The National Independent Commission on Human Rights (CNIDH) is facing a new controversy as cadres within the institution are calling for the cancellation of Secretary General Ms. Chantal Bakamiriza's planned trip to Geneva. The trip is scheduled for June 20 to July 1, 2026. This request from the cadres emphasizes their demand for the cancellation of the official mission. Five CNIDH cadres — Didace Sunzu, Ornella Mugisha, Félix Muhimpundu, Félicité Rukundo, and Philbert Manirakiza — addressed a correspondence to the President of the CNIDH, Mgr Blaise Nyaboho, on June 12, 2026, requesting the suspension of the official mission. These cadres claim Ms. Bakamiriza is allegedly involved in the case surrounding the disappearance of CNIDH employee Chadia Mukaremera on February 25, 2026. The disappearance of Chadia Mukaremera continues to raise many questions within the institution and has prompted significant concern among the staff.
Allegations Against Secretary General
Ms. Chantal Bakamiriza was reportedly the last individual to have been in contact with Ms. Chadia Mukaremera before Ms. Mukaremera's disappearance. Ms. Mukaremera was on her way to work when this contact occurred, according to the cadres. The Secretary General is among six people who have already been questioned by investigators regarding the disappearance. She is one of the individuals already heard by investigators, forming part of a list of six people questioned in this case. Didace Sunzu, Ornella Mugisha, Félix Muhimpundu, Félicité Rukundo, and Philbert Manirakiza, the cadres who signed the correspondence, stated their belief that the known elements of the case justify suspending any international mission for individuals cited in the investigation. They argue that allowing Ms. Bakamiriza to travel to Geneva for the scheduled trip, set for June 20 to July 1, 2026, could potentially impede the ongoing inquiry into Ms. Mukaremera's whereabouts. The cadres firmly believe that the known facts of the case warrant the immediate suspension of any international mission involving individuals who have been cited or are otherwise implicated in the ongoing investigation.
Concerns Over Judicial Process
The signatories to the correspondence expressed their belief that the ongoing judicial procedure necessitates caution. They fear that a trip abroad for Ms. Bakamiriza could complicate the investigation into Ms. Mukaremera's disappearance and potentially hinder the discovery of the truth. This concern shows their request for the suspension of the Secretary General's travel plans. The cadres explicitly stated their apprehension that such an international journey could not only add layers of complexity to the investigation but also delay or obstruct efforts to ascertain the full truth behind Ms. Mukaremera's fate. Their appeal emphasizes the critical importance of ensuring the integrity and unimpeded progress of the judicial process.
This is not the first instance of such a request. A previous, similar appeal regarding Ms. Bakamiriza's travel was made in March 2026 to the CNIDH leadership. However, that earlier request did not result in a favorable outcome, as Ms. Bakamiriza's trip to Geneva remains scheduled. Despite the earlier concerns raised by staff members, the scheduled travel plans for the Secretary General have not been altered, leading to renewed calls for intervention.
Internal Crises and Past Departures
The National Independent Commission on Human Rights (CNIDH) has recently experienced internal crises and governance challenges. The institution has been marked by a series of internal crises and significant issues regarding its governance structure and operational integrity. The institution continues to feel the impact of its former president, Dr. Sixte Vigny Nimuraba, departing in April 2025. His departure occurred amid internal tensions and allegations of mismanagement within the organization. Dr. Nimuraba left the country under contested circumstances, according to sources, and is currently residing in Switzerland. This situation further notes the instability that has plagued the CNIDH in recent times. Mgr Blaise Nyaboho now leads the CNIDH, having taken over the presidency amidst these ongoing internal challenges. The current leadership is tasked with navigating these complexities while maintaining the commission's mandate.
Management Response
As of the publication of this article, the management of the National Independent Commission on Human Rights (CNIDH) has not yet issued a formal response concerning the accusations leveled against Secretary General Ms. Chantal Bakamiriza. The CNIDH leadership, headed by Mgr Blaise Nyaboho, has remained silent regarding the cadres' request to suspend Ms. Bakamiriza's scheduled trip to Geneva from June 20 to July 1, 2026. Didace Sunzu, Ornella Mugisha, Félix Muhimpundu, Félicité Rukundo, and Philbert Manirakiza sent their correspondence on June 12, 2026, articulating their concerns about Ms. Bakamiriza's alleged involvement in the disappearance of employee Chadia Mukaremera. The lack of an official statement from the CNIDH leadership follows previous appeals that also did not result in a change to Ms. Bakamiriza's travel plans, indicating a pattern of non-response to internal concerns regarding the Secretary General's conduct and travel. The absence of a public statement from the CNIDH management regarding these serious allegations and the cadres' formal request continues to fuel internal tensions and public scrutiny.
