Ex-head of Rwanda’s presidential guard dies in jail 12 years after his arrest

Tom Byabagamba, 59, the former head of Rwanda’s presidential guard and once President Paul Kagame’s personal bodyguard, passed away in jail on Tuesday, 12 years after his arrest. In 2014, he was arrested alongside his brother-in-law, retired brigadier-general Frank Rusagara, for spreading rumors and tarnishing Rwanda’s image and the government’s reputation.

Human rights groups raised concerns over their cases, viewing them as part of a broader pattern of government repression. Throughout the trial, Byabagamba staunchly maintained his innocence, claiming the allegations were fabricated. His family was unaware of his death's cause as they were denied access to him during his incarceration.

In 2016, a military court sentenced Byagamba to 21 years in prison, which was later reduced to 15 years upon appeal. Rusagara, who held the position of secretary-general of the defense ministry, received a 20-year sentence. He died in prison in March of the previous year, having reportedly been ill with cancer. Human Rights Watch (HRW) described his death as a "lonely death of a general," noting his family had not heard his voice since 2014, days before his arrest.

Both men's trials, HRW accused, were "flawed," marked by severe allegations of torture and witness tampering. The detention of Byabagamba and Rusagara was deemed "arbitrary" and a violation of international law by the Freedom Now campaign group. Byabagamba is survived by two sons and a wife.