The Great Lakes Region has endured decades of turmoil, much of it rooted in historical injustices and unresolved colonial legacies. At the center of this past stands Belgium, whose colonial rule in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi left behind deep divisions, economic exploitation, and governance structures that continue to haunt the region to this day.

In fact, the problems in the east of DR Congo are directly linked to Belgium but instead of supporting efforts for lasting peace, Brussels has chosen to fuel tensions by backing the Kinshasa regime while leading an international campaign to unfairly blame Rwanda for the DR Congo’s persistent challenges.

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By aligning itself with the Congolese government’s refusal to engage in meaningful peace efforts, Belgium has emboldened Kinshasa to resist the peace processes spearheaded by African leaders.

The Luanda and Nairobi peace initiatives – which have since been merged – were designed to bring stability to eastern DR Congo, have faced deliberate sabotage from a regime that feels protected by its international allies, Belgium being one of the most prominent.

Rather than urging Kinshasa to take responsibility for its failures in governance, Belgium has instead worked to deflect blame onto Rwanda, ignoring the complex realities of the conflict.

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It is impossible to discuss the Great Lakes Region’s problems without acknowledging the colonial wounds left by Belgium. The divisions between communities, the arbitrary borders that disregarded ethnic and cultural ties, and the economic structures that prioritized exploitation over sustainable development—all of these have played a role in shaping the crises we see today.

The DR Congo, despite being one of the most resource-rich countries in the world, remains plagued by instability, corruption, and underdevelopment. This is not Rwanda’s doing; it is a direct consequence of the deeply flawed foundations laid during Belgium’s colonial rule and the continued meddling in Congolese affairs.

Rwanda has repeatedly called for dialogue and regional solutions to the conflict in eastern DR Congo and has openly shown goodwill to play her part. However, instead of supporting these efforts, Belgium has taken an active role in shaping an international narrative that paints Rwanda as the aggressor, providing cover for the Kinshasa regime to continue avoiding its responsibilities. The protection and sponsorship of groups such as the FDLR, a genocidal force responsible for continued violence both in eastern DR Congo and in Rwanda, further exposes the hypocrisy of Belgium’s stance.

The time has come for Belgium to reckon with its past and cease its destructive role in the region. Instead of reviving colonial-era power games, it should support the peace initiatives already in place and encourage the Congolese government to engage in meaningful dialogue with its neighbours.

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The people of the Great Lakes Region deserve a future shaped by peace, stability, and regional cooperation—not one dictated by the lingering shadows of colonial exploitation and modern-day political manipulations.