Who We Are About the Rwanda National Congress (RNC)
Introduction
The Rwanda National Congress (RNC) is a political organization committed to building a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous Rwanda.
Founded by Rwandans from diverse backgrounds, RNC represents a broad national effort to transform governance and establish a political system grounded in the rule of law, equal citizenship, and consensual democracy.
Our mission is to build a Rwanda where power is shared, institutions are strong, and every citizen is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Formation and Background
The Rwanda National Congress was established in response to the need for a fundamental transformation in governance—moving away from systems characterized by exclusion and domination toward a democratic order based on inclusion, accountability, and national consensus.
RNC brings together experienced leaders, professionals, youth, and members of the diaspora united by a shared commitment to national unity, institutional integrity, democratic renewal, and peaceful political change.
What Makes RNC Unique
The defining feature of the Rwanda National Congress is its commitment to Consensual Democracy.
RNC believes that Rwanda’s recurring cycles of political conflict have largely resulted from systems of governance that concentrate power in the hands of a few while excluding others from meaningful participation in public life.
Consensual Democracy offers a different path. It seeks to build a political order based on dialogue, inclusion, shared responsibility, institutional balance, and broad national participation.
Rather than domination by any individual, party, or group, RNC advocates a system in which political competition is balanced by cooperation, consensus, and a commitment to the common good.
We believe that lasting peace, national unity, and sustainable development can only be achieved when every Rwandan enjoys equal citizenship, equal protection under the law, and a meaningful voice in shaping the future of the nation.
Mission
To establish a democratic system of governance grounded in the rule of law, equal citizenship, and consensual democracy—ensuring justice, accountability, and opportunity for all.
Vision
A Rwanda governed through consensual democracy, where strong institutions protect the rights of all citizens, where political power serves the common good, and where peace, unity, freedom, and prosperity are shared by all.
Founders of RNC
The Rwanda National Congress was established through the collective efforts of individuals committed to democratic transformation, national unity, and accountable governance.
Founders
Jérôme Nayigiziki
Gervais Condo
Lt. Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa
Dr. Gérard Gahima
Jonathan Musonera
Col. Patrick Karegeya (Late Founding Member)
Dr. Théogène Rudasingwa
Joseph Ngarambe
Dr. Emmanuel Hakizimana
Jean Paul Turayishimiye
Founders are recognized for their role in establishing the Rwanda National Congress (RNC). Their inclusion in this section does not necessarily reflect current membership or current responsibilities within the organization.
Our Leadership Leading the Rwanda National Congress
The leadership of the Rwanda National Congress brings together individuals committed to democratic transformation, national unity, accountable governance, and institutional leadership.
Bureau of the National Executive Committee (BNEC)
The Bureau of the National Executive Committee (BNEC) is the executive leadership body of the Rwanda National Congress. It provides strategic direction, organizational leadership, and oversight of the day-to-day affairs of the organization.
The Bureau works collectively to advance the mission, vision, and strategic objectives of the Rwanda National Congress.
Dr. Emmanuel Hakizimana
Provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the organization.
Ali Abdulkarim
Supports the Chairman and oversees strategic coordination and organizational development.
Cedric Ntwali
Oversees commissions by coordinating policy development, supervising commission activities, and preparing recommendations for the Bureau of the National Executive Committee.
Marie-Rose Mugoragoze
Oversees chapters by supervising chapter leadership, coordinating membership expansion, and leading mobilization and outreach efforts.
Etienne Mutabazi
Oversees administration and the day-to-day operations of the organization.
Serge Ndayizeye
Supports organizational coordination and implementation of programs and administrative functions.
Organizational Structure
The Rwanda National Congress is organized through democratic institutions designed to ensure participation, accountability, representation, and effective governance at every level of the organization.
National Level
National General Assembly
The National General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of RNC. It elects leadership, determines the strategic direction of the organization, and makes decisions on matters of fundamental importance.
National Political Bureau
The National Political Bureau serves as the principal political deliberative body of the organization.
National Executive Committee (NEC)
The National Executive Committee is the day-to-day governing body of RNC. It is composed of members of the Bureau of the National Executive Committee and chairpersons of all national commissions.
Bureau of the National Executive Committee (BNEC)
The Bureau of the National Executive Committee provides executive leadership and consists of:
- Chairman
- First Vice Chair
- Second Vice Chair
- Third Vice Chair
- Secretary General
- Deputy Secretary General
Chapter Level
RNC maintains chapters throughout the world wherever members are located.
Each chapter consists of:
- Chapter General Assembly: The highest decision-making body at the chapter level.
- Chapter Executive Committee: Responsible for administration, coordination, mobilization, and implementation of chapter activities.
District Level
District structures promote grassroots participation and local engagement.
Each district consists of:
- District General Assembly The highest decision-making body at the district level.
- District Executive Committee: Responsible for local organization, member engagement, and implementation of organizational activities.
National Commissions
RNC currently operates through six thematic commissions:
- Finance and Resources Commission
- Mobilization and Campaign Commission
- Diplomacy Commission
- Strategy Commission
- Communication and Technology Commission
- Heritage and Social Welfare Commission
Each commission is led by a Chairperson and supported by commission members with relevant expertise and experience.
Specialized Organs
To strengthen accountability, transparency, democratic governance, and institutional effectiveness, RNC maintains several specialized organs
Disciplinary Committee
Responsible for reviewing disciplinary matters and ensuring compliance with organizational rules and standards.
Committee of Elders
Provides guidance, institutional memory, mediation, and advisory support.
Electoral Commission
Responsible for overseeing internal elections and ensuring democratic and transparent electoral processes.
Committee of Auditors
Provides independent oversight of organizational finances and administrative accountability.
Radio Itahuka
The official media platform of RNC dedicated to information sharing, civic education, public dialogue, and communication with members and the broader public.
Membership
The Rwanda National Congress is a broad political organization composed of Rwandans from diverse backgrounds, professions, experiences, and generations.
Our members include former public servants, professionals, entrepreneurs, students, community leaders, youth, and members of the Rwandan diaspora united by a commitment to democratic transformation, national unity, and equal citizenship.
RNC currently operates through 26 active chapters worldwide and six operational national commissions.
Core Values
Peace
Unity
Freedom
Equality
Justice
Accountability
Integrity
Inclusion
Our Motto
Peace • Unity • Freedom
Closing Statement
The Rwanda National Congress is more than a political organization. It is a national movement dedicated to building a Rwanda governed by the rule of law, equal citizenship, consensual democracy, and strong institutions.
Through Peace, Unity, and Freedom, we seek to create a future in which every Rwandan can participate fully in the life of the nation and share equally in its opportunities, responsibilities, and progress.