Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Says EU Parliament Has No Authority Over Rwanda

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has firmly reminded the European Union (EU) Parliament that it holds no authority over the Republic of Rwanda and therefore cannot issue directives to the country.

The minister made the remarks on January 29, 2026, in response to recent actions and statements by members of the EU Parliament concerning Rwanda.

“The EU Has No Jurisdiction Over Rwanda”

In a strongly worded message, Minister Nduhungirehe said the EU Parliament may have authority over certain territories linked to Europe, but not over Rwanda, a sovereign African nation.

“I would like to remind the EU Parliament that it may have authority over Greenland, Aruba, or New Caledonia, but it does not and will never have authority over the Republic of Rwanda, a country that has been free from European colonial rule for over 60 years,” he stated.

The minister criticized what he described as arrogance and interference by some EU lawmakers, accusing them of claiming moral superiority and disrespecting Rwanda’s judicial system.

Remarks Follow EU Parliament Meeting on Rwanda

Minister Nduhungirehe’s comments followed a statement published on the EU Parliament’s website on January 28, after lawmakers hosted Rémy Amahirwa, the son of opposition figure Victoire Ingabire, who is currently detained at Nyarugenge Prison.

Amahirwa was invited during discussions on human rights in Rwanda, despite Rwanda not being a member of the European Union.

Victoire Ingabire is facing charges including attempting to overthrow the government, among other serious offenses.

Rwanda Defends Its Judicial Independence

Earlier, on January 21, Rwanda’s Minister of Justice, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, was in Switzerland, where he addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council on Rwanda’s progress in promoting and protecting human rights.

During his visit, Dr. Ugirashebuja met with Amahirwa and assured him that Rwanda’s justice system operates independently and transparently. He emphasized that Ingabire’s case would be handled fairly and in accordance with the law.

Background on Ingabire Victoire’s Case

Ingabire Victoire was arrested in June 2025, following investigations linked to court proceedings involving former members of the unregistered political party DALFA Umurinzi and journalist Théoneste Nsengimana, in which her name reportedly appeared repeatedly.

She had previously been released in September 2018, after receiving a presidential pardon from President Paul Kagame, despite having seven years remaining on a 15-year prison sentence for crimes including endangering state security.

EU and Rwanda Exchange Strong Responses

On September 11, EU lawmakers called for the unconditional release of Ingabire, Nsengimana, and former DALFA Umurinzi members, claiming their cases were politically motivated.

In response, on September 15, Rwanda’s Parliament strongly condemned the EU resolution, warning against violations of national sovereignty and the use of Ingabire’s case to interfere in Rwanda’s internal affairs.