Former Rwanda rebel spokesperson Callixte Nsabimana a co-accused in a terrorism trial also involving the controversial hero of Hotel Rwanda’s movie, Paul Rusesabagina on Tuesday claimed backing from Zambia.
He elaborated on the connections of his group with military and intelligence officials from Uganda and Burundi and with Zambian officials and contacts that they held in efforts to destabilise Rwanda.
Nsabimana also known as Sankara, has already pleaded guilty to 19 offences but explained the circumstances and roles he played in every crime.
He also named the alleged key sponsors of terrorism activities.
Nsabimana said that Rusesabagina was said to have pledged $ 1 million, and when he engaged him, happened to know that the money was collected from sponsors allegedly including Zambian President Edgar Lungu.
When I asked him (Rusesabagina) he answered me in French: ”c’est un ami a moi” (He is a friend of mine) Nsabimana said.
Of the one million pledge from Rusesabagina however, he said some $150,000 was given.
The Zambian support, according to Nsabimana, was reaching them through one Nsengiyumva, a trader from Zambia.
“I happened to learn that Lungu had pledged to sponsor a lot after Rwanda’s chairmanship of the African Union ended” Nsabimana said.
Reacting to these allegations, Zambia’s government rejected claims that President Edgar Lungu had bankrolled a Rwandan rebel leader accused of orchestrating deadly attacks in his country’s border regions.
In a statement, the Zambian presidency said it “would like to categorically refute these claims”.
It stated unequivocally that “these allegations were false and must be treated with the contempt they deserve”.
CU/as/APA