By Nyuzahayo Norbert
KIGALI, July 18 (RWANDA TRIBUNE) – A Rwandan commercial court on Friday opened hearings in a lawsuit filed by Imena Newspaper against the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda over an alleged unpaid debt linked to vehicle rental services provided during the country’s presidential election campaign.
The case, before the Nyarugenge Commercial Court in Kigali, pits Imena Newspaper, represented by Uwamaliya Florence, against the Green Party, represented by its president, Dr. Frank Habineza.
Imena Newspaper alleges that the opposition party owes it more than 4 million Rwandan francs (about $2,800) under a contract for three vehicles supplied for campaign activities. The newspaper says the agreement was worth more than 11 million francs, but that it received just over 7 million francs, leaving an outstanding balance.
Lawyers for the Green Party disputed the claim, telling the court that a review of payment records showed the party had in fact paid more than the agreed amount. They argued that the party owes nothing and that Imena Newspaper should instead reimburse the alleged overpayment.
During the hearing, the presiding judge questioned why the Green Party had not sought reimbursement before the lawsuit was filed if it believed it had overpaid. The judge also encouraged both sides to consider reaching an out-of-court settlement.
The court adjourned the proceedings and scheduled a substantive hearing for Oct. 10, 2026, when both parties are expected to present evidence before a ruling is made.
Legal and political analysts say the case is unusual in Rwanda, where disputes involving political parties have more commonly focused on constitutional or governance issues rather than commercial contracts.
The Green Party previously challenged constitutional amendments before Rwanda’s Supreme Court in 2015, seeking to block changes that allowed President Paul Kagame to run for another term. The court rejected the petition.
The current proceedings, however, concern a commercial disagreement over contractual payments rather than a constitutional or political dispute.
