The recent decision by Rwanda to sever diplomatic relations with Belgium has brought to the forefront a complex and contentious history between the two nations. A closer examination of Belgium’s involvement in Rwanda reveals a pattern of divisive politics, colonialism, and genocide denial that has spanned over a century.
The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 marked the beginning of colonialism in Rwanda, with Belgium playing a significant role in shaping the country’s future. The conference led to Rwanda being assigned to the German zone, which was later taken over by Belgium. This period of colonialism was marked by the introduction of labor legislation, ethnic categorization, and the dismissal of Hutu and Twa chiefs and sub-chiefs.
Belgium’s actions during this period laid the foundation for the country’s future divisions. The introduction of identity cards with ethnic designations, for example, reinforced ethnic differences and created a system of ethnic classification that would later contribute to the genocide.
In 1916, Germany was defeated militarily by Belgium, leading to Belgium’s control over Rwanda. From 1917, Belgium initiated a deep reform of Rwanda’s customary institutions, including the introduction of labor legislation and ethnic categorization.
In 1924, the League of Nations officially assigned Belgium a trusteeship over Rwanda, with obligations to “promote the political, economic, and social progress of the populations, ensure equal treatment in these areas, develop their education towards self-governance or independence, respect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction of race, sex, language, or religion.” However, Belgium established a divisionism-based political system, contrary to these provisions.
In 1946, the United Nations reaffirmed Belgium’s trusteeship over Rwanda, with the same obligations. However, Belgium continued to pursue a policy of divisionism, reinforcing ethnic differences and creating tensions between different groups.
In the 1950s, Belgium’s policies in Rwanda became increasingly divisive. The deposition of King Musinga, who was forcibly sent to the Belgian Congo where he died, marked a significant turning point in Rwanda’s history. His son, Rudahigwa, was enthroned, but was eventually poisoned in July 1959 when he began demanding Rwanda’s independence.
The 1959-1963 period was marked by a series of massacres and killings, which were carried out by the racist party PARMEHUTU. Belgium deployed Colonel Guy Logiest to Rwanda, granting him full administrative powers, which helped to establish PARMEHUTU and carry out these atrocities.
In 1962, Rwanda gained independence, but this brought neither peace nor stability. The country had experienced four years of unpunished massacres, including that of more than 2,000 Tutsi in Byumba Prefecture in March 1962.
In December 1963, a real genocide targeting the Tutsi of Rwanda was organized with Belgium’s support. The international community, including diplomats and the press, described these killings as genocide.
In 1964, the Belgian government acknowledged the “liquidation of the Tutsi” and was concerned about being accused of participating in genocide. The Rwandan army, exclusively Hutu, created by Belgium and carrying out these massacres, was supervised by Belgian military officers under the command of Major Turpin.
In the 1970s, Belgium continued to exert significant influence over Rwanda. With the rise of General Juvenal Habyarimana to power in 1973, Belgian cooperation intensified, despite the hardening of this regime on important human rights issues, including the critical problem of Rwandan refugees excluded from returning to their country.
In the 1990s, Belgium’s involvement in Rwanda’s affairs became increasingly controversial. In October 1990, Belgium sent a contingent of 500 soldiers in support of the Rwandan regime, alongside France and Zaire. In 1993, after the signing of the Arusha Peace Accords, Belgium contributed 450 troops to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR).
However, despite possessing key information on the preparations for the genocide, Belgium withdrew its troops and conducted a diplomatic campaign to withdraw UNAMIR. On April 7, 1994, Belgium decided to withdraw its troops, thus paralyzing UNAMIR. On April 11, Belgian troops abandoned more than 2,000 refugees at ETO Kicukiro, who were slaughtered by government soldiers and Interahamwe militiamen.
Under Belgian pressure, on April 21, the Security Council decided to withdraw UNAMIR, leaving a symbolic military presence of 270 men in Rwanda.
In the aftermath of the genocide, Belgium attempted to make amends for its role in the atrocities. In 1997, a Belgian Senate Commission acknowledged Belgium’s responsibility in abandoning civilians, and in 2000, Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt issued a public apology on behalf of the Belgian state.
However, despite these efforts, Belgium’s relationship with Rwanda remains contentious. In recent years, Belgium has continued to pursue a policy of hostility against Rwanda, financing denialist networks and displaying partiality to the DR Congo Government.
In 2014, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2150, which instructed Member States to learn lessons from the genocide perpetrated in 1994 against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The resolution also condemned any denial of this genocide and called on Member States to establish educational programs to engrave in the minds of future generations the lessons of the genocide.
However, Belgium has failed to respect this resolution. Instead, it has continued to finance denialist networks with public budgetary support. This has contributed to the ongoing tensions between Belgium and Rwanda.
In 2025, Belgium engaged in a campaign targeting Rwanda over accusations of involvement in the conflict in eastern DR Congo. Belgium clearly took sides in a regional conflict and continued to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda.
The decision by Rwanda to sever diplomatic relations with Belgium is a clear indication of the deep-seated mistrust and frustration that exists between the two nations. As Rwanda continues to assert its sovereignty and independence, it is clear that the legacy of Belgium’s divisive politics will continue to shape the country’s future.
The international community must take note of Belgium’s actions and their consequences.
It is imperative that nations take responsibility for their actions and acknowledge their role in perpetuating conflict and division. Only through accountability and a commitment to truth can we hope to build a more just and peaceful world.
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The writer Joseph Nsimbi is a prominent journalist in Uganda, serving as the regional political editor at UG Standard, a reputable news outlet covering regional, breaking, business, and current affairs news.
As a seasoned journalist, Joseph Nsimbi has written extensively on various topics, including politics, corruption, and governance. Nsimbi’s reporting provides valuable insights into the regional political landscape and current events.
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