Marie-Immaculée Ingabire laid to rest, remembered for compassion to the needy

The life and legacy of Marie-Immaculée Ingabire, a prominent human rights and anti-corruption activist, were celebrated at her funeral on Th...

The life and legacy of Marie-Immaculée Ingabire, a prominent human rights and anti-corruption activist, were celebrated at her funeral on Thursday, October 16th, following her death on October 9th at the age of 63. Beyond her well-known role as Chairperson of Transparency International Rwanda (TI-Rwanda), tributes focused on her profound impact on the lives of countless vulnerable individuals, including survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The funeral proceedings began with the transportation of her body from Kanombe Military Hospital to her residence in Niboye, Kicukiro. Family, friends, and numerous mourners gathered to offer their final respects. Subsequently, a requiem mass was held at Regina Pacis Church, followed by her burial at Rusororo Cemetery. The period between her passing and the funeral was marked by nightly gatherings filled with heartfelt testimonies honoring her remarkable life.

Ingabire often spoke of her extensive network of "children" – individuals whose lives she had touched and supported. Many of these people attended the funeral, expressing their gratitude for a woman they considered a "mother, aunt, sister, guardian, and family member."

One such individual, Gaudence Mukasano, shared her story of encountering Ingabire as a young orphan struggling to make ends meet by selling vegetables on the streets after the Genocide.

• Mukasano recounted how Ingabire approached her, inquired about her circumstances, and questioned whether her current path was truly what she desired for her future.
  • Following a brief conversation, Ingabire purchased Mukasano's entire stock without taking it and invited her to her home.
  • During this visit, Ingabire directly offered to support Mukasano's return to school, covering all expenses, including fees and materials.
  • Despite Mukasano's initial reluctance due to the trauma of witnessing her father's beheading during the Genocide and the loss of ten of her thirteen siblings, Ingabire's persistence and support eventually convinced her to resume her education.
  • Today, Mukasano is a successful sector executive, a testament to Ingabire's transformative influence. She expressed her hope that Ingabire would be recognized as one of the nation's heroes.

Consolee Mukasonera, from Bugesera District, represented a wider network of women across Rwanda who were empowered and developed through Ingabire's mentorship. She emphasized Ingabire's role in providing counseling, comfort, and unwavering support, enabling them to overcome their challenges and become ambassadors for empowerment and development. Mukasonera prayed that Ingabire's works would be honored upon them and the nation.

Francoise Byukusenge also shared a powerful testimony, highlighting how Ingabire rescued her and others from the streets, helping them heal from trauma and rebuild their lives. "She found us on the streets, with trauma. I did not believe in love a second time after the genocide, until I met Ingabire. She made me speak again, connect with people, and stand tall. She strengthened me, and now I’m helping others rebuild their lives through unity and women’s engagement," Byukusenge stated.

In accordance with Ingabire's final wishes, her family has decided to establish a charity foundation in her name. Instead of flowers, Ingabire requested that donations be made to support vulnerable individuals, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping those in need.

• Jean-Pierre Mubiligi, speaking on behalf of the family, stated that they are committed to honoring her wish by creating the Marie-Immaculée Ingabire Foundation.
  • The foundation will focus on supporting vulnerable lives, including widows, people with disabilities, and orphans – the very people Ingabire considered her friends and loved to assist.
  • A bank account has been opened as the initial step in formalizing the foundation.
  • Mubiligi expressed gratitude to the country's leadership for their support during this difficult time, as well as to friends and colleagues who provided assistance throughout the mourning period.

Yves Iradukunda, representing the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), the political party to which Ingabire belonged, lauded her integrity and generosity in sharing her knowledge with others. He emphasized her embodiment of truth and transparency, noting that she openly shared her expertise, helping others apply those lessons effectively. He added that within the RPF-Inkotanyi, she was a role model who played critical roles, and her loss is deeply felt.

Ingabire's career was marked by her unwavering dedication to justice and accountability. As Chairperson of Transparency International Rwanda, she gained widespread recognition for her courage, honesty, and relentless advocacy.

Born in Burundi, Ingabire studied journalism and communication before returning to Rwanda in 1994, following the Genocide against the Tutsi. She initially worked with the Office Rwandais d'Information (ORINFOR) before joining Transparency International Rwanda, where she served as its leader until her passing.

Throughout her life, Ingabire was a passionate advocate for women's empowerment and collaborated with numerous organizations to uplift marginalized groups. Her funeral was attended by government officials, civil society leaders, and ordinary citizens, all paying tribute to a woman who was both a fearless defender of truth and justice and a compassionate advocate for the forgotten.