Former Belgian senator Alain Destexhe criticized Belgium’s aggressive stance towards Rwanda amidst the DRC conflict, stating it rekindles historical tensions. He condemned the Belgian government’s efforts to influence EU sentiment against Rwanda as irresponsible, given the nation’s colonial past. Destexhe also stressed the importance of understanding historical context before taking confrontational diplomatic stances.
The Belgian government’s stance towards Rwanda in relation to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has drawn criticism from Alain Destexhe, a former Belgian senator. He highlights that the government’s anti-Rwanda campaign has rekindled historical tensions, which were partially mended following Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt’s apology in 2000. Destexhe’s remarks followed a statement by Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot regarding Rwanda’s decision to sever diplomatic ties, which he deemed disproportionate.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by stating that its decision stemmed from Belgium’s attempts to uphold its neo-colonial perspectives. Destexhe criticized Belgium’s aggressive campaign aimed at influencing the European Union and international organizations against Rwanda, urging the nation to maintain neutrality and avoid entanglement in regional disputes. He stated that this represents an unprecedented level of hostility toward Rwanda since the 1994 genocide.
Moreover,Destexhe pointed out Belgium’s historical role as a colonial power in Rwanda, including its implementation of ethnic classifications that fostered discrimination. He expressed concern about the memories of ethnic cleansing following Belgium’s abrupt policy changes in 1959, which led to widespread violence and displacement. He emphasized that this painful history remains fresh for many Rwandans today.
He also reminded readers of Belgium’s failure to respond adequately to the warning signs before the 1994 genocide, criticizing the government’s push for the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers, which left Rwanda vulnerable. Destexhe expressed frustration with the current Belgian government’s ignorance of these historical facts and their implications.
Lastly, he highlighted a recent resolution by the Belgian Parliament that exhibited hostility towards Rwanda, suggesting a lack of comprehension about the regional dynamics. He stressed that such confrontational approaches could provoke unintended consequences and questioned the wisdom of Belgium’s current diplomatic strategy.
In summary, Alain Destexhe’s critique of the Belgian government’s approach towards Rwanda underscores the sensitivity of historical tensions between the nations. He calls for a neutral stance and highlights the significance of acknowledging past failures to prevent exacerbating conflicts. The recent hostility demonstrated by Belgian authorities may complicate diplomatic relations, risking further instability in the region.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
