Belgium must respect Rwanda’s sovereignty: A call to end the arrogance and interference

Rwanda, a nation that once stood on the precipice of annihilation, has rebuilt itself into a symbol of resilience and progress. However, this journey has not been without its challenges, one of the most persistent being the legacy of foreign interference, particularly from Belgium.

As Rwanda continues its path of recovery and growth, it is high time that Belgium and other international actors recognize and respect Rwanda’s sovereignty, and cease their paternalistic, politically motivated actions.

Belgium’s history in Rwanda and its current interference in the country’s affairs are not only outdated but dangerously reminiscent of colonial-era arrogance. It’s time for Belgium to stop undermining Rwanda’s autonomy and allow the country to chart its own course.

A Legacy of Colonial Exploitation

Belgium’s involvement in Rwanda dates back to the aftermath of World War I when Rwanda, along with Burundi, was placed under Belgian administration as a League of Nations mandate. Rwanda, once a flourishing kingdom with a well-established system of governance, was forcibly integrated into Belgium’s colonial empire.

The Belgian colonial authorities dismantled Rwanda’s traditional governance structures, replacing them with systems that aligned with their interests and goals. They removed local Rwandan leaders from power, replacing them with Belgian-appointed officials, and, in doing so, they eradicated Rwanda’s indigenous systems of leadership and governance. The imposition of Belgium’s rule marked the beginning of decades of exploitation and repression that would shape the country’s future.

Belgium’s colonial administration, underpinned by a racial hierarchy, promoted the belief that one ethnic were racially superior to another. This created an artificial division between the two groups, one that had not previously existed in Rwandan society. The Belgians exacerbated ethnic tensions. This system of divide and rule sowed the seeds of discord that would later culminate in the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.

In the 1930s, Belgium further entrenched ethnic divisions by introducing identity cards that officially categorized Rwandans as Hutu, Tutsi, or Twa. These cards gave institutional legitimacy to the idea of racial and ethnic separation, a concept that had never been part of Rwandan culture before.

Post-Independence Influence: Neo-Colonialism and the Hutu-Tutsi Divide

When Rwanda gained independence in 1962, the Hutu majority, emboldened by years of oppression and fueled by the ideology of “Hutu Power,” took control of the country’s government. Belgium, despite having supported the Hutu rise to power, continued to maintain a significant influence over Rwandan affairs. Belgium’s support for the new Hutu-led government remained strong, but this did not change the entrenched division between the Hutus and Tutsis. Over time, the Rwandan political landscape became increasingly polarized.

Belgium’s role in the post-independence period can be understood through the lens of neo-colonialism — a form of indirect control that relies on political and economic pressure rather than direct rule. Even as the Belgians officially withdrew from Rwanda’s internal politics, they continued to exert influence over the country’s development and political trajectory. They provided financial support to the Hutu-led government, positioning themselves as a key ally in the region. However, their actions, including supporting the flawed political ideology of the Hutu elite, ultimately contributed to the ethnic divisions and political instability that paved the way for the genocide.

The Genocide and Belgium’s Role

The Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 stands as one of the darkest chapters in human history. In just a few short months, approximately one million Tutsis were slaughtered by extremist Hutu militias. The world stood by in silence as the brutality unfolded, and Belgium, which had long been a key player in Rwanda’s colonial and post-colonial affairs, found itself at a crossroads. When the genocide began, Belgium’s peacekeeping forces, part of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), were stationed in the country. Tragically, these forces were unprepared for the scale of the violence, and Belgium withdrew its forces and abandoned Rwanda to its fate.

Belgium’s failure to act decisively during the genocide, coupled with its withdrawal of peacekeeping forces, is a stain on the country’s history. While Belgium eventually acknowledged its failure and formally apologized for its role in the events leading to the genocide, the damage had been done. Rwanda was left to rebuild itself from the ashes of genocide, and Belgium’s role in the destruction of the country’s social fabric could not be ignored.

The Current Situation: Belgium’s Continued Interference

Fast forward to the present day, and Belgium’s role in Rwanda continues to be one of controversy. Despite the deep scars left by the colonial era, Belgium has continued to involve itself in Rwanda’s affairs, especially in the context of regional conflicts. Recently, Belgium, alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has engaged in efforts to undermine Rwanda’s access to development finance, specifically through multilateral institutions. These actions, motivated by political considerations, not only undermine Rwanda’s sovereignty but also politicize development aid — a dangerous precedent that risks further destabilizing the region.

Rwanda, as a sovereign nation, has the right to determine its own path to development and security. The actions of Belgium, attempting to leverage development finance as a tool of political influence, are not only inappropriate but also disrespectful. Development partnerships should be based on mutual respect and a commitment to collaboration, not on coercion and external interference. Rwanda’s decision to suspend its bilateral aid program with Belgium for the period 2024-2029 is a clear statement that Rwanda will not tolerate such interference in its internal affairs.

A Call for Respect and Mutual Cooperation

Rwanda has worked tirelessly to rebuild itself after the genocide, and its progress is a testament to the resilience of its people. The country has focused on fostering peace, stability, and economic growth. Rwanda has made significant strides in areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and gender equality, earning international recognition for its achievements. However, none of this progress would have been possible without Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to its sovereignty.

As Belgium continues to interfere in Rwanda’s affairs, it is crucial for the international community to recognize that Rwanda is no longer the vulnerable, post-colonial state it once was. Today, Rwanda stands as a strong, independent nation with a clear and forward-thinking vision for its future, guided by visionary leadership under His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda. Belgium must respect Rwanda’s sovereignty and put an end to any attempts to control or undermine the country’s political and economic choices. The era of arrogant colonial interference must be left in the past.

Rwanda’s sovereignty must be upheld, and development partnerships must be based on mutual respect and equality. The African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), and Southern African Development Community (SADC) must be supported in their efforts to mediate regional conflicts, including the crisis in the DRC, without external actors politicizing the process for their own agendas. Rwanda’s security and stability are paramount, and no nation should be made to compromise its national interests for the sake of political maneuvering by foreign powers.

A wind-up

The time has come for Belgium to acknowledge the impact of its past actions and to respect Rwanda’s sovereignty. Rwanda has worked hard to overcome its troubled past and build a future based on peace, stability, and progress.

Belgium’s continued interference is not only unwarranted but also dangerous for the future of the region. It is time for Belgium to stop the arrogance and respect Rwanda as an equal partner in the international community.

Rwanda will not be bullied or blackmailed into compromising its sovereignty. It is a nation with the strength and determination to chart its own course, and it deserves the respect of all nations in its pursuit of peace and prosperity.

IMMO