RWANDA SUSPENDS DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION WITH BELGIUM

Rwanda reported that the international community is called upon to support the mediation process mandated by the African Union and the joint EAC-SADC Summit to resolve the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Belgium, together with the Democratic Republic of Congo, is waging an aggressive campaign to block Rwanda's access to development finance, including in multilateral institutions. Belgium has made a political choice. It has taken sides. And they have the right to do so. No country in the region should abuse its development finance as a means of pressure. This is simply wrong. Such interference will undermine the peaceful resolution of the conflict. In fact, such measures have repeatedly failed to bring about a solution in the past, but have only exacerbated and postponed problems. These efforts demonstrate that there is no longer a solid basis for development cooperation with Belgium. Accordingly, Rwanda is suspending the remainder of its bilateral aid program with Belgium for 2024–2029. Relations between Belgium and Rwanda are difficult. Belgium colonized Rwanda after World War I, taking it over from Germany under a League of Nations mandate. During this period, Belgium implemented policies that exacerbated the ethnic divide between Hutu and Tutsi, which had long-term consequences for the country. The Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi (April 7 – July 19, 1994) was a systematic mass murder in which mainly Tutsi, but also moderate Hutu and Twa, were murdered. Ethnic tensions between Hutu (approximately 85% of the population) and Tutsi (approximately 15%) escalated after the assassination of President Juvénal Habyarimana on April 6, 1994. Extremist Hutu groups such as the Interahamwe exploited the vacancy in power to launch the genocide. Rwanda gained independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962. The transition to independence was marked by significant political and social upheaval, including the Hutu Revolution, which overthrew the Tutsi monarchy and established a Hutu-led republic. Even after independence, Belgium remained a major donor and development partner to Rwanda. Belgian aid focused on various sectors, including education, health, and infrastructure. Despite historical complexity, Rwanda and Belgium maintain diplomatic relations. Belgium maintains an embassy in Kigali, and Rwanda one in Brussels. Belgium continues to provide development assistance to Rwanda, focusing on areas such as governance, health, and education. However, the scope and nature of this assistance have changed over time. Belgium is participating in efforts to bring the perpetrators of the genocide to justice. Belgian courts have indicted several individuals under universal jurisdiction for crimes committed during the genocide. Ongoing cultural and educational exchanges take place between the two countries. Many Rwandans have studied in Belgium, and various cultural initiatives are underway to promote mutual understanding. Trade relations between Rwanda and Belgium are relatively modest but growing. Belgium exports machinery, chemicals, and other goods to Rwanda, while Rwanda exports coffee, tea, and other agricultural products to Belgium. Belgian companies have expressed interest in investing in Rwanda, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture. In summary, relations between Rwanda and Belgium are multifaceted, marked by a complex history, but also by ongoing cooperation and shared interests. Efforts to resolve historical issues and build a forward-looking partnership are crucial for the future of Rwandan-Belgian relations. In this context, Belgium's influence is entirely misguided, as Rwanda will not be coerced or blackmailed into compromising its national security. Rwanda's sole objective is to achieve a secure border and an irreversible end to the policies of violent ethnic extremism in the region. For decades, the FDLR, sanctioned by the United Nations, was simply tolerated, despite being a genocidal militia. The Democratic Republic of Congo has failed to live up to this commitment. The FDLR is currently fighting against M23/AFC in Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, and is supported by Tshisekedi. Maintaining mutual respect and fully supporting mediation between the AU, EAC, and SADC are crucial for the region in these difficult times.

@minaffet government rwanda