Barton Mathias Matimbano

Rwanda : lawyer missing in Rwanda

24 October 2024

On his way to Kirehe to represent one of his clients, Barton Mathias Matimbano has not been heard from since. He has been missing since 10 October 2024, and his car is also missing.

Mr Matimbano had recently represented Joel Twagirayezu and Aloys Nshimiyimana, two men arrested for embezzling taxes. The Kicukiro court had ruled that the head of the centre had illegally detained these men.

Shortly before his disappearance, Matimbano told radio station Ijwi ry’Amerika (‘The Voice of America’) that some of his colleagues had discouraged him from pleading in this sensitive case, fearing reprisals. They warned him that the legal victory against the Gikondo centre could have consequences for his safety.

Some lawyers believe that this case could be linked to his disappearance. One of his colleagues revealed that his phone was briefly reconnected at around midday on Thursday, but there was no answer to their calls.

Matimbano’s wife, who is very worried, said that he disappeared after leaving their home for a court appointment in Kirehe, where he never arrived. The lawyer’s wife has written to the authorities, including the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), the National Police and the lawyers at the Rwanda Bar, seeking help, but has received no reply to date.

The Observatory is very concerned about the disappearance of Mr Barton Mathias Matimbano, which occurred in alarming circumstances after he had defended the fundamental rights of his clients.

The Observatory urges the Rwandan authorities to intensify efforts to locate Mr Matimbano and to conduct a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance.

The Observatory condemns any attempt to dissuade or put pressure on lawyers involved in sensitive cases.

The Observatory recalls that according to principles 16, 17 and 18 of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers:

“Governments shall ensure that lawyers (a) are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference; (…)” (Principle 16)

 “Where the security of lawyers is threatened as a result of discharging their functions, they shall be adequately safeguarded by the authorities.” (Principle 17)

“Lawyers shall not be identified with their clients or their clients’ causes as a result of discharging their functions.” (Principle 18)