to question 2, Mutiganda Thierry stated that after Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah told them about joining Kayumba Nyamwasa’s military group, among those who accepted was Nshimiye Eric. He further explained that after they had agreed on the journey, Ndayisenga Claude informed the local authorities and, realizing that their plan had been discovered, they immediately set off, three of them, meaning himself, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, and Nshimiye Eric, but were arrested before going far. [86] The case file also contains the statement of Nshimiye Eric dated 12/12/2019, given before the Prosecution. In that statement, Nshimiye Eric admitted the offence, explaining that Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah told him that, since he had been refused enlistment into the Rwanda Defence Force, they would instead join the RNC army of Kayumba Nyamwasa in Uganda because it did not require academic qualifications, and he accepted. He stated that he was told this on a Sunday and by Thursday they had already set out, without informing any member of his family, and that he was arrested in Mututu Cell together with Mutiganda Thierry. [87] The Court of Appeal finds that both Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Mutiganda Thierry indicated that, after explaining to Nshimiye Eric about Kayumba

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Nyamwasa’s RNC military wing and how to join it, he accepted and, upon learning that they were about to be apprehended, they left together without waiting for the others, but were arrested en route in the company of Nshimiye Eric. These accounts were corroborated by Nshimiye Eric himself in his statement, where he acknowledged that, after being told about the army, he accepted, left without informing his family, and was arrested in Mututu Cell alongside with Mutiganda Thierry. It is therefore evident that Nshimiye Eric’s conduct did not consist merely of being informed and failing to provide information, as he claims, but rather that he accepted the plan, set out to join the terrorist organization RNC’s military group, and was apprehended en route, as he himself admitted. Such conduct constitutes the offence of membership of a terrorist group, as rightly found by the trial court. [88] With respect to the argument advanced by Nshimiye Eric and his counsel that the offence he acknowledges is limited to failure to disclose information and that he was arrested while at work, the Court of Appeal finds this to be without merit. It is a narrative advanced in an attempt to escape liability for the offence of membership of a terrorist organization, since, as shown above, even he admitted during the investigation that he was arrested with Mutiganda Thierry, who in turn explained that they were apprehended at Gasoro while on their way to join Kayumba Nyamwasa’s RNC armed group, after learning that their plan had been discovered and they were about to be arrested. This clearly

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demonstrates that Nshimiye Eric consented and set out to join the RNC terrorist organization. [89] Regarding the request by Nshimiye Eric and his counsel for a reduction of sentence on the basis that he admitted to the offence of failing to provide information, the Court finds no merit in this claim because the offence for which he was convicted was not failure to provide information, as alleged, but rather membership of a terrorist group. Consequently, the sentence imposed by the trial court must be upheld. [90] As for the request for suspension of sentence made by Nshimiye Eric and his counsel, the Court of Appeal finds that it cannot be granted because the sentence imposed, i.e. fifteen (15) years of imprisonment, cannot be suspended under the law, since it exceeds five (5) years. [91] In light of the foregoing considerations, the Court of Appeal finds that the judgment must be reversed only in respect of the classification of the offences for which the accused were convicted. III. DECISION OF THE COURT [92] Holds that the appeal lodged by Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Mutiganda Thierry, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Nshimiye Eric, lacks merit; [93] Holds that the judgment n˚ RP 00001/2020/HC/HCCIC rendered by the High Court,

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Specialized Chamber hearing the international and transnational crimes on 18/11/2021 is hereby reversed in respect of the offences for which the accused were convicted; [94] Declares Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Mutiganda Thierry, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah and Nshimiye Eric guilty of the offence of membership of a terrorist group; [95] Holds that the sentence of the imprisonment for a term of fifteen (15) years imposed by the High Court, Specialized Chamber hearing the international and transnational crimes on Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Mutiganda Thierry, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, and Nshimiye Eric, which shall remain in force for each of them. [96] Declares that Haragirimana Damien alias Abdallah, Mutiganda Thierry, Ndayisenga Vedaste alias Abdoullah, and Nshimiye Eric are exempted from paying court fees, given that they stood trial while in detention.

