Protest for the Liberation of Victoire Ingabire – Brussels, July 6, 2025
On Sunday, July 6, 2025, Rwandan citizens and human rights supporters gathered in front of the European Parliament in Brussels to demand the immediate and unconditional release of Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza. Despite persistent rain, the protest drew a large and determined crowd, demonstrating the depth of concern and solidarity among the Rwandan diaspora and friends of Rwanda. Their presence highlighted not only their resilience but also the urgent need to address human rights violations in Rwanda.
Each face, each slogan, each forward-looking gaze echoed a shared message: silence is not an option.
Victoire Ingabire, a prominent figure in Rwanda’s peaceful opposition, was arrested on June 19, 2025, at her home after a day-long interrogation by judicial authorities. She was subsequently detained by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and transferred to Remera police station. On June 24, the case was submitted to the Office of the Prosecutor General, which requested her provisional detention from the Kicukiro Primary Court. Ingabire is being charged with crimes allegedly threatening state security.
According to independent observers, her arrest is linked to peaceful political activities organized by members of her political party, DALFA-Umurinzi—specifically, reading circles focused on Blueprint for Revolution, a manual on nonviolent resistance by Serbian activist Srdja Popovic. While authorities view these gatherings as subversive, many see them as part of legitimate civic education. This incident further underscores the systematic criminalization of nonviolent political engagement in Rwanda.
Ingabire is no stranger to state repression. After returning from exile in the Netherlands in 2010 to run for president, she was arrested and sentenced to 15 years in prison on charges of “divisionism” and “conspiracy against the state”—a trial widely condemned by international NGOs such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. She was granted early release in 2018 by presidential pardon and later founded DALFA-Umurinzi, a political platform advocating peaceful change and democratic dialogue. Her efforts to officially register the party have faced continuous obstruction.
During the Brussels protest, demonstrators also called for the release of other political prisoners, including journalists and members of DALFA-Umurinzi, such as Théoneste Nsengimana, Hamad Hagenimana, Emmanuel Masengesho, Alphonse Mutabazi, Marcel Nahimana, Jean Claude Ndayishimiye, Alexis Rucubanganya, Sylvain Sibomana, and Joyeuse Uwatuje. Protesters also denounced the detention of activists like Idamange Iryamugwiza Yvonne, Aimable Karasira, and Christopher Kayumba, as well as the disappearance of Bahati Innocent and others.
The protestors emphasized that the ongoing repression of dissenting voices and independent thinkers undermines Rwanda’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. By silencing peaceful opposition and criminalizing civic participation, the government threatens the foundations of political pluralism and public trust.
Victoire Ingabire stands as a symbol of peaceful resistance and democratic aspiration. Her arrest raises broader concerns about the shrinking civic space in Rwanda and the safety of those who dare to speak out. For many, the call to action is clear: silence is complicity, and justice must not be delayed.
A Visual Glimpse of the Rwandan Diaspora’s Mobilization at the European Parliament for Victoire Ingabire’s Liberation
Despite persistent rain, the turnout was strong and resolute. Protesters gathered in a solemn yet determined atmosphere, holding signs, flags, and messages of solidarity calling for the release of Victoire Ingabire and all political prisoners in Rwanda. These images reflect the deep commitment of the Rwandan diaspora and their allies to democracy, justice, and freedom of expression.
Each face, each slogan, each forward-looking gaze echoed a shared message: silence is not an option.
About the Author:
Nadia MUGUNGA is an academic, human rights activist, and independent author with a focus on Rwanda. Committed to truth and justice, I believe in choosing voice over silence and use writing as a tool to advocate for dignity, accountability, and democratic values in the region.
