Belgium’s links with DR Congo-FDLR alliance ‘leaves no room for ambiguity’, says minister

The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), Jean-Damascène Bizimana, was shocked when Maxime Prévot, Belgium’s deputy prime minister and foreign affairs minister, on Monday, April 7, claimed that his country was, among other things, working to ensure that criminals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are brought to book. ALSO READ: A historical timeline of Belgium's divisive politics in Rwanda Prévot made the puzzling claims, in a post on X, as Rwandans and friends of Rwanda the world over started commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Last month, Kigali decided to sever diplomatic relations with Belgium after the European country “consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict.” @prevotmaxime A la lecture de votre message je reste perplexe quant à votre vraie prise de conscience de la gravité du génocide des Tutsi. Que fait le ministère public belge pour poursuivre des actes négationnistes du génocide des Tutsi qui se déroulent sur votre territoire au vu... https://t.co/4QNnlfEbDl — Dr. Jean Damascene BIZIMANA (@DrDamascene) April 7, 2025 In response, Bizimana told Prévot that “I remain perplexed as to your true awareness of the seriousness” of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Bizimana added: “What is the Belgian public prosecutor's office doing to prosecute acts of denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi that are taking place on your territory in full view of everyone? Nothing, absolutely nothing. ALSO READ: Belgium’s moral bankruptcy: The DNA of Genocide denial “This single serious act of impunity is enough to disbelieve you. Would you dare to tolerate acts of Holocaust denial such as you do in favour of the denial and falsification of the Genocide against the Tutsi? Of course not. Your compromises with the FARDC-FDLR are also an obvious fact that leaves no room for ambiguity.” FDLR is a DR Congo-backed terrorist group formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Integrated into the Congolese army coalition which is battling the AFC/M23 rebel movement, the genocidal militia joined forces with Kinshasa’s allies, with a plan to attack Rwanda. The genocidal militia’s genocidal ideology is the biggest threat to Rwanda, and the region. Last month, Bizimana also highlighted the fact that Belgium is funding organizations that deny the 1994 Genocide. Bizimana debunked claims made by Prévot who had claimed that Belgium remains committed to enforcing the law on the denial of the Genocide against the Tutsi and respecting international humanitarian law. ALSO READ: Rwanda cuts diplomatic ties with Belgium Belgium is known for genocide denial since it funds notorious genocide denial organizations, including CLIIR, led by Joseph Matata, and JAMBO ASBL, founded by nostalgic supporters of PARMEHUTU, including the grandchildren of Mbonyumutwa and the children of genocide perpetrators convicted by the ICTR, such as Placide Kayumba, son of Dominique Ntawukuriryayo (sentenced to 25 years in prison), and Laure Uwase, daughter of Anastase Nkundukozera (sentenced to life imprisonment by Gacaca courts). ALSO READ: Jambo ASBL and the intersection of religion and extremism ALSO READ: Brussels' posture against Rwanda is 'profoundly irresponsible', says ex-Belgian senator Uwase’s mother, Agnès Mukarugomwa, owns Ikondera Libre, a radio station that spreads hatred and genocide denial. Beyond funding these denialist lobbies, Bizimana said, Belgium has never prosecuted any genocide deniers, despite their presence on its soil, including Belgian nationals like Peter Verlinden, Father Serge Desouter, and others. On respect for international law, the minister said Belgium does not enforce UN Resolution 2150, which mandates strict measures against FDLR. “Belgium does not condemn the Tshisekedi regime for arming and collaborating with the FDLR. Like every other European state, Belgium remains silent on the use of mercenaries by the DRC, despite the fact that mercenaries are banned under the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols,” the minister said.

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Belgium’s links with DR Congo-FDLR alliance ‘leaves no room for ambiguity’, says minister