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PROSECUTION v SULULU MARUGIRA ET AL. [Rwanda COURT OF APPEAL-RPAA 00248/2021/CA (Gakwaya, P.J.) 28 March 2025 Criminal law – Armed robbery– It is considered as armed robbery, any situation by which the suspect is caught in possession of sharp, cutting or contusive objects which can be used for killing, injuring or hitting. Criminal law –Armed robbery – the suspect’s conviction of armed robbery does not require that he/she has used or intended to use his weapons for harming, hitting, injuring or killing people, a simple fact of possessing such weapons is enough for the suspect to be convicted of an armed robbery. Held: The Prosecution indicted Micheal Sululu Marugira and Abel Suluku Vigi before the Intermediate Court of Karongi for the offence of armed robbery. The indictment came following a theft event that occurred on the 30 September 2018 at around 1h 00 am, whereby the duo armed with a metal rod, a metallic saw and a metal javelin, took advantage of the night and went to steal at Rugabano Secondary School whereby they broke the window of the School canteen, and stole a variety of items. They had arrived in Rwanda from Congo for a visit to their father, a teacher at the aforesaid school. The seized court heard the case and convicted them for the offence of armed 293

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robbery and sentenced each to 15 years of imprisonment and a fine of five million Rwanda francs (5,000,000 Rwf). Both defendants appealed the above verdict before Rusizi High Court Chamber, and pleaded for penalty alleviation and fine exemption. Micheal Sululu Marugira argued that the previous court handed him a heavy sentence due to his incomplete guilt-plea as he attempted to cover his brother’s role in the committed offence. He submitted that such an incomplete confession was caused by his low knowledge of the law coupled with the emotions about betraying his own brother. For Abel Sululu Vigi, he argues that he is now pleading guilty of the charged offence. He explains that while before the previous court, he kept denying any wrong doing, and the court handed him a severe penalty. He explained that his denial of the charges was due to his litte knowledge of the law and his lack of legal assistance, which made him unaware of all benefits of plea-bargaining. The court heard their appeals and found that the appellants were given the most legally provided minimum sentence for non-confessing suspects, and their sentence got stayed. The defendants appealed the above verdict before the Court of Appeal. Micheal Sululu Marugira argued that from onset he kept presenting a sincere guilty-plea but the High Court never considered reducing his sentence, and the court blamed him for covering up the complicity of his brother, and it rejected his guilty-plea. While Abel Sululu Viki, he pleaded for leniency, and he prayed the Court to consider his sincere guilty-plea; he confessed that they committed a serious crime by coming around with tools that included a metal rod, and a metallic saw which they

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used for breaking the window, but he still denied of possessing any other weapons, and he prayed the court for sentence reduction. And they both argued that the tools they had (a metal rod and a metallic saw) should not be termed as weapons, since such a terminology misled the court, and the latter mistook the tools for serious weaponry. The Prosecution argued that the appellants’ appeal grounds for sentence reduction have no justification. The prosecution added that the appellants showed neither defects nor irregularities of the appealed verdict; and besides, their penalty had already been reduced to the minimum. With regard to the argument by which defendants had no serious weapons, and having used the weapons for a mere sake of breaking the window, the Prosecution argued that such a defence should not be considered since the law never specifies that an armed robber must be in possession of heavy weaponry, neither does it precise that he/she must have used them. Held: 1. Shall also be considered as armed robbery, any situation by which the suspect is caught in possession of sharp, contusive or cutting objects which can be used for killing, injuring or hitting.

2. The suspect’s conviction of armed robbery does not require that he/she has used or intended to use his/her weapons for harming, hitting up, injuring or killing people, a simple fact of possessing such weapons is enough for the suspect to be convicted of an armed robbery

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The appeal has justification in part; The verdict only changed on matters pertaining to the sentence. Statutes referred to: Law no 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general, articles 60,165 and 170. Law no 059/2023 of 04/12/2023 modifying Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general, article 2. Cases referred to: Prosecution v. Nsabimana and others for case RPA 00060/2021/CA rendered by the Court of Appeal on 4 April 2022. Prosecution v. Mptabakana for case RPA 0129/10/CS rendered by the Supreme Court on the 07 March 2014. Prosecution v. Nteziryayo for case RPA 0249/13/CS rendered by the Supreme Court on the 25 November 2016. Judgment I. THE BACKROUND OF THE CASE.

