Bitcoin Magazine Podcast Anaïse Kanimba: From Hotel Rwanda to Bitcoin | Bitcoin Politics Ep. 6
Aug 19, 2025
Anaïse Kanimba, a Rwandan activist and co-founder of the African Bitcoin Institute, shares her inspiring journey from personal tragedy to advocacy for human rights and financial freedom. She reveals how Bitcoin became a lifeline for her family amidst political persecution. The conversation delves into the significance of Bitcoin for refugees and democracy across Africa, the challenges of financial education, and the impactful work of the African Bitcoin Institute in promoting local narratives and addressing socio-economic hurdles.
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Hotel Rescue And Political Persecution
- Paul Rusesabagina used his hotel to shelter over a thousand people during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
- He later spoke out about government abuses and was kidnapped from Texas, lured to Dubai, drugged, and flown to Rwanda for detention.
Pegasus Spied On Their Advocacy
- The Rwandan government used Pegasus spyware to surveil Anaïse's family and allies, exposing meetings and messages.
- Freedom Tech volunteers then helped them shore up digital security during their advocacy campaign.
Bitcoin As A Lifeline For Vulnerable Activists
- Bitcoin offered a censorship-resistant way to fund legal defense and support activists who were being debanked or avoided by donors.
- That practical use shifted Anaïse from skeptic to adopter after seeing real cases where traditional finance failed activists and refugees.