Belgium’s Controversial Funding of Genocide Denial Organizations Criticized by Rwandan Officials
Belgian Minister Jean-Damascène Bizimana accused Belgium of funding organizations that deny the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, contradicting Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot’s claim of commitment to genocide denial laws. He criticized Belgium for not prosecuting domestic denialists and for neglecting its obligations under international law while also commenting on the situation of Congolese refugees. President Kagame condemns Belgium’s sanctions against Rwanda, highlighting the ironic nature of Belgium’s role in regional conflicts.
Belgium’s financial support for organizations that deny the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, as asserted by Jean-Damascène Bizimana, the Rwandan Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, raises significant concerns. He countered statements from Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot, who claimed Belgium’s commitment to enforcing laws against genocide denial. Bizimana highlighted Belgium’s history of genocide denial through funding groups like CLIIR and JAMBO ASBL, which are associated with individuals connected to genocide perpetrators.
Among the groups funded by Belgium, CLIIR and JAMBO ASBL’s association with figures linked to the former Rwandan government underscores the troubling connection. Notably, JAMBO ASBL was founded by supporters of the genocidal regime and includes descendants of convicted criminals. Furthermore, Bizimana criticized Belgium for a lack of action against domestic genocide deniers who reside on its soil, undermining its stated commitment to justice.
Moreover, Bizimana pointed out Belgium’s failure to uphold international law, particularly regarding UN Resolution 2150, which mandates actions against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group rooted in the violence of the genocide. He emphasized Belgium’s silence on the collaboration between the DRC government and FDLR, as well as on the plight of Congolese refugees displaced since 1994.
British journalist Linda Melvern also commented on the matter, highlighting the persistence of genocidal ideologies despite the defeat of genocidal forces in 1994. In her latest publication, she elucidates how denial operates at multiple levels, claiming that the narrative of a spontaneous uprising was propagated as the crime unfolded.
President Paul Kagame warned Belgium against misrepresenting Rwanda’s role in regional conflicts, criticizing its alignment with the DRC government and the subsequent diplomatic fallout, including the severing of ties. Kagame condemned the sanctions imposed by the EU at Belgium’s prompting, labeling them as baseless—an ironic statement given the historical context of Belgium’s own colonial legacy in the region.
As the conflict in the DRC persists, Belgium’s actions have been scrutinized, with Western nations pushing for resources from the region while imposing sanctions against Rwanda—a move seen as hypocritical by Rwandan authorities. This situation highlights the complexities of international relations interlaced with historical grievances and contemporary political dynamics.
The allegations made by Minister Bizimana emphasize Belgium’s controversial role in funding organizations that deny the Rwandan Genocide, coupled with perceived neglect of its responsibilities regarding international humanitarian law. The diplomatic rift, as pointed out by various stakeholders including President Kagame, underscores the ongoing tensions between Belgium and Rwanda, rooted in a complex historical context and contemporary geopolitical conflicts. The plight of Congolese refugees and the ramifications of Belgium’s foreign policy decisions further complicate the narrative surrounding this issue, drawing attention to the need for accountability and justice in the face of historical atrocities.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
