Death in detention
Disputed
Frank Rusagara
1955 – 2025
Also known as Franck Kanyambo Rusagara
Brigadier General (rtd) / former Defence Ministry official Former Rwanda Defence Force; military attaché (UK)
Biography
Senior RDF officer who served as Defence Ministry secretary-general and military attaché in the UK. Forced into retirement in 2013; arrested in August 2014 and tried with Col. Tom Byabagamba. Convicted in 2016; sentence reduced on appeal in 2019. UN WGAD found the detention arbitrary.
Circumstances
Died in prison in March 2025 after roughly a decade behind bars. Human rights organisations had repeatedly raised concerns about medical neglect, solitary confinement, and limited family contact during his detention.
Alleged responsibility
Died while serving a lengthy sentence that rights groups described as politically motivated. Cause of death not independently verified in open sources reviewed here.
Sources
Wikipedia citing ChimpReports (March 2025); Human Rights Watch; UN WGAD Opinion 85/2017; AP / East African coverage of the convictions and appeals.
This register entry summarizes publicly available reporting. It does not constitute a legal verdict. Readers should consult primary sources linked above.
