Belgium is accused of funding organizations that deny the 1994 Rwandan genocide, according to Rwandan Minister Jean-Damascène Bizimana. He criticized Belgium for its lack of legal action against genocide deniers and its failure to uphold international humanitarian laws. The tensions have heightened diplomatic disputes, leading to Rwanda severing ties with Belgium amidst criticisms of Belgium’s interference and the imposition of sanctions on Rwanda.
Jean-Damascène Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement in Rwanda, has stated that Belgium is financing organizations that deny the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. In a post on X, he refuted remarks made by Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot, who asserted that Belgium is dedicated to enforcing laws against genocide denial after Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Belgium.
Bizimana highlighted that Belgium’s financial support extends to notorious groups such as CLIIR, led by Joseph Matata, and JAMBO ASBL, formed by descendants of family members convicted of genocide. These organizations include individuals related to key figures in the genocide, such as Placide Kayumba and Laure Uwase, highlighting a concerning trend of supporting genocide denial.
Furthermore, Bizimana asserted that Belgium has not prosecuted any genocide deniers present within the country, including notable Belgian nationals like Peter Verlinden and Father Serge Desouter. He criticized Belgium for its lack of adherence to international laws, particularly regarding the FDLR, a group with a history of committing atrocities during the genocide, despite UN mandates against them.
Despite claims of commitment to international humanitarian law, Belgium has remained silent on the plight of Congolese refugees. Bizimana questioned the validity of Prevot’s assertions regarding humanitarian law amidst ongoing refugee issues. British journalist Linda Melvern echoed this sentiment, underscoring that the FDLR continues to threaten the safety of Tutsi survivors while spreading denial narratives.
In her latest book, Melvern discusses how genocide denial persists, with claims suggesting the killings were a spontaneous uprising rather than a premeditated act. Furthermore, President Paul Kagame recently warned Belgium against interference in Rwanda’s affairs, accusing it of scapegoating Rwanda for issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This culminated in Rwanda cutting diplomatic ties with Belgium and expelling Belgian diplomats.
Amid ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC, Belgium’s position has reportedly furthered ethnic violence and imposed sanctions on Rwanda, despite its historical ties in the region. The European Union recently sanctioned Rwandan officers linked to a Congolese rebellion, an action condemned by Kagame as hypocritical, emphasizing that those who created the conflict are seeking to blame Rwanda.
The article reveals serious allegations against Belgium regarding its funding of organizations that deny the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Minister Bizimana’s criticisms illustrate a disconnect between Belgium’s expressed commitments to upholding international law and its actual practices, particularly concerning genocide denial and the treatment of refugees. The situation escalated to a diplomatic crisis following accusations against Belgium of interference in Rwandan affairs and scapegoating Rwanda for issues in the DRC. The ongoing discourse reflects deep-rooted tensions related to historical and contemporary conflicts in the region.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
