In the international conference held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, to mark the 31st anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the Minister of Local Government, Dr. Bizimana, revealed the truth about Belgium’s role in planning and supporting the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The Minister stated that Belgium played a significant part in sowing division among the Rwandan people before the Genocide began, and it continues to support the ideology behind the Genocide to this day.
Dr. Bizimana emphasized that Belgium supported the formation of ethnic-based political parties, such as PARIMEHUTI and APOROSOMA, which undermined Rwandan unity. He also highlighted that various written records show that, before the Belgian colonizers arrived, Rwandans identified as a united nation, bound by their love for the country and the King.
The Minister also referred to works written by priests and Rwandan intellectuals, as well as the 1953 book by Pagesse, which illustrate that Rwandans had a strong sense of unity before the arrival of the colonizers. He added that if the Belgian colonizers had not disrupted this unity, Rwandans would not have resorted to committing Genocide.
Dr. Bizimana called for Belgium to stop supporting the Genocide ideology and pointed out that commemoration efforts in Belgium continue to face obstacles, with cities like Liege and Burge banning public memorials for the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Minister expressed his appreciation for France, which has taken a different stance, by punishing those who deny the Genocide. He specifically mentioned the 2024 case of Charles Onana, who was punished for denying the Genocide against the Tutsi, marking the first time such a punishment occurred outside Rwanda.
He further emphasized that European countries, particularly Belgium, should adhere to international laws in combating Genocide ideology and continue to commemorate and denounce the Genocide against the Tutsi, rather than supporting divisive actions or ignoring the need for remembrance.
