Resolution on the case of Victoire Ingabire in Rwanda

The European Parliament adopted by 549 votes to 2, with 41 abstentions, a resolution on the case of Victoire Ingabire in Rwanda.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew and the Greens/EFA groups.

Victoire Ingabire, political opposition leader and president of the DALFA-Umurinzi party, was arrested on 19 June 2025 in Kigali on charges of forming a criminal group and planning to incite public disorder. Parliament urged the Rwandan authorities to end the harassment, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of opposition members, journalists and civil society, to guarantee press and media freedom, and to offer space for political debate and democratic participation, including ensuring free and fair elections. Members also called for a swift, independent and transparent investigation into the unresolved deaths and enforced disappearances of opposition figures.

Parliament strongly condemned the arrest of Victoire Ingabire and called for her immediate and unconditional release as well as that of other opposition figures on trial for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights.

The EU and Member States are called on to crackdown on political opposition and compliance with human rights in political dialogue at the highest level with the Rwandan Government and ensure that cooperation with Rwanda is consistent with the promotion of human rights and democracy, including fair trial standards.

Lastly, the Commission is called on to review existing financial and other support, such as the Justice and Accountability Programme, to Rwandan state institutions implicated in arbitrary detention, torture or unfair trials.