Minister Jean-Damascène Bizimana has accused Belgium of funding organizations that deny the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, contradicting Belgium’s claims of commitment to uphold genocide denial laws. He emphasized Belgium’s inaction against known deniers and failure to address humanitarian issues related to Congolese refugees. The diplomatic tensions heighten with sanctions imposed by the EU on Rwandan officials, criticized by President Kagame as unjustified.
Jean-Damascène Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, has accused Belgium of financially supporting organizations that deny the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. This assertion comes in response to statements made by Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Maxime Prevot, regarding Belgium’s commitment to addressing genocide denial while diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium have been severed.
Bizimana clarified that Belgium has a history of genocide denial, particularly through its funding of groups such as CLIIR, led by Joseph Matata, and JAMBO ASBL, associated with the progeny of genocide perpetrators. He also highlighted that the founders of JAMBO ASBL are connected to notorious figures of the deceased political party PARMEHUTU.
Additionally, he pointed out that Belgium has failed to prosecute any known genocide deniers residing on its territory, including notable individuals like Peter Verlinden and Father Serge Desouter. He emphasizes that Belgium does not comply with UN Resolution 2150, as it does not impose strict measures against the FDLR, a group backed by Belgium that originated from the forces responsible for the genocide.
Furthermore, Bizimana expressed concern regarding the rights of Congolese refugees displaced since 1994 by the FDLR. He questioned what kind of humanitarian law Prevot referenced when no significant action has been taken. British journalist Linda Melvern remarked on the ongoing denial of the genocide and underlined that not all genocidal forces were eradicated in 1994, highlighting the persistent threat they pose.
President Paul Kagame later warned Belgium against interfering in Rwanda’s progress, critiquing its association with the Congolese government’s failures and its call for sanctions based on Rwanda’s alleged support for various factions in DR Congo. He emphasized that Belgium’s colonial history contributed significantly to regional issues.
Responding to the situation, the European Union has imposed sanctions on several Rwandan military officials, which Kagame has vehemently criticized as unjustified.
This series of events highlights the tension between Rwanda and Belgium, particularly concerning historical accountability and contemporary diplomacy regarding the Rwandan genocide and its aftermath.
In summary, the remarks by Minister Bizimana expose Belgium’s alleged funding of genocide denial organizations and its perceived inaction against genocide deniers within its borders. The criticism extends to Belgium’s failure to uphold international law pertaining to the FDLR while concurrently sanctioning Rwandan officials. The ongoing diplomatic rift between Belgium and Rwanda underscores the complexity of addressing historical grievances and contemporary geopolitical issues in the region.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
