Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has sharply rebuked the European Parliament after it passed a resolution calling for the release of opposition leader Victoire Ingabire, characterizing the move as neocolonial interference.
In a message posted on social media, Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized Rwanda’s sovereignty:
“I wish to remind the European Parliament, in case they forgot it, that Rwanda is a sovereign and independent nation since the end of European colonisation. No amount of neocolonial resolutions will change that fact. Those days are gone for good and forever!”
The statement comes a day after MEPs overwhelmingly adopted a resolution accusing Rwanda of suppressing political freedom — specifically citing irregularities in Ingabire’s trial, arbitrary detention of opposition figures, and urging the EU to review its assistance to Rwandan institutions involved in alleged rights abuses.
Also read: https://plusnews.ug/eu-parliament-demands-release-of-rwandan-opposition-leader-victoire-ingabire/
Kigali has maintained that Ingabire’s prosecution is a domestic judicial matter. Authorities state that she faces criminal charges under Rwandan law — including forming or joining a criminal organization, public disorder, and spreading false information — and insist that these must be handled by Rwanda’s courts without external pressure.
Human rights observers, however, argue the trial lacks due process, and that some charges may be politically motivated. The European Parliament’s resolution reflects increasing concern in Brussels over Rwanda’s record on political repression and civil liberties.
The clash underscores tensions between Rwanda and the EU over different views on national sovereignty, justice, and the limits of international criticism in internal political affairs.