Rwanda: Culture minister suspended and placed under house arrest

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has suspended and put under house arrest minister Edouard Bamporiki, in charge of youth and culture, authorities have announced.

The minister’s suspension was as a result of “matters of accountability under investigations”, a statement from the prime minister’s office said.

He is accused of “serious cases of corruption”, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau tweeted.

Mr Bamporiki, 39, was previously a vigorous supporter of President Kagame and the ruling party.

The minister is poet, film producer and famous radio drama actor.

He had been in cabinet since 2019 and was previously a member of parliament.