On the 20 September 2018 at around 1h am, Micheal Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi, armed with a metal rod, a metallic saw and a metal javelin took avantage of the night and went to steal at Rugabano

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Secondary School (Ecole Secondaire de Rugababo; they broke a window of the School canteen, and they stole items equivalent to one million, one hundred and seventy- three thousand, eight hundred and fifty Rwanda Francs (1, 173,850 Rwf. They had come to Rwanda for a visit to their father who taught at the aforesaid School, and they were caught while on their way heading to steal from some other places.

Following the investigations, the Prosecution indicted Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi before the Intermediate Court of Karongi and prayed the court to convict them of the offence of armed robbery. For Abel Sululu Vigi, the Prosecution sought a sentence of twenty (20) years of imprisonment and a fine of seven million Rwanda Francs (7,000,000 Rwf); while for Michael Sululu Marugira, the Prosecution solicited fifteen (15) years of jail, and a fine of five million Rwanda francs (5,000,000 Rwf)

Michael Sululu Marugira pleaded guilty and apologized for the charged offence while Abel Sululu Vigi, the brother, declined the charges.

For case RP 00228/2018/TGI/KNG rendered by the Intermediate Court of Karongi on the 30 July 2019, the court made reference to facts that Micheal Sululu Marugira pleaded guilty and explained how he broke the window fencing with a metallic saw, how he got caught red-handed with the stolen items. The court has also considered his explanation about his future plans of stealing from other places, and the items seizure statement, and it convicted him of an armed robbery. The

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court has also held that though Abel Sululu Vigi denied any wrong doing, the evidence is clear that he assisted his brother into committing the offence. They both came from Bukavu in Congo, and they had some tools that included a metallic saw and a breaking chisel and when they arrived in Rwanda, they did not head to their father’s accommodation ; they just went to steal from their father’s work place. Besides, his statements are full of self- contradictions in the face witnesses who testified that when the two were arrested, Abel Sululu run away. Even himself, he to some extent acknowledges about running away ; though he argues that he ran away upon hearing too much open-cries around. The Court sentenced each to fifteen (15) years of imprisonment and a fine of five million (5,000,000 Rwf). The court held that the guity- plea made Micheal Sululu Marugira made no sense since he already had been caught red-handed

Micheal Sululu Marugira appealed the verdict before Rusizi High Court Chamber, and argued that the previous court handed him a heavy sentence due to his incomplete guilt-plea as he attempted to cover his brother’s role in the committed offence. He submitted that such an incomplete confession was caused by his low knowledge of the law coupled with the emotions about betraying his own brother. They argued that the previous court’s decision contradicts the provisions of article 35 of the Law n0 30/2013 of 24/05/2013 relating to criminal procedure ; lamenting that the previous court’s decision biasedly favored the Prosecution and violated the provisions of due process of law. He pleaded for reduction of the handed sentence, arguing that the days he spent in

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the prison thought him enough lessons on the consequences of a crime; he pleaded for mercy and promised of not committing crimes any more. He prayed for suspension of the jail sentence for him to go back to school; and as a destitute, he prayed the court to exempt him for the fine.

Abel Sululu Vigi appealed the verdict before Rusizi High Court Chamber and argued that while before the previous court, he kept declining the charges, and the court handed him a severe penalty. He explained that his denial of the charges was due to his little knowledge of the law and his lack of legal assistance, which made him unaware of all benefits of a sincere plea-bargaining. He explained that he is a fist time offender and that he is now pleading guilty. He prayed the court for prison sentence reduction for him to resume his studies, and as a student, he prayed the court to consider reducing his fine penalty since he could not afford it.

