The recent commemoration of Kizito Mihigo's death highlights the continued suppression of free speech in Rwanda. Mihigo, revered for his messages of forgiveness as a survivor of the 1994 genocide, faced a tumultuous life marked by arrests and attempts to speak out against injustices. His premature death raised significant concerns about state-sponsored violence against dissenting voices, notably occurring shortly after he was rearrested, suggesting a direct correlation between his activism and his treatment by authorities.

In 2014, Mihigo was arrested for alleged offenses against the state due to a song that resonated with the historical struggles of genocide victims. Although he was pardoned in 2018, his experience of ongoing surveillance and intimidation illustrates a systemic strategy of silencing critics. Reports from Human Rights Watch indicated that Mihigo lived in fear of retribution, eventually making a tragic end in police custody under suspicious circumstances.

Mihigo's case exemplifies the broader issue of human rights in Rwanda, where government actions continue to stifle public discourse. This clearer understanding of Mihigo’s struggles serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing risk faced by activists and critics in authoritarian regimes. As his story unfolds, it raises critical questions about freedom of expression and the accountability of state officials in the face of adverse human rights practices.