In a post shared on X, Destexhe expressed regret over the diplomatic rupture, which on Monday, March 17, 2025, saw Rwanda sever ties with Belgium in protest against the former colonial power's acts of aggression, particularly regarding the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He accused Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot of leading an "aggressive campaign" to influence the European Union and international organizations against Rwanda. According to Destexhe, Belgium has not adopted such an "offensive stance" on any issue since 1994.
"I regret the breakdown of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium, while fully understanding the Rwandan position," Destexhe stated.
The former lawmaker argued that Belgium should have maintained neutrality in regional conflicts, warning that the current government's actions risk reopening historical wounds in Rwanda.
The politician, who also doubles up as a researcher, highlighted Belgium's extremist colonial history in Rwanda, including the introduction of ethnic classifications that fueled divisions and the 1959 ethnic violence that forced thousands of Tutsis into exile.
Furthermore, he criticized Belgium's role during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, including the country's push for the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers.
"That the current government ignores or pretends to ignore these facts is not only incomprehensible but profoundly irresponsible," Destexhe added.
He also condemned the Belgian Parliament's recent resolution calling for the suspension of economic agreements with Rwanda over alleged support for M23 rebel group in eastern Congo, describing it as "factually incorrect" and a reflection of a "glaring lack of understanding" of the regional situation.
In the conflict in eastern Congo, Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting the M23 rebels. The Rwandan government insists that its main concern in the region is the FDLR militia group. According to Rwanda, the groupâ€"linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsiâ€"is collaborating with the Congolese government and poses a security threat to Rwanda.
Rwanda kicks out Belgian diplomats
The diplomatic tension between Rwanda and Belgium escalated on Monday when Rwanda severed ties with Belgium and ordered all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.
Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Belgium of undermining its interests and taking a biased stance on the conflict in the DRC. The Rwandan government said that Belgium has been "mobilizing against Rwanda" and allowing its territory to be used by groups propagating genocide denial.
In response, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot described Rwanda's decision as "disproportionate" and announced that Belgium would take reciprocal measures.
A day before Rwanda took the new measures, President Paul Kagame had condemned Belgium's actions, accusing the former colonial power of ongoing interference and attempts to destabilize Rwanda. He dismissed Belgium's push for sanctions as futile, emphasizing Rwanda's resilience.
Despite the escalating tensions, Destexhe expressed hope that the diplomatic crisis would not harm the longstanding bonds between the people of Rwanda and Belgium, particularly those with dual citizenship.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
