Ingabire Marie Immaculée Passes Away at 64
Ingabire Marie Immaculée, one of Rwanda’s most respected women in the fight against corruption and injustice, has died. Her death was confirmed on Thursday morning, October 9, 2025, by Transparency International Rwanda (TI-Rwanda), the organization she led.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), TI-Rwanda announced her passing with deep sadness, stating that Ingabire died after a long illness.
“TI-Rwanda is deeply saddened by the passing of our Chairperson, Marie Immaculée Ingabire. We extend our condolences to her family and friends. May her soul rest in peace,” the message read.
Education and Early Life
Ingabire studied her primary and secondary education in Burundi before continuing her higher education in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She returned to Rwanda in 2001 after years of living abroad as a refugee.
She once shared that her dream was to study law, but her life as a refugee made it difficult. Instead, she studied languages in secondary school and later joined university to study journalism — even though it was not her first choice.
Later, she pursued Political Science and Law in France, completing her postgraduate studies there.
Career and Work
Ingabire worked for many years with ORINFOR, the former Rwandan Information Office, where she contributed to different print media outlets. Her dedication and professionalism earned her respect in Rwanda’s media and governance sectors.
She was among the women who helped create several key organizations in Rwanda, including Pro-Femmes Twese Hamwe, IBUKA, and other women’s rights and advocacy groups. These organizations played a big role in rebuilding Rwanda after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Leadership at Transparency International Rwanda
In 2004, Ingabire was one of the 20 founders of Transparency International Rwanda, an organization dedicated to promoting accountability and fighting corruption. She became the national chairperson in 2015 and served multiple terms.
Under her leadership, TI-Rwanda worked on major campaigns to raise awareness about corruption, improve public service delivery, and encourage citizens to report injustice.
Her calm but strong voice made her a symbol of honesty, courage, and good governance in Rwanda.
Legacy and Tributes
Many Rwandans and international partners have shared messages of sorrow and appreciation for her lifelong commitment to transparency.
Colleagues described her as “a fearless woman who believed in justice and integrity.”
At the time of her death, Ingabire was 64 years old. She leaves behind a legacy of leadership, truth, and service to her country.
Her death is a great loss to Rwanda’s civil society and to everyone who values accountability and transparency.