For case RPA 00319/2019/HC/RSZ rendered by Rusizi High Court Chamber on the 17 December 2020, the court made reference to facts that while before the previous court, the Prosecution had requested for a sentence of twenty (20) years for imprisonment and a fine of seven million (7,000,000 Rwf) for each convict. The High court examined the case and found that the duo co- authored the offence (they were more than one person); the court visited the crime scene, and it found that no one single person could pass the stolen items from the concerned window while unassisted. The suspects had weapons that included a metal saw which they used for

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breaking the window ; they stole from a workplace house, and held that the convicts, irrespective of their insistence on innocence, were given the most possibly minimum sentence, and that they deserve no more sentence reduction; since their penalty has been considerably reduced, and the handed sentence is appropriate. The court has also dismissed Michael Sululu Marugira’s request of sentence suspension since it is exceeded five (5) years.

On the 30 December 2020, Michael Sululu Marugira appealed the above verdict before the Court of Appeal, and argued that from onset he kept presenting a sincere guilty-plea but the High Court never considered reducing his sentence, and the court blamed him for covering up the complicity of his brother, and it rejected his guilty-plea. He lamented that the court mistook the tools they had for heavy weaponry yet it was just a metal saw for cutting the window, and he pleaded the court for justice and sentence reduction.

On the 20 October 2021, Micheal Sululu Marugira filed an additional submission, and he complained that Rusizi High Court Chamber denied him a right to explain how he came to Rugabano Secondary School and how he stole from there. He lamented about the Prosecution’s statement on possessing weapons, yet he only had some simple tools that included a metal rod and saw, arguing that such a statement misled the court, and made it believe that he had serious weaponry, and it handed him a severe sentence. He therefore prayed this court to allow him a chance to explain about the simple tools he had for the

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court to requalify his offence and change it into a simple theft more so that he even never used the tools he had. He thus pleaded for sentence reduction arguing that he is a first time offender whose offence had no serious negative effects more so that the stolen items were returned back. He also pleaded the court to imprison him nearby his mother’s home for facilitating him prison visits, lamenting of their long separation from since his arrest.

On the 30 December 2020, Abel Sululu Vigi has as well appealed his verdict before the Court of Appeal and he pleaded for leniency; he prayed the Court to consider his sincere guilty-plea; he confessed that he committed a serious crime by coming around with tools that included a metal rod, and a metallic saw which they used for breaking the window, but he still denied of possessing any other weapons, and he prayed the court for sentence reduction

On the 20 October 2021, Abel Sululu Vigi filed an additional submission and lamented that the High Court never gave him enough opportunity to explain the content of the first filed submission, and he then prayed this very court to allow him enough time to make his full defence.

The Prosecution argued that the appellants’ appeal grounds for sentence reduction have no justification. The prosecution added that the appellants showed neither defects nor irregularities of the appealed verdict; and besides, their penalty had already been considerably reduced.

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The case was registered as RPAA 00248/2021/CA and it was heard on the 10/03/2025 with Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi represented by Counsel Ruberwa N. Silas. Mr. Gatera Athanase assisted them as courtroom interpreter, and the Prosecution was represented Habimana Jean Cabin, a Prosecutor at the National level.

During the hearing, Michael Sululu Marugira withdrew his previous request of sending him to his mother’s home nearest prison facility.

Looking at the defendants’ filed submissions and their subsequent defence before the court, issues that need determination are about requalification of the charged offence, and charging them for the offence of a simple theft instead of armed robbery; since the tools they had were wrongly inflated and interpreted as heavy weapons. The court will also determine whether the appellants deserve any sentence reduction. II. ISSUES OF THE CASE AND

THEIR ANALYSIS II.

1. Whether the tools the suspects possessed at the crime scene should not be considered as weapons, and whether the qualification of the charged offence should change from an armed robbery into a simple theft.

Michael Sululu Marugira argued that the tools they had at the crime scene were meant neither for

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fighting nor for harming anyone; arguing that even the person who caught them red-handed was alone and he never got harmed; adding that the tools they had around included a metal rod and a saw, and these tools misled the court, and got interpreted as heavy weapons, and ended up leading to a severe sentence. And he prayed the court to only punish him for a simple theft.

