BADRAMA: How Life as a Child Soldier Shaped His Human Rights Activism

Mupende Ramadhan, widely known as “BadRama”, is a Rwandan activist who has dedicated his life to advocating for human rights and condemning what he describes as abuses, injustice, and killings committed under the government led by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi). According to BadRama, the experiences he endured as a child fundamentally changed the course of his life and inspired his commitment to truth, justice, and the defense of human rights.

BadRama states that he joined the military at the age of eight as one of the children commonly referred to as "Kadogo," a term used for child soldiers. He says that during his time in the armed forces, he witnessed serious abuses committed against civilians by RPF-Inkotanyi troops. Those experiences, he explains, left him deeply traumatized and ultimately motivated him to leave the military and dedicate himself to exposing what he witnessed and speaking out against injustice.

After leaving the military and eventually settling in the United States, BadRama founded “BADRAMA TV”, an independent media platform consisting of a YouTube channel and a news website that publishes content daily. According to him, the platform was created to provide coverage of issues that he believes receive little or no attention in Rwanda's mainstream media while encouraging citizens to peacefully advocate for their rights.

BadRama alleges that several media organizations, including: The New Times, Igihe.com, Kigali Today, Taifa News, as well as the online network commonly referred to as the “Rwanda Online Brigade”, operate in support of the Kigali government. He further claims that these outlets receive direction and financial support from intelligence institutions to promote government narratives and target critics of the ruling administration.

As an example, BadRama argues that whenever international human rights organizations publish reports critical of Rwanda, these media outlets allegedly receive instructions to discredit those organizations or attack individuals who publicly express opinions considered inconsistent with the government's position.

He contends that such campaigns discourage many Rwandans from expressing their views on national issues out of fear of online harassment, intimidation, or other forms of retaliation. BadRama says he has personally been the subject of sustained attacks by pro-government media outlets and social media accounts for several years.

According to information comes from intelligence sources, President Paul Kagame allegedly instructed security institutions to find ways to silence him because of his criticism of government actions. Numerous allegations against Mupende Ramadhan have been circulated against him, including accusations of drug use, financial theft, obtaining entry into the United States through fraudulent visa documents, and other claims that fabricated attempts to damage his credibility and undermine his work.

Similar tactics have been used against other individuals who have publicly criticized President Kagame's administration or spoken out against alleged human rights violations.

According to BadRama, the primary reason he has become a target is his reporting on cases involving people who claim to have been victims of injustice, enforced disappearances, or killings. He says the information he presents is based on testimonies from individuals who identify themselves as victims, eyewitnesses, or people with direct knowledge of the incidents. He maintains that his objective is not to create instability but rather to encourage truth, accountability, and justice so that Rwanda's painful history is not repeated.

In his public messages, BadRama frequently encourages Rwandans, particularly young people, to confront injustice by learning about the country's history and understanding how past events unfolded. He believes that acknowledging historical realities and encouraging open dialogue are essential steps toward building a future based on honesty instead of fear or violence.

He also argues that citizens should be able to express concerns about governance peacefully and without fear of persecution. According to him, remaining silent in the face of injustice increases the risk that Rwanda could once again experience tragedies similar to those it has faced in the past.

When asked what he believes is the best way to prevent such events from happening again, BadRama responded: "Protecting everyone's rights, telling the truth about what happened in Rwanda, and ensuring justice are the only ways to prevent history from repeating itself. Otherwise, I fear the country could once again descend into darkness."

In this country of thousands of hills, many sensitive issues are discussed privately among Rwandans but rarely reach the public because people fear severe consequences, including arrest or even death. The public discussions on these subjects are necessary and the media platforms like BADRAMATV are necessary to contribute to creating space for such conversations.

BADRAMA YV calls on Rwandans to reject what it describes as a culture of surveillance and informing on one another. This culture has been encouraged under President Kagame's administration and has contributed to widespread fear and social division. Every Rwandan should be free to express opinions without being treated as an enemy of the state or facing legal or political repercussions.

BadRama concludes that Rwanda's future depends on national unity, respect for human rights, justice, and freedom of expression. At a time when many Rwandans continue to leave the country, he believes all peaceful avenues should be explored to build a nation where every citizen can speak freely without intimidation or abuse. Promoting truth, accountability, and respect for fundamental human rights remains one of the most important foundations for achieving lasting peace and a more democratic future for Rwanda.