Ramadhan Muhire, a Rwandan fugitive wanted for his role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, has been living freely in Zimbabwe, allegedly protected by powerful figures in the Harare government.
A recent investigation by Zimbabwean media revealed that Muhire, along with other fugitives implicated in the genocide, has developed close ties with high-ranking individuals and allegedly used bribes to secure protection over the years.
Muhire, who runs a successful business in the southern African country, was once part of the Interahamwe militia. A previous report by The New Times linked him to killings in Eastern Rwanda.
Originally from Nyagasozi in Birenga—now known as Amahoro Village in Nyaruvumu Sector, Rukira Cell, Ngoma District—Muhire fled justice despite being on the list of wanted genocide suspects.
Before the genocide, he worked as a driver but was known for his extremist and violent behavior in the former Kibungo prefecture.
Many who knew him during the genocide confirm that he is indeed Ramadhan Muhire.
He reportedly underwent military training and was one of the earliest perpetrators of the genocide, according to a genocide survivor from his area who spoke to The New Times in 2020.
After the genocide, he fled to Tanzania, then to Malawi, before finally settling in Zimbabwe where he built a business empire and amassed wealth.
An investigative report published last week by The News Hawks, a Zimbabwean media house that also contributed to the UN investigation on genocide fugitive Protais Mpiranya, revealed that Muhire and other fugitives have created strong networks in Zimbabwe, infiltrating the country’s security and political structures.
The News Hawks also reports that this group has channeled funds through various businesses, especially in Harare and its outskirts.
Zimbabwe’s Home Affairs Minister, Kazembe Kazembe, was quoted saying he was unaware of Muhire’s identity, his role in the genocide, or his whereabouts.
Kazembe stated: “I do not know about this. It’s the first time I hear of this person.”
The New Times contacted Nick Mangwana, Permanent Secretary in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Information, for comments on the allegations against Rwandan fugitives but received no response.
The newspaper also reached out to Faustin Nkusi, spokesperson for Rwanda’s National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA), who also did not comment.
While it is not officially Zimbabwe’s policy to protect such individuals, some high-ranking officials allegedly receive bribes in exchange for offering protection and advancing the fugitives’ interests.
Zimbabwean media claim that some fugitives now control key state institutions such as Immigration, the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), to safeguard their interests.
Many have reportedly obtained Zimbabwean citizenship fraudulently and have integrated into the community. The News Hawks reported that Muhire paid $500,000 USD to obtain citizenship and secure his business empire.
His assets and businesses are estimated to be worth $20 million. The investigation further links him to Protais Mpiranya and Sheikh Asumani, who fled to Europe after Mpiranya’s death in Zimbabwe.
Sources told The New Times that Muhire’s network includes individuals such as Damascene Matyazo, a Rwandan who falsely claimed to be Burundian to obtain refugee status, as well as Desire Safari, Patrice Ngono, and Valens Kubanza, all claiming Malawian origins.
Another Rwandan identified was Eugene Habyarimana, a former soldier in the former regime, along with Felix Ndikumwenimana, both claiming to be from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Others falsely claimed to be refugees from the DRC, including Parfait Habimana, Jean Claude Hakizimana, and Augustin Muragijimana. Additional names include Henry Ingabire (a lawyer), Faustin Barame, and Evode Nsanzuwera, who presents himself as a refugee leader.
All live freely in Zimbabwe and are reportedly seeking support to destabilize Rwanda, mainly through backing the terrorist group FDLR, which operates in eastern DRC.
This group is allegedly using its networks to undermine diplomatic efforts between Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Southern Africa has long become a safe haven for genocide fugitives, many of whom remain on the wanted list for their role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
