Rwandan Businessman Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa Dies at 82 in Dubai

Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa, a prominent Rwandan businessman accused of financing opposition groups against Rwanda's government, died on April 20, 2024, at the age of 82 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Rujugiro was a well-known industrialist with investments spanning several African countries, including Rwanda and Uganda.

Rujugiro found himself at the center of a diplomatic dispute between Uganda and Rwanda in 2019, which led to Rwanda closing its border with Uganda. The Rwandan government accused Rujugiro of sponsoring dissidents and exiled opposition groups, specifically the Rwanda National Congress, which was cited for engaging in terrorism activities in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Prior to the fallout, Rujugiro had a long-standing business relationship with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, even serving as an adviser and ally until their relationship soured in 2010. After fleeing Rwanda in 2009, Rujugiro fought against the Rwandan government's seizure and sale of his property, the Union Trade Centre (UTC) mall in Kigali, which the government had classified as 'abandoned property' in 2013.

Why this matters: The death of Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa signifies the conclusion of a turbulent chapter in Rwanda's business and political landscape. His case underscores the intricate interplay between business interests and political allegiances in the region, and the potential ramifications of losing favor with those in power.

In 2022, the East African Court of Justice awarded Rujugiro $1 million in damages after finding that the Rwandan government had violated the East African Community Treaty when it took over and sold his shopping mall. The court's decision represented a substantial victory for Rujugiro in his protracted legal battle against the Rwandan government over the seizure of his property.

The passing of Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa brings to a close a controversial chapter in Rwanda's recent history. His legacy as a prominent businessman and the legal disputes surrounding his property and alleged financing of opposition groups will likely remain a subject of discussion in the region. The East African Court of Justice's 2022 ruling in favor of Rujugiro regarding the UTC mall seizure stands as a significant development in his long-standing conflict with the Rwandan government.

Key Takeaways

• Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa, a prominent Rwandan businessman, died on April 20, 2024.
• Rujugiro was accused of financing opposition groups against Rwanda's government.
• Rujugiro's business dispute with Rwanda led to a diplomatic crisis with Uganda in 2019.
• In 2022, the East African Court of Justice awarded Rujugiro $1 million in damages.
• Rujugiro's death concludes a turbulent chapter in Rwanda's business and political landscape.