Abel Sululu Vigi has added that they had a challenge to do with lack of legal knowledge, arguing that they actually thought that armed rubbery must necessarily involve either a gun or grenades.

Counsel Ruberwa N. Silas who assisted Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi submitted that he took time and explained to his clients that the tools they had are considered as weapons and they were used in the theft; adding that the qualification of the charged offence is actually correct, submitting that the only request they can make before this court consists into sentence reduction.

The Prosecution concurred with Counsel Ruberwa N. Silas, the suspects’ defence lawyer, and added that the tools the suspects had at the crime scene are weapons. The only disagreement consisted into the suspects’ interpretation by which the possession of light weapons could not lead to conviction of armed robbery. The Prosecution explained that any tool that can be used in the commission of theft, and which can be used for fighting, regardless of whether it is heavy or light, is considered as a weapon. He therefore asserted that the charged offence is correctly qualified.

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The Prosecution went on and prayed for dismissing the appellants’ defence of possessing light weapons which they only used for breaking the window, with no any other ill intention; and he cited the provisions of article 170 of the Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general whereby the aforesaid article never provides that an armed robber must be in possession of a heavy weaponry, neither does it say that he/she must have used the weapons. He therefore argued that the appellants’ request for offence requalification must be dismissed.

DETERMIANTION OF THE COURT

The disagreement into this issue lies into determining whether the tools which Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi had at the crime scene can be considered as weapons in the sense of the above mentioned Law and whether the committed offence can be requalified, and make them convicted for a simple theft rather than the armed robbery.

Article 165 (2) of the Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general provides that an armed robbery is a theft committed with an instrument such as a gun, a knife, or any other sharp, piercing or pounding object which can be used for killing, hurting, or hitting wither it is found in the plain sight, hidden or found near the crime scene.

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Article 170 of the above mentioned Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 provides that “anyone committing theft with a weapon, commits an armed robbery”

When the aforesaid articles 165 and 170 are examined together, they denote that anyone committing theft with a sharp, piercing, contusive weapon which can kill, hit or cause an injury, whether it carried visibly or concealed, such a person is convictable of the offence of armed robbery regardless of whether the suspect has or has not used such a weapon.

The Court of Appeal found that Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi claimed that they should be charged for the offence of simple theft, and not for an armed robbery; arguing that the tools they came with are not heavy weapons, and moreover, they never used them for hurting anyone, apart from using them for cutting and breaking the canteen window.

The Court of Appeal made reference to the provisions of the above mentioned article 165 (2) of the Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 and dismissed the defendants’ allegation of having come around in possession of simple tools and thus contesting their conviction to armed robbery. The court found that a metal saw they came with is a sharp and cutting instrument that can kill, cause an injury or hit; they court has also found that the metal rod they had was an object that could kill, cause any injury and hit, and this version concurs with the stance of Georges Minuer, a legal scholar, who explained

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about the non-exhaustive list of plausible weapons in the sense of our case1 .

The Court of Appeal has also dismissed the defendants’’ allegation of not using and not intending to use their weapons for causing any harm, and thus not convictable for the offence of armed robbery; the court explained that regardless a fact that they used their weapons for breaking the canteen window; their conviction to the offence of armed robbery does not require of having used their weapons for any harm, like hitting, injuring or killing anyone, a simple fact of coming around in possession of such tools is enough2 to make them convicted of the charged offence.

Considering all the above provided explanations, the Court of Appeal found no defects in Rusizi High Court Chamber’s verdict which convicted the accused of the offence of armed robbery, and not a simple theft as they allege.

1 ‘’On entend par armes, un instrument qui sert à attaquer ou à défendre, “toutes machines, tous instruments, tous ustensiles ou autre objets tranchants, perçants ou contondants”. Constituent donc des armes, les fusils, revolvers, lances, bâtons, couteaux, machettes, etc,’’G. Mineur, Commentaire du code pénal congolais, deuxième édition, Larcier, Bruxelles, 1953, P. 200. 2 ‘’ (…..) érige en circonstance aggravante le port d’armes sans distinguer entre le cas où l’on en aurait fait usage contre les personnes ou contre les animaux. Le seul fait qu’un auteur est porteur d’une arme autorise l’application de l’article (……)’’, idem.

