A Rwandan senate delegation has expressed concern over the heavy influence Belgium holds in shaping European perspectives on Africa’s Great Lakes regional affairs, particularly among Nordic countries. After considering several factors, all linked with “Belgium's pitiful attempts to sustain its neo-colonial delusions,” on March 17, Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium. ALSO READ: A historical timeline of Belgium's divisive politics in Rwanda The senators on Friday, April 4, explained that many European officials they engaged with during their visit to Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, from March 10 to 15, appeared to follow Belgium’s lead without critically assessing the region's realities. “Many officials we engaged with expressed the sentiment that, as Europeans, they must align with the broader European position. Some countries seemed particularly influenced by Belgium’s stance,” Sen Usta Kaitesi who was the head of delegation stated. “Even when some officials acknowledged our points, they insisted that they had to adhere to the European consensus.” ALSO READ: Belgium’s moral bankruptcy: The DNA of Genocide denial Sen Kaitesi emphasized that the discussions they had with officials in the European countries provided an opportunity to challenge misleading narratives about Rwanda. It became evident that accurate information about the region does not always reach key stakeholders. Therefore, it is crucial to counter these misleading false narratives that harm Rwanda’s image and distort the security situation in the region, she noted. As explained, during a meeting in Finland, MP Pekka Haavisto, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, acknowledged the complexity of the issues in the region and emphasized the need for a solution, particularly concerning the DR Congo-based genocidal militia, FDLR, and internal challenges within the country. ALSO READ: Belgian lawyer on why genocide ideology doesn’t dissolve three decades after dispersion of genocidaires The senators took the opportunity to highlight Belgium's historical ties with Rwanda, Burundi, and DR Congo, stressing that this history should not grant Belgium the authority to dictate European policy on the region. European officials explained that Belgium is perceived as the very knowledgeable about the Great Lakes region, leading other European countries to follow its lead due to its established networks and expertise on the ground. The Rwandan lawmakers emphasized that fostering a direct understanding of Rwanda’s reality rather than relying solely on Belgium’s narrative would help ensure a more balanced perspective. Belgium should not continue to be regarded as the sole source of information about the region, they stressed. The delegation found that there was a distorted narrative regarding the security situation in eastern DR Congo, particularly concerning the presence of FDLR and its role in destabilizing Rwanda. “Many of the officials we engaged with seemed to have adopted a biased stance, some have misrepresented the situation, comparing Rwanda’s actions to those of Russia in Ukraine, claiming that Rwanda seeks to annex parts of the DR Congo. This is entirely false. While the situation of the Tutsi communities in DR Congo is a human rights concern, it remains an internal Congolese issue,” Sen Kaitesi said. ALSO READ: Europe Day: Rwanda, EU reflect on partnership, forging stronger bonds For years, Rwanda has raised concerns about FDLR and the spread of genocidal ideology across the region, yet decisive actions have not been taken. The delegation noted that some European officials downplayed the threat posed by FDLR, dismissing it as weak. Questioning the selective application of international law “Rwanda has no interest in Congo beyond ensuring its own security. Some [European] officials argued that if Rwanda was present in DR Congo, it should face consequences. We responded by questioning the selective application of international law. Mercenaries have been documented fighting in the country yet no sanctions have been imposed on those responsible.” ALSO READ: European mercenaries surrender to M23, get safe passage through Rwanda The senators also raised concerns about inflammatory rhetoric from Congolese officials. They highlighted a statement made by Congolese foreign minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, in New York, urging foreign governments to take action against Rwanda, which led to violent incidents, including the burning of Rwanda’s embassy, a violation of the Geneva Convention. ALSO READ: DR Congo crisis: Rwanda’s inescapable dilemma of ‘when you do you’re damned, when you don’t you’re damned’ During discussions, the delegation emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity in eastern DR Congo and explained why Rwanda has taken necessary defensive security measures to protect itself. They also discussed ways to improve bilateral relations, particularly in trade, and stressed the importance of accurate storytelling based on facts. Some officials acknowledged that dismantling FDLR was crucial for a lasting solution. There was also recognition that sanctions imposed on Rwanda have not led to positive outcomes. Some suggested that Kinshasa should engage in meaningful dialogue to implement decisions made by regional leaders. The senators met with officials from the ministries of foreign affairs, research centers, and major newspapers. ALSO READ: DR Congo must cut ties with FDLR, abandon plan to attack Rwanda – RPF leader Sen John Bonds Bideri emphasized that Belgium has adopted a biased narrative regarding the DR Congo crisis, influencing the stance of Nordic legislators. “Our objective was to counter this narrative by clarifying that it lacks balance.” The committee explained the security situation in the region, Rwanda’s defensive measures, and the initiatives taken by regional leaders through the EAC and SADC to find a lasting solution. They stressed the importance of maintaining ongoing dialogue with European institutions to strengthen relations and cooperation. “As part of parliamentary diplomacy, we must strategically engage both allies and those who do not share our perspective, ensuring that all parties understand Rwanda’s position,” added Sen. Bideri.
