{"id":113050,"date":"2025-10-14T16:22:44","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T16:22:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/rwandan-media-honors-marie-immaculee-ingabires-legacy"},"modified":"2025-10-14T16:37:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T16:37:21","slug":"rwandan-media-honors-marie-immaculee-ingabires-legacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/policy\/rwandan-media-honors-marie-immaculee-ingabires-legacy","title":{"rendered":"Rwandan Media Honors Marie-Immacul\u00e9e Ingabire’s Legacy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>Marie-Immaculee Ingabire, an anti-corruption campaigner and human rights advocate who passed away on October 9 at the age of 63, has been remembered as one of the pioneers who helped rebuild Rwanda\u2019s media in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.<\/p>\n

Her contribution to journalism and accountability was celebrated on Monday, October 13, by the media fraternity at her home in Kicukiro District.<\/p>\n

Former colleagues recalled not only her courage and commitment but also her humility and humanity, qualities that defined her both as a journalist and a citizen.<\/p>\n

VIDEO: Outspoken and defiant: Ingabire reflects on decades of advocacy for women\u2019s rights<\/p>\n

Charles Murigande was among friends of the family who shared their testimonies. Photo by Craish Bahizi<\/p>\n

After the Genocide, when Rwanda was still reeling from the tragedy that had claimed over one million lives, Ingabire joined the public broadcaster Office rwandais d\u2019information (ORINFOR), which later became now Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA). That was before she became one of the pioneer reporters at Imvaho Nshya newspaper.<\/p>\n

She later joined Transparency International Rwanda, an organisation she chaired until her death.<\/p>\n

Karake Mweusi, her former colleague at ORINFOR, first met her in 1994 as they returned from exile. He remembers how she filled the void at the institution when it needed committed professionals.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost of the agency\u2019s workers had either been killed or were involved in killings,\u201d Mweusi recalled. \u201cShe worked without pay and sometimes queued for food as her only form of salary. Yet she remained committed, humble, and full of purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said Ingabire was instrumental in navigating the sensitive task of post-genocide reporting.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe media was walking a tightrope. Every word had to be weighed carefully to avoid reopening wounds, but Ingabire managed to balance truth-telling with the need for unity. She worked both as a reporter and an editor, ensuring that our work served the country\u2019s healing journey,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

A priest leads the holy communion mass at the night of vigil. Photo by Craish Bahizi<\/p>\n

Her personality made her presence even more impactful. Colleagues describe her as a woman who simplified complex problems, laughed often, and led by empathy.<\/p>\n

\u201cIngabire was never after money,\u201d Mweusi said. \u201cIf she had wanted wealth, she could have taken higher-paying political positions. But she chose to remain the voice of the voiceless. Even when she joined other institutions, she didn\u2019t stay long until she found her true calling at Transparency International Rwanda, where she had a full platform for her advocacy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Peter-Claver Karasira, another former colleague at ORINFOR, described Ingabire as \u201ca free and fearless spirit\u201d who cared deeply for those around her.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was always ready to advise and support. If you approached her with a problem, she would give her full attention and genuine guidance. Her kindness went beyond work. She cared about people,\u201d Karasira said.<\/p>\n

Researcher Tom Ndahiro speaks during the night of vigil. Photo by Craish Bahizi<\/p>\n

To many, Ingabire\u2019s courage set her apart. Tom Ndahiro, a Genocide researcher and her former colleague, said she embodied the belief that the same media which once destroyed Rwanda had a duty to help rebuild it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIngabire lived that conviction,\u201d Ndahiro said. \u201cIf she believed a story about a genocide survivor or other vulnerable person needed to be told, she didn\u2019t care how far or difficult it was to reach them. She would approach anyone, no matter their position, if it meant getting the story done. Her determination was unmatched.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added that her boldness extended beyond journalism.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer voice went beyond the newsroom. She confronted anyone she believed was standing in the way of justice or silencing the voiceless. Fighting injustice wasn\u2019t something she started at Transparency International; it was part of who she was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven when officials warned her about publishing sensitive stories, she never backed down, as long as she believed she was telling the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Scovia Mutesi, the Chairperson of Rwanda Media Commission, gives her testimony. Photo by Craish Bahizi<\/p>\n

Scovia Mutesi, the Chairperson of Rwanda Media Commission (RMC), described Ingabire as \u201ca fearless source of truth\u201d who never compromised her principles.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was a reliable source for the media because she never feared anyone or anything\u201d Mutesi said. \u201cShe spoke facts from the first minute to the last, holding people accountable beyond her own responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mutesi added that Ingabire\u2019s legacy should serve as a moral compass for today\u2019s journalists.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer courage and honesty inspired many. The media fraternity should carry forward her spirit of truth-telling and integrity,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The Night of Vigil was attended by many people to honour Marie-Immacule\u0301e Ingabire who passed away on Thursday, October 9. Photo by Craish Bahizi<\/p>\n

The Night of Vigil is taking place at Ingabire’s house in Niboyi Sector in Kicukiro District. Photo by Craish Bahizi<\/p>\n

Mourners follow Scovia Mutesi’s testimony at the night of vigil on Monday, October 13. Photo by Craish Bahizi<\/p>\n\r\n