A report from Rwanda’s Joint Parliamentary Committees on Political Affairs has strongly criticized a resolution by the European Union (EU) that called for the release of opposition figure Victoire Ingabire, describing the demand as an act of gross disrespect.

Senator Dr. Usta Kayitesi, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Political Affairs and Governance and head of the joint committees, said the EU’s request was not based on mutual respect but rather on misinformation and biased narratives.

“This information was provided by countries hostile to Rwanda. We remind them that Rwanda is a sovereign state, founded on independence, democracy, and freedom,” she said.

The report further reminded the European Parliament that Victoire Ingabire was convicted of multiple crimes, later pardoned by the President of the Republic, but subsequently reoffended.

Senator Kayitesi, while reading the resolution, added that it will be submitted to various institutions and international organizations in both Europe and Africa. Members of both chambers of Parliament continued to deliberate on the report, unanimously condemning the position taken by their European counterparts.