On July 26, 2025, in Paris, the capital of France, near the Eiffel Tower, the most visited monument in the world by tourists, in the Place du Trocadéro district, Rwandans living in different parts of Europe gathered with French residents for a peaceful demonstration demanding the release of Victoire Ingabire, currently held at Mageragere prison.
The protest began at noon, as participants held up signs bearing powerful slogans demanding the release of Victoire Ingabire. Many also voiced their outrage at Rwanda’s authoritarian regime, denouncing its ongoing human rights violations. They urged the international community to end its collaboration with the Rwandan government, arguing that such partnerships only enable and legitimize further repression.
Some participants carried placards bearing the message “No Visit Rwanda,” aiming to alert tourists at the Eiffel Tower that traveling to Rwanda under its current authoritarian rule indirectly supports a regime that has clung to power for over three decades, stifles free speech, undermines democracy, and violates human rights.
Other signs called for peace not only in Rwanda but also in the troubled regions of the two Kivus and the broader Great Lakes Region. Protesters also urged the creation of an inclusive political space where all Rwandan citizens and political parties can freely participate.
The Place du Trocadéro, a site of memory and human rights struggle
The demonstration took place in a historically significant location: the Place du Trocadéro, in front of the Eiffel Tower, the world’s most visited tourist site. Known as a hub for human rights activism, it is also called the “Parvis des Droits de l’Homme”. It was at the Palais de Chaillot, on December 10, 1948, that the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These are the very rights that many Rwandans are denied today.
In addition to this demonstration supporting Victoire Ingabire, other major protests have occurred in this symbolic location. These include those demanding an end to the Algerian war between 1950 and 1960, opposing the US-led war in Iraq in 2003, and calling for an end to apartheid in South Africa.
Prominent political figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., who fought to end racial segregation in the United States, and Nelson Mandela, who fought for Black freedom and the end of apartheid in South Africa, also participated in demonstrations held here.
This place is seen as a symbol of peace, human rights defense, justice, and freedom of expression. Demonstrators gather here to amplify their message on the global stage, leveraging the constant flow of tourists from around the world to raise international awareness.
“Victoire Ingabire is a figure who shows us the truth, just like the Eiffel Tower in front of us, a powerful symbol in world history. Victoire Ingabire is a strong figure representing truth, democracy, and human rights in Rwanda and the region. She is like the Eiffel Tower for Rwandans, a beacon in the political fight for democracy and human rights,” said Marie Odile Umutesi, a member of JAMBO asbl and an advocate for Rwandan refugees via the SOS Réfugiés platform.
She added:
“This fight means supporting a brave woman who chose to leave a comfortable life in Europe, her family, children, and husband, to come to Rwanda and speak for those who suffer, whether they are Tutsi, Twa, or Hutu.”
Cynthia Umutesi:
“I came to support Victoire because I don’t understand the reason for her imprisonment. She wants Rwandans to unite and move forward. There’s no valid reason for her to remain in prison. We must continue to speak out for her and help everyone understand that having opinions different from the government should not endanger a person’s life.”
Seif Omar:
“The message we want to convey is that our country has become a prison. Victoire Ingabire did everything she could. We, who are abroad, must lead the fight for her release and for all the other unjustly imprisoned. Many are in jail, and some have been killed; it’s shameful. These actions must stop.”
The call for Victoire Ingabire’s release has spread globally
The message calling for Victoire Ingabire’s release has circulated worldwide.
Mwiseneza Emmanuel, head of FDU-Inkingi in France, believes their message reached a global audience because the area around the Eiffel Tower and Place du Trocadéro is the most visited in the world.
“We are here to denounce the unjust imprisonment of Victoire Ingabire and other political prisoners. This Place du Trocadéro is a historic global site, as it was where the declaration on human rights was signed in 1948.
We wanted to express our suffering here, hoping the message would also reach Village Urugwiro. We want to tell foreigners, especially Westerners, who support President Kagame: we are showing you the reality of Rwanda, while your countries take pride in respecting human rights.
We hope they will help us, so we too can enjoy such freedom. This place attracts many foreigners, and we hope that at least one citizen from each country here can spread this message about what is happening in Rwanda. We want them to know that our country is governed by authoritarian regime.”
Dr. Emmanuel Mwiseneza emphasized that people should not rely solely on the media or Rwanda’s promotional campaigns, which now sponsor many teams, including Paris Saint-Germain.
According to him, many still ignore Rwanda’s true situation, and it is vital that the world knows the truth to help Rwandans free themselves from authoritarian rule.
Mpozembizi Théophile, second vice-president of FDU-Inkingi, a party once led by Victoire Ingabire before her return to Rwanda, said:
“The fact that France allowed us, for the first time, to use such a historic and visited place shows that we are moving toward our goal. Slowly, people are learning the truth about what is happening in Rwanda. But the struggle isn’t over. We must keep raising awareness.
It is up to us to spread the message : Rwanda must respect human rights. A regime that values peace and human rights does not imprison people like Victoire Ingabire who defend these principles. Here at the Place du Trocadéro, they must know the world is watching, and human rights violations in Rwanda must end.”
After Paris, demonstrations in support of Victoire Ingabire, who was arrested on June 19, 2025, have continued in Berlin, Brussels, and Helsinki, and will move to other cities such as those in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
This protest aims to pressure the Rwandan government to release Victoire Ingabire, a political opponent. It comes after the Kicukiro Primary Court, on July 18, ordered her 30-day provisional detention at Kigali’s main prison, known as Mageragere, where she is currently being held.
NSENGUMUKIZA Prudence
