Former Belgian senator Alain Destexhe criticizes Belgium’s escalating hostilities towards Rwanda, claiming they are irresponsible and damaging to historical reconciliations. He addresses Belgium’s role in exacerbating tensions through its alignment with the Congolese narrative, its colonial past, and recent parliamentary resolutions, emphasizing the need for neutrality.
The former Belgian senator Alain Destexhe decries the Belgian government’s stance on Rwanda, deeming it “profoundly irresponsible” and exacerbating historical tensions tied to the brutality of colonial rule. In a recent commentary, he expressed that the government’s alignment with the Congolese narrative against Rwanda has reopened wounds that had started to heal since Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt’s apology in 2000.
Destexhe criticized Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot for leading a campaign perceived as hostile towards Rwanda, particularly in light of Rwanda’s recent decision to sever diplomatic ties with Belgium. The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that this decision was a response to Belgium’s “neo-colonial delusions” and its attempts to sway international opinion against Rwanda.
Destexhe urged Belgium to maintain neutrality in regional disputes instead of adopting a confrontational posture. He highlighted the unprecedented aggressiveness of Belgium’s approach since the events surrounding the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, stating that the government’s current actions could undermine regional stability. He also reminded that Belgium’s historical legacy included systematic ethnic classification and discrimination that fueled conflict in Rwanda.
In his commentary, he referenced significant past events, such as Belgium’s policy shift in 1959 that precipitated ethnic cleansing against the Tutsi. He asserted that, during the genocide, Belgium failed to heed warning signs and did not act to aid protection efforts, recalling that Belgium campaigned for the removal of UN forces that could have prevented the ensuing violence.
Lastly, Destexhe criticized a recent resolution passed by the Belgian Parliament, which he believes reflects ignorance of the current geopolitical realities and contains hostile rhetoric toward Rwanda. He questioned the efficacy of insults and threats from the Belgian government, highlighting the need for a knowledgeable and diplomatic approach regarding the situation in the region.
In summary, Alain Destexhe contends that Belgium’s recent actions against Rwanda reveal a dangerous disregard for historical context and regional dynamics. His commentary underscores the need for Belgium to adopt a neutral stance and act carefully, considering the ramifications of its foreign policy in light of its colonial past and the sensitive state of relations between Rwanda and its neighbors.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
