Rwanda has cut diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing it of siding with DR Congo and promoting sanctions. Historical grievances date back to colonial practices, political divisions, and complicity in genocidal acts. The tension persists, particularly regarding Belgium’s denial of its past and support of anti-Rwandan narratives.
The government of Rwanda recently severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, attributing this action to Belgium’s support of the Democratic Republic of Congo amid the ongoing eastern conflict. Rwanda contends that Belgium is also instigating international sanctions against Kigali. The Rwandan administration claims that the grievances with Belgium are deeply rooted in historical issues dating back decades.
From the late 19th century, Rwanda’s internal conflicts were exacerbated by German and Belgian colonization. Following the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, Rwanda was allocated to Germany, which, along with Belgium and England, altered its borders by annexing territories to the Belgian Congo and Uganda. These actions are seen as the inception of Rwanda’s colonial struggles.
In the years 1924 and 1946, Belgium was assigned a trusteeship over Rwanda by the League of Nations and the United Nations. This mandate required Belgium to promote equality and human rights among the Rwandan population. However, instead of fulfilling these obligations, Belgium implemented a divisive political system, contradicting its responsibilities to the Rwandan people.
Following the German defeat in 1916, Belgium took control of Rwanda and instituted extensive reforms to customary institutions. These reforms established labor laws comprising harsh punishments and introduced identity cards that categorized Rwandans by ethnic groups, fostering divisions between Hutu and Tutsi populations. Belgium’s involvement in political changes ultimately led to tragic consequences, including the creation of the PARMEHUTU party and subsequent massacres initiated against the Tutsi population.
Belgium conceded Rwanda’s independence in July 1962, despite the preceding years of violence against the Tutsi, including a devastating massacre in March 1962. By December 1963, widespread killings targeting the Tutsi were acknowledged as genocide, reportedly supported by Belgian authorities, leading to international scrutiny and condemnation of Belgium’s actions during these atrocities.
The Belgian government acknowledged the significant role its military played in Rwanda, expressing concern over potential accusations of genocide against its soldiers. Belgium’s connections to the Hutu-led army during the ensuing violence were highlighted, particularly following the establishment of a regime under General Juvenal Habyarimana.
Despite historical upheavals, Belgium continued sending troops to support Habyarimana’s government during the early 1990s. After the 1994 genocide, Belgium withdrew its forces and lobbied for UNAMIR’s cessation, resulting in the abandonment of numerous Rwandan refugees, with tragic ramifications.
A Belgian Senate Commission clarified Belgium’s accountability for abandoning civilians during the genocide. In 2000, Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt publicly apologized for the failures. Rwanda, seeking to trust Belgium’s goodwill, has since engaged in cooperation across various sectors, albeit with acknowledgment of Belgium’s prior regime ties.
In 2014, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2150, urging nations to learn from the 1994 genocide and denounce its denial. Nevertheless, Rwanda argues that Belgium continues to finance networks denying the genocide, showcasing partiality to the DRC government and negligence toward threats posed by the FDLR, a terrorist group undermining regional stability.
The historical tensions between Rwanda and Belgium have resulted from a series of colonial actions, political manipulations, and failures during the Rwandan genocide. Despite Belgium’s post-genocide apologies and initial cooperation, Rwanda now perceives Belgium as a hostile entity, particularly in its dealings with the DRC and the FDLR. These longstanding grievances underscore a complicated and painful legacy that continues to impact diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Original Source: www.ktpress.rw
