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The Pan-African Federal Lawmakers Movement has called on the Belgian government to apologise to the President of the Democratic Republic of the 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 failure by the Belgian authorities to address the concerns arising from the reported incident and offer an appropriate apology could trigger massive protests across Africa in defence of the sovereignty, dignity and institutional integrity of African states.
The position was made known by the leadership of the Pan-African Federal Lawmakers 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 to the continent under international law.
The movement noted that the reported incident has 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 take appropriate steps to address the concerns raised.
The movement welcomed the decision of the Nigerian House of Representatives to approve the consideration of a petition seeking an investigation into the matter, describing the development as an important step towards ensuring that concerns affecting African sovereignty receive the necessary legislative and diplomatic attention.
The petition, submitted by the African Centre for Justice and Human Rights and presented before the House by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, Member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency, called for an investigation by the appropriate committee of the House, as well as possible resolutions and diplomatic measures following the findings.
The movement observed that Nigeria, given its population, regional influence and standing on the continent, has an important role to play in mobilising an African response to issues that touch on the dignity and sovereignty of African nations.
It further called on African lawmakers, regional institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to follow developments closely 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 demand is straightforward: Belgium must address the concerns arising from this incident, provide a satisfactory explanation and offer an appropriate apology to President Tshisekedi if the facts establish that such an apology is warranted. Respect for Africa must be demonstrated through actions, not merely words,” the movement stated.
The Pan-African Federal Lawmakers Movement emphasised that its position reflects a broader commitment to African unity, mutual respect among nations and the defence of the continent’s interests through lawful, peaceful and coordinated action.
It urged the Belgian authorities to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and pursue a diplomatic resolution that would prevent further tensions between African stakeholders and Belgium.
The movement reiterated that peaceful demonstrations remain an option should its concerns go unaddressed, insisting that African leaders and institutions deserve the same respect, dignity and consideration accorded to their counterparts elsewhere in the world.
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