Three of the six founders of former Rwandan president Pasteur Bizimungu’s new party, the Democratic Party for Renewal (PDR), have defected, the Rwanda News Agency (RNA) reported on Thursday. They cited the “promotion of ethnicity among Rwandans” as a substantial reason for quitting. The three, Eugene Rwibasira, Major Sam Bigabiro and Ladislas Ngendahimana, claimed the party “is promoting divisionalism and differences which will not enable the country to pursue the policy of unity and reconciliation”. RNA said Bigabiro accused the party of promoting ethnicity especially regarding distribution of portfolios where Tutsis and Hutus would share party positions equally. Bizimungu’s bid to launch the new party two weeks ago, was quashed by the government who said it was aimed at “destabilising the country”. Bizimungu was briefly placed under house arrest and all his privileges as a former president were withdrawn.
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