Alert on the Conditions of Detention of Ms. Victoire Ingabire

The International women’s network for Democracy and Peace (IwnDP) wish to inform the public that it is closely monitoring the developments in the judicial proceedings brought against Ms. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, an emblematic figure of democratic and non-violent opposition in Rwanda.

Ms. Ingabire Umuhoza has been imprisoned since June 19, 2025, following a previous eightyear period of detention (2010–2018) related to her political engagement. This new legal proceeding, initiated following a hearing as part of a trial involving several activists accused of discussing non-violent strategies to promote democracy, raises serious questions regarding its legal basis.

Since her imprisonment, she has been subjected to severe restrictions, including isolation from her family, lack of adequate access to medical care, as well as limitations on her rights of defence and her freedom of religion. At the same time, acts of harassment and a smear campaign aimed at damaging her reputation and portraying her as an enemy of the country have been reported.

Several international bodies have expressed their concerns. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found that the individuals concerned had been unlawfully deprived of their liberty, in violation of their fundamental rights. The European Parliament and Human Rights Watch have also denounced serious human rights violations. Amnesty International, for its part, has called for her immediate release, stating that Rwandan authorities continue to demonstrate persistent intolerance toward political opposition.
This ongoing repression against democratic opposition in Rwanda aims to silence any dissenting voices and further restrict political and civic space.

In this context, Ms. Ingabire notably denounced before the High Court of Kigali, on June 16, 2026, restrictions affecting her access to medical care, her communication with her family, her religious practice, as well as her rights of defence, particularly her ability to meet with her co-accused.

Taken together, these elements constitute conditions of detention incompatible with respect for fundamental rights. They may amount to a form of psychological torture and seriously undermine her ability to prepare her defence under conditions consistent with the principles of a fair trial.

Consequently, we call upon all authorities and institutions with the capacity to act to demand that Rwanda end all forms of persecution against Ms. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, fully respect her fundamental rights, and guarantee her safety and freedom.

We also call upon diplomatic missions accredited in Kigali to closely monitor her situation, regularly inquire about her physical and psychological health, and ensure that her fundamental rights are effectively respected.

In line with Amnesty International, we call for the immediate and unconditional release of Ms. Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza.