Prominent Rwandan businessman assassinated in Maputo, Mozambique

Rwandan businessman Revocat Karemangingo; Courtesy Photo

A prominent businessman who has been a member of the Rwandan refugee community in Mozambique has been shot dead.

Mr Revocat Karemangingo, who was the treasurer of the Rwandan refugee association, was driving to his home near the Mozambican capital, Maputo, when his car was ambushed on Monday.

Karemangingo was a lieutenant in the Rwandan army that was overthrown in 1994 by forces led by President Paul Kagame.
The ambush was in Matola Municipality a few kilometers from the capital when he was intercepted by three vehicles and armed men fired a hail of bullets at him.

In Mozambique, Karemagingo became a businessman and was not involved in politics and had reportedly told police there was a plot to kill him.

According to police, he was shot nine times.

The Rwandan government has been accused of targeting opponents living abroad an allegation it has consistently denied.

Mr Karemangingo had warned the authorities that there were people with links to Rwanda who were plotting to kill him, refugee association chairman Cléophas Habiyaremye told the BBC.

The Rwandan high commissioner in Mozambique was not immediately available for comment.

Reports also indicate that a previous plan to kill him in 2016 was foiled as he had unexpectedly changed the vehicle he was travelling in.

Three weeks ago there was an attempt on the life of the secretary of the refugee association, the chairman said.

Human rights organisations have consistently accused Rwanda of targeting or killing opposition members abroad who are involved in – or perceived to be involved in – activities against the government.

The Rwandan government has also accused some Rwandan refugees of carrying out or financing activities aimed at destabilizing the country.

No-one has been arrested so far and the police do not yet have a motive for the killing.

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