The FVP would like to express its immense gratitude to all Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the various political groups who voted in favour of the resolution 2025/2861(RSP)and in a special way to the seven political groups in the European Parliament who moved the motion for a resolution on Victoire Ingabire’s case be included in the agenda for a debate on breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) during the EU Parliament plenary session on 10 September 2025. We were greatly touched by the decision to invite the children of Ms Victoire Ingabire to be present during the debate. No greater testimony would demonstrate the human touch of that resolution and offer greater hope to the family that the European Parliament cares and is prepared to act to make the resolution a reality.
The FVP has noted with great satisfaction that, in addition to condemning Victoire Ingabire’s arrest on 19 June 2025, the MEPs resolution has highlighted the following key demands .
- The immediate and unconditional release of Victoire Ingabire and opposition figures on trial for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights and that politically motivated charges be dropped.
- Rwandan authorities to accredit Ingabire’s selected legal team and to accept the African Court on Human and People Right’s jurisdiction, fully comply with its 2019 order for reparations, and respect international human rights mechanisms;
- Rwandan authorities to end 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.
- EU and Member States’ delegations in Kigali to visit those arbitrary detained and to monitor judicial procedures.
- EU and Member States to raise the crackdown on political opposition and compliance with human rights in political dialogue at the highest level with the Rwandan Government.
- EU and Member States to ensure that cooperation with Rwanda is consistent with the promotion of human rights and democracy, including fair trial standards.
- The EU Commission 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; and
- The European Parliament President to forward the resolution on Victoire Ingabire to the Vice President of the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security policy, the Council, the Commission, the Member States, the African Union, the UN and the Government and Parliament of Rwanda.
The FVP calls on the European Parliament to use all its influence to ensure that all parties concerned, including the Rwandan government, comply with the provisions of this resolution.
Brussels 12th September 2025