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Looking at all the provided clarifications, the Court of Appeal found that the appellants’ request for the offence requalification has no justification. II.

2. Whether Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi deserve any sentence reduction due to their highlighted offence mitigating circumstances.

Michael Sululu Marugira argued that he is a fist time offender, and his offence caused no serious negative effects more so that the stolen items were returned to the owners, and pleaded the court to consider such offence mitigations and reduce his penalty.

Abel Sululu Vigi submitted that prior to his fall into criminality, he was a person of good conduct, and he is therefore a first time offender. He also adds that the offence he committed had no serious negative impacts and all the stolen items were immediately handed back to the owners. He said that they had no intention of harming anyone, and pleaded the court to look into such mitigating circumstances and reduce his sentence.

Counsel Ruberwa N. Silas who represented Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi argued that the High Court ought not to hand them the most legally provided minimum sentence, arguing that a judge has a jurisdiction to use his own discretion and base on all the available offence mitigating circumstances for due process of law. He referred his argument on the Supreme Court’s precedents from case RS/INCONST/SPEC 00003/2019/SC and case

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RPAA 00314/2022/CA with the Prosecution v. Hakizimana Innocent, whereby the court held that the judge is not barred from giving a penalty that is less than the legally provided minimum sentence, especially in the evidence of offence mitigating circumstances and thus for the court to proportionate its sentence to the committed offence. He therefore prayed the court to sentence his clients to a penalty lesser than the legally provided minimum sentence; just as it has been held along case RPAA 00193/2022/CA CMB RPAA 00207/2022 with the Prosecution v. Musabyimana Jean Bosco and others who got sentenced to only eight (8) years of imprisonment.

The Prosecution argued that the convicts’ appeals have no justifications; arguing that a mere fact that they are now pleading guilty and praying for sentence reduction at the second appeal level, makes it clear that they concur with the appealed verdict, and it therefore contains no defects. The Prosecution went on and argued that the appellants were rather supposed to highlight the defaults of the appealed verdict just as it is provided under article 183 of the Law n0 027/2019 of 19/09/2019 relating to criminal procedure. Besides, their guilty-plea is not sincere especially due its incompleteness. The prosecution requested the court to hold that the previous judge committed no error; especially due to the appellants’ failure to highlight the previous court’s misapplication of the law or the court’s wrong assessment in sentence determination; arguing that the sentence reduction is only possible when the sentence is found disproportional to both the gravity of the committed offence or to its effects.

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The Prosecution went ahead and argued that in case the court finds any disproportionality in the handed sentence; it might consider reducing it , but in not less than eight (8) years of imprisonment and a fine of five million Rwanda francs (5,000,000 Rwf) as per the outlay of article 2 of the Law n0 59/2023 of 04/12/2023 modifying Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties as modified and updated, whereby sub- paragraph (b) of the above article provides that in case of offence mitigating circumstances, a fixed-term penalty can be reduced, but it can never go below a half ½ of the legally provided minimum sentence. And he reminded the court that the appellants’ legal minimum sentence was 15 years of imprisonment.

DETEMINATION OF THE COURT

The disagreement on this issue resides into whether Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi deserve any sentence reduction owing to offences mitigating circumstances they have highlighted.

Article 60 (2) of the Law n0 68/2018 of 30/8/2018 as modified by article 2 (b) of the Law n0 059/2023 of 4/12/2023 determining offences and penalties in general provides that when a judge approves mitigating circumstance, a fixed-term imprisonment from six months and above may be reduced but it cannot go less than a half of the minimum sentence provided for the committed offence.

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Article 170 of the Law n0 68/2018 of 30/8/2018 determining offences and penalties in general provides that when armed robbery is committed by more than one (1) person , using the weapons in possession, and committed against an occupied house or its surroundings, even if the house is temporarily inhabited or used as a workplace, the convicted person is sentenced to not less than (15) years but not more than twenty (20) years of imprisonment and the fine is not less than five million Rwanda Francs (5,000,000 Rwf) but not more than seven million ( 7,000,000 Rwf)

Just as it has been held along case RPA 00060/2021/CA rendered by the Court of Appeal on the 4 April 2022 with the Prosecution v. Nsabimana Callixte, A.K.A Sankara and his co-accused3, when a defendant has nothing to blame the verdict he/she appealed, except pleading for sentence reduction, each judge at any level has the jurisdiction to use his/her own discretion and hand a sentence that is proportional to the committed offence and to resulted effects (…) Nonetheless, the appeal judge can only change the appealed verdict after highlighting that the previous court’s sentence contains errors of misapplication of the law or the court’s discretional wrong assessment.

Under paragraph (23) and (24) of the appealed verdict, Rusizi High Court Chamber made reference to article 60 of the Law n0 68/2018 of 30/08/2018

3 See case RPA 00060/2021/CA rendered by the Court of Appeal on the 4 April 2022 with the Prosecution v. Nsabimana Callixte and his co-accused, paragraph 252 and 254.

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determining offences and penalties in general and to the Supreme Court’s precedent from case RPA 0129/10/CS4 rendered on the 07 March 2014 with the Prosecution v. Mpitabakana and to a precedent drawn from case RPA 0249/13/CS5 rendered by the Supreme Court on the 25 November 2016 between the Prosecution and Nteziryayo Emmanuel, and then the court held that Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi deserve no more sentence reduction since their appeal grounds have fully been considered by the previous court, and they were given fifteen (15) years of jail and a fine of five million Rwanda francs (5,000,000 Rwf), the most legally provided minimum sentence for the offence of armed robbery committed by more than one person, using weapons in possession, committed against an occupied house or its surroundings, even if the house is temporary inhabited or it is meant for workplace.

Looking at the above provided precedents together with the submissions made by Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi before Rusizi High Court Chamber whereby they presented their offence mitigating circumstances and pleaded for sentence reduction, the Court of Appeal found that the High Court ought not to hold that they deserve no more sentence reduction just because the earlier court had remarkably reduced their

4 Held that the offence mitigating circumstances that have already been captured and considered by the previous court for sentence reduction cannot serve more reduction 5 Held that no one can claim for more sentence reduction yet the previous court has remarkably reduced his/her sentence, and made it very proportional to the committed offence.

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penalties; the High Court had a mandate of examining their appeals and determine whether the handed sentence is very proportional to the committed offence vis-a-vis the highlighted mitigating circumstances

This court has therefore found that regardless a fact that Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi were convicted of an armed robbery, a felony by all the aggravating circumstances as the previous courts have clarified it, the convicts’ behaviors that followed the commission of the offence, coupled with their expressed remorse, and the absence of offence related negative effects, and looking at their actual age of twenty (20) years-old for one and twenty-three ( 23) for the other, and a fact that they are both first time offenders, all these grounds needed a consideration and they make them deserve some more sentence reduction, and make them get a sentence that appropriately considers all prior and later circumstances surrounding the commission of the offence .

The Court of Appeal made reference the aforesaid legal provisions and to its own precedents as indicated above, and it based on its own discretion together with the rest of explanations as highlighted in the preceding paragraph, and held that a sentence that is more proportional and appropriate for the offence Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi are convicted of, should be eight (8) years of imprisonment and a fine of five million Rwanda francs (5,000,000 Rwf)

Considering all the above provided elucidations, the court of Appeal found that the appeal made by

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Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi is relevant. Therefore, partially justified. III. DECISION OF THE COURT

Holds that the appeal made by Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi has justification in part;

Holds that Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi are convicted of the offence of armed robbery;

Holds that the ruling on case RPA 00319/2019/HC/RSZ rendered by Rusizi High Court Chamber has only changed on matters pertaining to the convicts’ sentence;

Holds that Michael Sululu Marugira and Abel Sululu Vigi are sentenced to eight (8) years of imprisonment and a fine of five million Rwanda francs (5,000,000 Rwf), replacing the fifteen (15) years of jail and five million Rwanda francs (5,000,000 Rwf) which had been pronounced by the previous courts.

Rules that the court fees shall be borne by the State Treasury.

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