Rwanda Seeks Extradition of “Prince Kid” From the United States

KIGALI, February 9, 2026 - Rwanda’s prosecution authorities say they are working with the United States to extradite Ishimwe Dieudonne, widely known as Prince Kid, to face justice after his conviction in a high-profile sexual assault case linked to the Miss Rwanda beauty pageant. Prosecutor General Angelique Habyarimana announced that Kigali issued an international arrest warrant after confirming he was in the United States and submitted the necessary legal documents for his return. Prince Kid rose to national prominence as the organizer of the pageant through his company Rwanda Inspiration Backup. In October 2023, Rwanda’s High Court sentenced him to five years in prison for sexual assault and solicitation of sexual favors involving contestants. Court proceedings were held in his absence, as he had already fled the country. On March 3, 2025, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested him in Fort Worth, Texas. Authorities stated he had entered the United States legally but later violated immigration rules and now faces separate legal proceedings there. Speaking during Anti-Corruption Week activities, Habyarimana said Rwanda formally transmitted the conviction record and requested extradition. “The verdict is final and without further appeal. We submitted arrest warrants and his full profile to the relevant authorities and cooperation is ongoing,” she said. She added that extradition could occur once U.S. proceedings conclude. The charges against Prince Kid stem from allegations that he abused participants in the pageant over several years, prompting a major public scandal in Rwanda’s entertainment industry. Rwandan officials say they will continue legal cooperation with U.S. authorities until the case is resolved and the sentence enforced.