MurakaZaneza is a podcast dedicated to truth, dialogue, and the pursuit of justice in Rwanda and the wider Great Lakes region. Through in-depth conversations with experts, survivors, journalists, researchers, and activists, the podcast sheds light on issues too often silenced-political repression, regional instability, human rights violations, and the hidden dynamics shaping one of the most complex regions in the world. Each episode aims to challenge propaganda, document lived experiences, and offer perspectives grounded in evidence, integrity, and courage. More than a podcast, MurakaZaneza is a citizen-driven platform for education and empowerment. It encourages listeners to question, to learn, and to engage critically with the political realities affecting their future. At its core, the podcast champions three values: Truth. Justice. Human Dignity. Because no society can move forward if its people are denied the right to speak, to know, or to participate.
Rwanda & Uganda’s authoritarian regimes - Bobi Wine & Victoire Ingabire
- with Jeffrey Smith
In this episode, I speak with Jeffrey Smith, Executive Director of Vanguard Africa. We discuss democracy, human rights, and political repression across Africa, with a focus on Rwanda and Uganda. We also examine the role of the international community, as well as the importance of the diaspora in the struggle for democracy.
Rwanda’s aggression in DRC: International Law & accountability.
- with Daniel Levine Spound
In this episode, I speak with Daniel Levine-Spound about whether Rwanda’s actions in eastern DRC could constitute a crime of aggression under international law. We discuss the legal definition of aggression, the challenges of pursuing accountability through international institutions, the role of sanctions and diplomacy, and what this case means for the future of the international legal order. As violence and displacement continue in eastern DRC, the conversation explores the broader question of how international law can be enforced when powerful political interests are at stake.
Digital repression in Rwanda: United Nations UPR
- with Patricia Ainembabazi
In this episode, I speak with Patricia Ainembabazi about the growing use of digital technology to restrict civic space and freedom of expression in Rwanda. We discuss online surveillance, the criminalization of online speech, and the findings of CIPESA’s submission to the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on digital rights in Rwanda. The conversation also examines technology-facilitated gender-based violence and the challenges faced by journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who express critical views online. Together, we explore the intersection of technology, human rights, and democratic freedoms in the digital age.
Rwanda’s human rights record: Repression and Regional instability
- with Claude Gatebuke
In this conversation, Claude Gatebuke discusses human rights violations in Rwanda, including enforced disappearances, torture, political imprisonment, restrictions on free expression, and forced evictions. We also examine the conflict in eastern DRC, Rwanda’s alleged role, the activities of M23, and the challenges of achieving accountability, justice, and regional stability in the Great Lakes region.
Paul Kagame’s weapon of war: Conflict Related Sexual Violence in DRC
- with Dr. Masako Yonekawa
A powerful and explosive conversation with Dr. Masako Yonekawa that unmasks Rwanda’s RPF Inkotanyi regime under dictator Paul Kagame. Dr. Yonekawa’s groundbreaking research reveals how conflict-related sexual violence has been systematically weaponized as a tool of power, control, and domination in the Great Lakes region. This is not just another discussion; it’s a hard-hitting, eye-opening exposé of the realities too many in the international community have ignored.
Paul Kagame vs Democracy in Rwanda: Victoire Ingabire’s Son Speaks Out!
- with Rémy Amahirwa
Join us for a powerful, emotional conversation with Rémy Amahirwa, son of Rwanda’s jailed opposition leader Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza. Since 19/06/2025, dictator Paul Kagame's regime is keeping Victoire Ingabire imprisoned on fabricated charges; cut off from her family, denied communication, and silenced once again. In this episode, Rémy shares her story, the family’s pain, and his plea to Donald Trump and other democratic nations to pressure Paul Kagame for her release.
Closed political space & dead press freedom in Rwanda under Kagame.
- with Etienne Gatanazi
An unflinching conversation with Etienne Gatanazi, a Rwandan journalist in exile, as we expose the brutal realities of Paul Kagame's regime. Gatanazi's story is more than a fight for press freedom. We will deep dive into a dictatorship that thrives on fear, propaganda, and regional destabilization. Independent journalism has been dismantled in Rwanda, while Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza is imprisoned again simply for exercising her basic rights. Kagame’s regime continues to fuel the war in Eastern Congo to loot minerals and silence dissent, leaving millions dead and entire communities destroyed. This aggressive foreign policy is isolating Rwanda and destabilizing the entire Great Lakes region.
The reality of journalism in Paul Kagame's Rwanda: From watchdogs to traitors!
- with Samuel Baker Byansi
What does it mean to be a journalist in Rwanda under Paul Kagame’s rule? In this episode, investigative journalist Samuel Baker Byansi shares the reality faced by independent voices: surveillance, intimidation, censorship, and exile. We discuss how information is controlled, how Rwanda’s international image is carefully managed, and the gap between official narratives and lived experiences. Baker reflects on his own journey of resistance and exile, highlighting the challenges journalists face and the resilience of those who continue to pursue the truth despite the risks.
Rwanda: Paul Kagame’s brutal dictatorship & the role of the diaspora
- with Sheila Paylan
In this conversation, human rights lawyer Sheila Paylan discusses human rights violations in Rwanda, including the case of Victoire Ingabire, transnational repression, and the lack of international accountability. We also examine the conflict in eastern DRC, mineral exploitation, mass atrocities, and the impact of recent sanctions. Finally, we explore the role of citizens, diaspora communities, and the international community in advancing justice, human rights, and lasting peace in the Great Lakes region.
Crackdown on independent journalists.in Rwanda
- with Anjan Sundaram
In this conversation, journalist and author Anjan Sundaram discusses media repression under Paul Kagame’s regime in Rwanda. We explore the crackdown on independent journalists, activists, and political opponents, including the cases of John Williams Ntwali, Cyuma Niyonsenga, Théoneste Nsengimana, and Déo Mushayidi. Drawing on his firsthand experience in Rwanda, Sundaram reflects on the climate of fear, restrictions on press freedom, the conflict in the DRC, and the international community’s response.
Rwanda: The crimes of the RPF Inkotanyi regime & the covered up Genocide.
- with Judi Rever
Paul Kagame’s RPF Inkotanyi regime has been committing crimes against humanity and even genocide since 1990. These crimes are rarely talked about or mainstreamed in the international media. To help us navigate this complex topic, we are joined by a distinguished guest, Judi Rever. Judi is an author and journalist who brings remarkable knowledge, value and insight to ths discussion.
Rwanda: Transnational repression & The UK Deportation plan
- with Michela Wrong
Paul Kagame’s record of human rights violations goes beyond the Rwandan borders. His regime has become an expert when it comes to “Transnational Repression”. Together with Michela Wrong, we navigated this complex topic, the UK-Rwanda deportation plan and her new book "La chute du léopard".
What is behind some Western countries' love for Paul Kagame?
- with Peter Verlinden
Freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of expression are essentially nonexistent in modern Rwanda, and this situation is mainly enforced by severe punishment towards any dissenting voice. Despite his long record of human rights violations; Paul Kagame still has major support from the so called International Community and from a number of Western leaders who claim to stand up for Human Rights, Rule of Law and Democracy.
