Belgium’s Stance Against Rwanda Criticized as Irresponsible by…

Alain Destexhe, a former Belgian senator, criticized Belgium’s stance against Rwanda, labeling it as profoundly irresponsible. He argues that the government’s pro-Congolese position and anti-Rwanda campaign have reopened historical wounds. Destexhe recalls Belgium’s colonial past and its role in fostering ethnic divisions, emphasizing the need for neutrality and understanding in current diplomatic relations.

Alain Destexhe, a former Belgian senator, recently critiqued the Belgian government’s stance concerning Rwanda, describing it as ‘profoundly irresponsible.’ He specifically called out the government’s bias towards the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo and an anti-Rwanda campaign that has reignited historical grievances. Destexhe referenced Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt’s 2000 apology, highlighting how these recent actions reopen wounds that had begun to heal.

On March 17, Destexhe shared his thoughts on X following Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot’s remarks on Rwanda’s diplomatic severance. The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs articulated that this decision followed a careful assessment of Belgium’s failure to shed its neo-colonial mindset. Destexhe accused the Belgian government of mounting a concerted campaign against Rwanda, undermining the nation’s stability and perpetuating harm through misinformation.

He emphasized that Belgium’s involvement in regional conflicts, particularly favoring the Congolese government’s allegations against Rwanda, marks a troubling shift. Destexhe claimed that Belgium’s approach, characterized by an aggressive posture unseen since 1994, further complicates diplomatic relations. The Rwandan government also expressed concern about Belgium’s blatant alignment against it, suggesting that such positioning could destabilize the region.

Delving into historical context, Destexhe reminded that Belgium, as the former colonial power, contributed to systemic ethnic divisions in Rwanda. He recounted the repercussions of Belgium’s abrupt policy changes in 1959 that led to ethnic cleansing, wrought with profound suffering and displacement among the Tutsi population, memories still fresh for many Rwandans.

In discussing Rwanda’s 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, he criticized Belgium for ignoring early warning signs and for advocating the withdrawal of the UN mission, UNAMIR, which could have provided essential support against the impending genocide. Destexhe lamented that certain Belgian political factions maintained relationships with the genocidal regime post-genocide, perpetuating revisionist narratives instead of acknowledging the atrocities.

Furthermore, he criticized a recent resolution passed by the Belgian Parliament urging a halt to all economic agreements with Rwanda, stating that it reflects a significant misunderstanding of regional realities. Destexhe questioned the efficacy of such hostile measures, asking, “Does the Belgian government and Parliament believe they can insult, threaten, and pressure without provoking a response?”

Overall, Destexhe’s commentary casts a spotlight on Belgium’s historical ties to Rwanda while calling for a reconsideration of its current policy stance, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complexities involved in regional politics.

The remarks by Alain Destexhe underscore significant concerns regarding Belgium’s approach to Rwanda amidst ongoing tensions in eastern DR Congo. He critiques the government’s alignment with anti-Rwanda sentiments and highlights the historical implications of such actions. Emphasizing a need for neutrality and understanding, Destexhe calls for a reassessment of Belgium’s policies, reinforcing the importance of historical awareness in shaping current relations with Rwanda.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw