My name is Rodrigue Iragena, founder of VOLKANO FEST, an annual Rwandan music and arts festival operating under a company created to promote creativity, cultural exchange, and the growth of the cultural and creative industries. The company behind VOLKANO FEST has been officially registered with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) since 2021.

In September 2024, just days before the fourth edition of the festival, serious allegations were made against me. The news spread rapidly and triggered strong reactions, including artist cancellations, the withdrawal of partners and sponsors, online commentary, and widespread media coverage. As a result, the festival was cancelled.

From that moment until late 2025, a criminal case unfolded. I went through a long and painful process, appearing in multiple hearings where I faced accusations of sexual misconduct. The alleged victim and witnesses presented by the prosecution were heard before the court, along with the evidence and legal arguments submitted. On 21 November 2025, the High Court of Gasabo acquitted me of all charges. The court highlighted contradictions within the testimonies presented and determined that the accusations could not be sustained.

Because of the sensitivity of the case, I did not have the opportunity to speak publicly while the matter was before the court. This is my first public statement since the legal process concluded.

The events that led to this situation did not begin in September 2024. They started long before the wider public became aware of them. After the third edition of VOLKANO FEST in 2023, Mr. Yannick Miara, who had attended several of my events, approached me with the idea of joining forces. He proposed bringing professional support and investment to help the festival grow. In that spirit, I incorporated him into the company as a co-director.

We worked together on preparations for the next editions. In the final days before the festival, a group including Mr. Yannick Miara came to my home and presented allegations of a sexual nature concerning Ms. Ingabire Paola, a person known to both of us and who had invited me to her place after attending our event. During that meeting, I was asked to surrender my shares in the company that produces VOLKANO FEST. I was informed that if I refused to do so, the allegations would be made public. I declined to surrender my shares. Shortly thereafter, the allegations were made public and  formally submitted  to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), after a couple of days and communications referencing the accusations were circulated to artists, partners, and sponsors.

What followed was an extremely painful period. I watched my character be publicly questioned before any judicial determination had been made. Narratives circulated on social media, my work was scrutinized, and I found myself unable to respond publicly due to the ongoing legal proceedings. The pressure and public scrutiny deeply affected me both professionally and personally.

Throughout this ordeal, I placed my trust in the justice system. I am grateful to the investigators, prosecutors, and judges who carried out their duties with diligence examining the evidence, hearing all parties, assessing inconsistencies, and ultimately delivering a clear verdict of acquittal on 21 November 2025.

To everyone who supported me during this difficult time, thank you. To those who helped financially, legally, emotionally, or simply stood by me quietly, your presence made a meaningful difference. To those who chose fairness over rumor and refused to rush to judgment, your integrity mattered more than you know. To all who allowed time for the truth to emerge, I am truly grateful.

This experience took a significant toll, and I am still in the process of healing. However, it did not defeat me. I am still here, rebuilding and reclaiming my name and the work that came close to being lost.

As I move forward, I choose clarity, professionalism, and integrity. I look forward to rebuilding and embracing new beginnings grounded in respect and truth.

Thank you for giving the truth the time it required.

Rodrigue Iragena

Creative director