Rwanda has severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, accusing it of siding with the DRC and imposing sanctions. Historical grievances span several decades, linked to Belgium’s colonial actions, systemic injustice, and complicity in past genocides. Recent violations of UN resolutions by Belgium regarding genocide denial only heighten the diplomatic crisis.
The Rwandan government has severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing it of supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in ongoing eastern conflicts and of organizing international sanctions against Kigali. Rwanda’s grievances against Belgium can be traced back to historical events stemming from colonization that have exacerbated tensions over the decades.
1. Rwanda’s history of inter-ethnic violence began during the German and Belgian colonization following the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, which curtailed Rwandan territory by ceding parts to Belgium, Uganda, and later the DRC.
2. The League of Nations and United Nations appointed Belgium as a trustee in 1924 and 1946 to promote progress and respect rights in Rwanda, yet Belgium established a divisive political system contrary to these mandates.
3. Following Belgium’s military victory over Germany in 1916, it undertook extensive reforms in Rwanda that imposed a labor regime characterized by corporal punishment and introduced ethnic identity categorization, laying the groundwork for future violence, including the rise of the PARMEHUTU party amid massacres of Tutsi.
4. In July 1962, Belgium granted Rwanda independence despite four years of unrest, which saw extensive massacres. A more serious genocide occurred in December 1963 targeting Tutsi populations, with international sources labeling the events as genocide.
5. Belgium recognized the systematic destruction of Tutsi and, confronted by potential complicity, sought to distance itself from responsibility for military actions conducted by the Hutu-dominated Rwandan army.
6. Throughout the years leading up to the 1994 genocide, Belgium provided military support to the Rwandan regime, and intelligence reports during the genocide indicated awareness of impending violence, rendering Belgium complicit in the tragedies that unfolded.
7. In the wake of the genocide, Belgium withdrew its troops during critical moments and engaged in a campaign to terminate the United Nations assistance mission, which effectively left thousands of civilians vulnerable to massacre.
8. Belgium later acknowledged its negligence in abandoning civilians during the genocide and issued a public apology in 2000. However, lingering ties with the previous regime continue to influence Rwandan perceptions of Belgium.
9. In 2014, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2150, which condemned genocide denial and urged member states to take action against genocide fugitives. Belgium’s actions have been deemed inconsistent with this resolution, as it allegedly finances genocide denialist groups.
10. Despite having prosecuted some genocide suspects, Belgium’s continued hostility towards Rwanda and its compliance with DR Congo government narratives raise significant concerns about its role in the region and relations with Rwanda.
The conflict between Rwanda and Belgium is deeply rooted in historical injustices stemming from colonialism and is exacerbated by post-colonial actions and diplomatic failures. Belgium’s support of divisive politics, its complicity during the Rwandan genocide, and its current stance regarding the DRC contribute to ongoing tensions. To move forward, it is imperative for both countries to address historical grievances and work collaboratively towards reconciliation and peace.
Original Source: www.ktpress.rw
