Pan-African legislators call for respect for the sovereignty and immunity of heads of state

The Pan-African Movement of Federal Legislators has called on the Belgian government to apologize to the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, over reports of a search conducted at a residence in Uccle, Brussels, allegedly used by the Congolese leader.

The movement warned that the failure of Belgian authorities to address concerns arising from the reported incident and offer an adequate apology could trigger massive protests across Africa in defense of the sovereignty, dignity and institutional integrity of African states.

The position was made known by the leadership of the Pan-African Federal Legislators Movement, led by its secretary general and Tunisian representative, Izy Ngolo, who stressed that Africa must not remain silent when incidents raise questions about the treatment of its leaders and the respect accorded the continent under international law.

The movement noted that the reported incident raised serious concerns about the dignity of African leadership, the principles of sovereign equality among nations, and the legal protections that may apply to heads of state under international law. It therefore called on the Belgian government to provide a clear explanation of the circumstances surrounding the reported search and to take appropriate measures to address the concerns raised.

The movement has welcomed the decision of the Nigerian House of Representatives to approve consideration of a petition calling for an investigation into the matter, describing the development as an important step in ensuring that concerns surrounding African sovereignty receive the necessary legislative and diplomatic attention.

The petition, presented by the African Center for Justice and Human Rights and presented to the House by the Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, MP for the Ideato North/South federal constituency, called for an investigation by the relevant House committee, as well as possible resolutions and diplomatic measures following the findings.

The movement noted that Nigeria, given its population, regional influence and location on the continent, has an important role to play in mobilizing an African response to issues that touch on the dignity and sovereignty of African nations.

It also called on African lawmakers, regional institutions, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to closely monitor developments and support appropriate diplomatic and institutional efforts to establish the facts surrounding the incident and protect the legitimate interests of African states.
“Africa cannot afford to remain indifferent when the dignity and sovereignty of its nations are called into question.

Our request is simple: Belgium must address the concerns arising from this incident, provide a satisfactory explanation and offer an appropriate apology to President Tshisekedi if the facts demonstrate that such an apology is warranted. Respect for Africa must be demonstrated through deeds, not just words,” the movement said.

The Pan-African Movement of Federal Legislators emphasized that its position reflects a broader commitment to African unity, mutual respect between nations and the defense of the continent’s interests through legitimate, peaceful and coordinated action.

He urged the Belgian authorities to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves and to pursue a diplomatic solution that avoids further tensions between African stakeholders and Belgium.

The movement reiterated that peaceful demonstrations remain an option in case its concerns are not addressed, insisting that African leaders and institutions deserve the same respect, dignity and consideration accorded their counterparts in other parts of the world.