Rwanda: International Women’s Network Condemns Arbitrary Arrest of Victoire Ingabire

Brussels, 25 June 2025 – The International Women’s Network for Democracy and Peace (IWNDP), Belgian section of the Réseau international des Femmes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RIFDP), has strongly denounced the arbitrary arrest of Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, a prominent figure in Rwanda’s democratic opposition and president of the Dalfa-Umurinzi party.

In a joint statement signed by Primitiva Mukarwego, Vice-Coordinator, and Marie-Louise Gakwaya, Coordinator of the Belgian branch, the organisation expressed its indignation over the manner in which Ms Ingabire was detained. She had been summoned to appear in court on 19 June 2025 in connection with the trial of nine peaceful opponents, but instead of testifying, she was arrested under accusations of alleged links to the defendants and charged with “criminal association and public incitement to rebellion against the government.”

According to the statement, this arrest is yet another act of repression against Victoire Ingabire, who was previously sentenced to 15 years of deprivation of liberty in 2013 – eight years of imprisonment followed by seven years of house arrest – based on charges widely regarded by international human rights organisations as politically motivated.

For Mukarwego and Gakwaya, this new arrest is clearly designed to silence Ingabire and prevent her from participating in Rwanda’s political life. They note that her commitment has consistently been peaceful, focused on reconciliation, truth, and justice, and that no credible evidence has been presented to justify her detention.

The IWNDP calls on the international community, African institutions, and civil society organisations to act without delay by:

• demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza;
• strongly condemning the violations of fundamental rights committed by the Rwandan authorities;
• and strengthening support for grassroots organisations working toward a truly democratic Rwanda that respects human rights and excludes no one.

The organisation also reaffirmed its full solidarity not only with Victoire Ingabire, but with all Rwandan political prisoners and all those who risk their lives and freedom to fight for a more just and free Rwanda.