The European Parliament has condemned Rwanda and Togo over what they describe as “abuses” committed against political opposition.
In the case of Rwanda, the EU Parliament cited the continuous detention of opposition leader, Victoire Ingabire, who is being accused of provoking international opinion against the government.
Victoire faces six charges, including belonging to an illegal group. She was denied bail in August 2025, as prosecutors said she posed a “significant” flight risk.
In a resolution passed on September 11, the EU Parliament called for her immediate and “unconditional” release.
They expressed concern about what they termed “series of abuses committed against opposition parties and figures, journalists, civil society actors and dissidents,” urging Rwandan authorities
The resolution adopted by 549 votes in favor and 2 against, also demanded a swift, independent and transparent investigation into the unresolved deaths and enforced disappearances of opposition figures in the East African country.
In a post on X, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, however, described the views expressed by the EU Parliament as “neocolonial resolutions,” adding that Rwanda remains a sovereign country capable of taking its governance decisions.
For Togo, the EU Parliament demanded the release of Irish Togolese citizen, Abdul Aziz Goma who was arrested in February 2025 after being accused of “assisting local demonstrators during protests ahead of elections.” He was sentenced to ten years in prison after a day’s trial, alongside 13 others.
“Arbitrarily imprisoning and torturing political opponents or individuals considered critical of the government undermines the rule of law and democratic governance in Togo,” the EU Parliament said in its resolution.
Togolese authorities are yet to make public comments on the EU’s demands.
The resolution was passed on Rwanda, Togo and Cyprus, all accused of human rights violations.
