A local vernacular weekly newspaper, Umuco, has suspended its operation.

The decision comes just a day after Rwanda Independent Media Group (Rimeg) announced it had suspended its publications indefinitely.

The Managing Director of Umuco, Bonaventure Bizimuremye, confirmed the paper’s decision to temporarily stop publishing.

He said that the paper wanted an explanation from officials that recently accused some media organisations of promoting the interests of the country’s enemies.

"Let them first come up with evidence to pin me on that accusation,” he said yesterday.

He threatened to petition courts to force the officials in question to substantiate their allegations.

Last month, four cabinet ministers said during a live town hall debate that some media organisations are serving interests of negative forces.

The ministers are James Musoni (Finance), Moussa Fazil Harerimana (Internal Security), Prof. Laurent Nkusi of Information and Tharcisse Karugarama of Justice. 

The show was also attended by Military and Police Spokespersons, Maj. Jill Rutaremara and Inspector Willy Marcel Higiro, respectively.

The High Council of the Press recently also challenged the ministers to substantiate their accusations.

The council also said in a statement a journalist should not be tasked to reveal his/her source notwithstanding the fact that the information obtained was state secrets, unless before a court of law.

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