Rwanda has cut diplomatic ties with Belgium, citing Belgium’s alleged siding with the DRC and historical grievances related to colonialism involving genocide and ethnic divisions. Key issues include Belgium’s role in instigating political division, supporting genocide against the Tutsi, and failing to adhere to UN resolutions condemning denials of genocide.
On Monday, Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, alleging that Brussels is siding with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amidst ongoing conflicts. Rwanda accuses Belgium of fostering international sanctions against Kigali, pointing to historical grievances stemming from colonial times. The Rwandan government outlines its concerns, emphasizing that massacres within its population began after German and Belgian colonization which violated their sovereignty.
The roots of conflict date back to the early 20th century. Belgium was entrusted with Rwanda under the League of Nations and later the United Nations, with responsibilities to promote human rights and self-governance. However, Belgium introduced a political system based on divisionism, undermining these international mandates.
In the wake of World War I, Belgium took aggressive actions to alter Rwanda’s traditional governance structures. This included harsh labor laws, ethnic categorization, and the wrongful dismissal of local leaders, which set the stage for future violence against the Tutsi population. Notable events included the deposition and presumed death of King Musinga and the rise of the Hutu-dominated political party, PARMEHUTU.
After granting Rwanda independence in 1962, Belgium witnessed the escalation of ethnic tensions, evidenced by the 1963 genocide against Tutsis, which Belgian officials allegedly ignored or supported. Reports from diplomats and international media labeled the killings as genocide, and in 1964, Belgium acknowledged the Tutsi’s plight while expressing concern over their armed involvement.
Belgium continued to support the Hutu-led Rwandan government even during periods of human rights abuses, ultimately withdrawing its UN forces in 1994 as genocide unfolded. This withdrawal left many Tutsi refugees vulnerable and resulted in significant loss of life. The Belgian government later acknowledged its failure in 1997 and issued an apology in 2000 but has since continued actions that Rwanda views as hostile, siding with misinformation propagating anti-Rwanda sentiment.
The UN Security Council’s 2014 Resolution 2150 called for member states to educate future generations on the 1994 genocide against Tutsis and called for action against genocide suspects. However, Rwanda contends that Belgium has acted counter to this resolution, financing denialist networks and maintaining an antagonistic stance toward Rwanda while ignoring threats posed by groups like the FDLR.
Rwanda’s severance of diplomatic ties with Belgium stems from deep-seated historical grievances, rooted in colonial practices that undermined Rwanda’s sovereignty and exacerbated ethnic divisions. Key concerns include Belgium’s role in supporting genocide against the Tutsi and ongoing financial support for denialist narratives. The rift indicates so much unresolved historical baggage, which continues to influence international relations, particularly in the Great Lakes region.
Original Source: www.ktpress.rw
