Rwanda: Court sentences former Kagame bodyguard to 21 years

Published March 31, 2016

A military court in Rwanda has sentenced President Paul Kagame's former bodyguard to 21 years in prison for inciting rebellion against the government and tarnishing the image of the country.

The court also ordered Thursday that Col. Tom Byabagamba, the former commander of the elite Republican Guard, be stripped of his rank and all military honors.

In the same ruling, retired Brig. Gen. Frank Rusagara was sentenced to 22 years in prison for charges related to incitement against the state.

Analysts believe the ruling underscores divisions within the ruling elite and will send a warning to other senior army officers who may oppose Kagame.

Throughout the trial, the accused denied any wrongdoing and said they remained loyal to the ruling party.

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