The Rwandan media fraternity has disassociated itself from Godwin Agaba, who has claimed that the Government is persecuting him for writing about renegade Lt. Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa.

The self-exiled Agaba recently faked his disappearance and announced that he had gone missing because of allegedly writing about General

"In the wake of so many lies being peddled through international media organisations and groups, the Rwanda media fraternity is compelled to reveal and chronicle the deeds of Godwin Agaba, better known for theft, extortion, blackmail, impersonation and lack of respect for the journalism profession,” reads a statement from the media fraternity.

"It is unfortunate that Agaba’s lies and machinations have caught the attention of regional and international media watchdogs who have taken them hook, line and sinker,” adds the statement.

"In the interest of truth, we invite whoever is concerned, including international media and human rights watchdogs, to investigate the matter themselves, and the countless fraud cases involving Agaba, as an individual and also as a journalist.”

"Rwandan media fraternity encourages international media organisations to always carry out their own investigations on several media issues in Rwanda, in order to disseminate facts as they are on the ground, instead of disseminating the highly misleading statements based on malicious and politically-motivated accusations from certain circles,” the statement also reads.

Umuseso, a Kinyarwanda newspaper published a photograph of Agaba Godwin in its December 31, 2006 to January 6, 2007 issue, warning the public not to transact any business with him on their behalf. In the same message, it was indicated that Godwin Agaba had been sacked for extortion and warned that he was still masquerading as their employee.

In 2007, Agaba joined The New Times newspaper but he was also fired because of unprofessional behaviour. He was later arrested red-handed extorting money from a local hotel owner deceitfully saying he worked for The New Times.

He was convicted and served some time in jail, twice. (see The New Times April 18, 2008 or go to http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=13504&article=5657).

Agaba has since contacted some foreign media and Human rights groups and organizations asking them to help him seek asylum. 

The press conference called by the heads of the media fraternity in Rwanda was also attended by the Director of Press House, Albert Rudatsimburwa, Frank Ndamage from Rwanda Media Ethics Commission and Kennedy Ndahiro from the Rwanda Editors Forum.

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