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.
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 really mean to be a journalist in Rwanda under Paul Kagame’s regime? In this powerful and revealing episode, with investigative journalist and writer Samuel Baker Byansi, we talk about the reality of life for independent voices in Rwanda; where freedom of expression is met with surveillance, threats, and exile. From the weaponization of information to the global PR campaigns that polish Kagame’s international image, this episode exposes the stark contrast between the narrative and the lived reality. Baker shares his own story of resistance, fear, and exile; and the unshakable conviction that truth must be told, even when the cost is high. Rwanda’s supposed press freedom is an illusion: Kagame maintains tight control over the media and the judiciary while international PR helps silence dissent. Inside the country, journalists face silent violence and pervasive self-censorship, even as exiled Rwandan reporters continue to show remarkable resilience in exposing the truth.
Rwanda: Paul Kagame’s brutal dictatorship & the role of the diaspora
- with Sheila Paylan
​
In this conversation, human rights lawyer Sheila Paylan shares her journey and sheds light on the ongoing human rights violations under Paul Kagame’s dictatorship in Rwanda. We discuss the specific case of Victoire Ingabire, the regime’s use of extrajudicial killings and transnational repression, and why these abuses often escape international scrutiny. We also dive into the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the impact of mineral exploitation, mass atrocities, and the effectiveness of recent sanctions. Sheila offers a critical look at what more the international community should be doing. A key part of our discussion focuses on the responsibility of the Rwandan and Congolese diaspora; and the elite within Rwanda; to advocate for justice and human rights. Should change be driven by collective action, or can individual efforts also make a difference? Finally, we explore whether lasting peace is possible in the Great Lakes region, and what political, economic, and social steps are needed for true stability. Sheila closes with a powerful message about the importance of standing up for human rights; and the dangers of staying silent.
​
Crackdown on independent journalists.in Rwanda
- with Anjan Sundaram
​
In this powerful conversation, I was joined by journalist and author Anjan Sundaram to uncover the harsh realities of media suppression under Paul Kagame’s regime in Rwanda. While the international community often praises Rwanda as a model of democracy and development, the truth is far more troubling. We dive deep into the brutal crackdown on independent journalists, activists, and political opponents who dare to challenge Kagame's dictatorship. From the tragic murder of journalist John Ntwali Williams to the wrongful imprisonment of journalists like Cyuma Niyonsenga, Théoneste Nsengimana, and Déo Mushayidi, this discussion sheds light on the silenced voices fighting for truth in Rwanda. Anjan Sundaram shares his firsthand experiences teaching journalism in Rwanda, detailing the fear and oppression that permeates the country. He also discusses the broader implications of Kagame’s iron grip on power, the atrocities committed in the DRC, and the international community's failure to hold the regime accountable.
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.
