Since the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda has sought to build a new nation on foundations of reconciliation, making it even more important to question the repercussions of history.
This exposé examines the delicate dynamics that have led Belgium to position itself against Rwanda and to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), while exploring the lessons to be learned from past atrocities.
Belgium and its dark past
It is not an exaggeration to say that Belgium, with its colonial past and involvement in the Genocide against the Tutsi, bears a heavy responsibility. The complicity of certain Belgian decision-makers at the time contributed to the instability in Rwanda.
The actions of these actors allowed extreme violence to flourish, fueling divisions and facilitating a genocide that claimed the lives of over one million people.
The belated acknowledgment of these mistakes by Belgium, illustrated by the apologies offered by Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt in 2000, remains emblematic of a profound disconnect.
While laudable, this gesture has often been perceived as an attempt to shed responsibilities without confronting the reality: the absence of genuine accountability for those who orchestrated or facilitated these atrocities.
Contemporary politics and Rwanda's reaction
In this context, Belgium's recent decision to openly support the DRC after the release of Jean-Jacques Wondo, a Belgian citizen wrongfully sentenced to death by Congolese military courts, raises questions about the motivations and priorities of Belgian diplomacy.
This turnaround could be interpreted as a sign of bias, reflecting a willingness to distance itself from Rwanda, despite ongoing criticisms of Félix Tshisekedi's governance.
Diplomatic meetings between the Belgian Foreign Minister and the Congolese President, without a corresponding engagement with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, reinforce the notion of a bias rather than a neutral approach.
This dynamic underscores the complexity of national interests at play and the impact that historical relationships can have on current policies.
The need for a war crimes tribunal
It is essential to address the issue of impunity surrounding genocide crimes and the acts of complicity that facilitated them. While judicial initiatives have been implemented to prosecute certain perpetrators, the lack of trials for the actual facilitators remains a stain on the international conscience.
The establishment of a specific international tribunal to address these crimes could represent a crucial step toward justice, allowing for greater acknowledgment of victims and a better understanding of the responsibilities of the involved nations.
The relations between Rwanda and Belgium, scarred by the wounds of a tragic past, demand a sincere, honest, and informed approach. It is crucial to recognize the mistakes of yesterday while seeking today's challenges.
Rwanda, as a resilient nation, deserves not only recognition of its struggles but also a genuine partnership based on mutual respect and justice. It is time for memories to transcend passive recollection and become the foundation for building a different future for all who have suffered, as well as for future generations.
Jean-Pierre Peeters
