Rwanda

Tight restrictions on freedom of speech and political space remain in place, contrasting with progress on economic development.  Amendments to the constitution allowing President Paul Kagame to stand for a third term in 2017 were approved by Parliament, then by the Rwandan public in a referendum. President Paul Kagame announced he would run for a third term.  Independent civil society remains very weak.  Pro-government views dominate domestic media, and the government has suspended the BBC’s Kinyarwanda broadcasts inside Rwanda indefinitely.  However, some radio stations have broadcast programs expressing critical views of the government.  The authorities detained people unlawfully in unofficial detention centers, including in military custody; some were held incommunicado and ill-treated.