Rwandan Politicians Slam European Parliament's Resolution on Victoire Ingabire

Strategic Insights -

Rwandan politicians have strongly condemned the European Parliament's resolution calling for the unconditional release of opposition leader Victoire Ingabire, describing it as a neocolonial posture that undermines Rwanda's sovereignty. Ingabire, who was arrested in June on charges of forming a criminal group and attempting to incite public disorder, has been convicted and granted presidential clemency in the past, only to resume her activities promoting ideologies that promote genocide. The European Parliament's resolution, passed on September 11, alleged that the charges against Ingabire were politically motivated, a claim that has been dismissed by Rwandan politicians as lacking respect for the country's independent judiciary.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Parliament's resolution calling for the unconditional release of Victoire Ingabire has been strongly criticized by Rwandan politicians, who describe it as a neocolonial posture that undermines Rwanda's sovereignty.
  • Ingabire has been convicted and granted presidential clemency in the past, only to resume her activities promoting ideologies that promote genocide.
  • Rwandan politicians, including Wellars Gasamagera, Secretary General of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), and Jean Rene Niyorurema of the PS Imberakuri, have denounced the European Parliament's resolution as interference disguised as advocacy for Rwanda's opposition.
  • Gasamagera praised Rwanda's vision and proactive stance in the political arena under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, calling on politicians to unite in denouncing neocolonialism and working together to build the country.
  • The European Parliament has been accused of promulgating genocide ideology through its support of Ingabire's activities, with some of its officials being friends with Ingabire.

Statistics:

  • Ingabire has been convicted of forming a criminal group and attempting to incite public disorder.
  • Ingabire has been granted presidential clemency on two previous occasions.
  • The European Parliament has passed three resolutions interfering in Rwanda's judicial processes concerning Ingabire, in 2013, 2016, and 2025.

Sources:

  • "Ingabire sentenced to 15 years in prison" (The New Times, September 11, 2025)
  • "Rwandan MPs call out EU parliament over Ingabire resolution" (The New Times, September 18, 2025)
  • "Victoire Ingabire arrested over alleged plot to incite public disorder" (The New Times, June 2025)
  • "Former convict Victoire Ingabire subpoenaed in conspiracy trial" (The New Times, September 11, 2025)
  • "Why parliament rejected EU resolution on Ingabire case" (The New Times, September 18, 2025)