Rwanda-Belgium: Nduhungirehe criticizes the Liège authorities

Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe has criticized authorities in the Belgian city of Liège for canceling the 31st commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

The commemoration of the genocide was planned for April 12 in the city of Liège, but civil and police authorities have canceled the event. They claim that “the international political context is particularly tense today.”

While Rwandans will still be allowed to gather privately for the commemoration, Liège Mayor Willy Demeyer has announced that he will not attend. Authorities have also warned that if public order is threatened, the gathering will not be permitted.

“The virus of Holocaust denial, spread by the Congolese government and its supporters in Belgium, is rapidly taking hold in the Kingdom of Leopold” Olivier Nduhungirehe

Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe condemned this decision. He believes it demonstrates that the genocide-denying narrative, propagated by the DRC authorities and their Belgian supporters, is spreading rapidly in Belgium.

“It is clear that the virus of Holocaust denial, spread by the Congolese government and its supporters in Belgium, is rapidly taking root in the Kingdom of Leopold,” Nduhungirehe wrote on his X account.

Minister Nduhungirehe also pointed out that Liège is governed by the Socialist Party (PS), which includes Lydia Mutyebele, a member of parliament from the DRC known for her hostility towards Rwanda and her genocide denial.

He also cited André Flahaut, who recently expressed his support for Kinshasa’s leadership in the context of current regional tensions.

Nduhungirehe also recalled that April 7 is an internationally recognized day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly, for the whole world to join Rwandans in commemorating the genocide committed against the Tutsi in 1994.

The Liège authorities have traditionally joined the Rwandans to commemorate the genocide.

According to Belgian broadcaster RTBF, the city’s decision was made following a warning from the Liège police. The police cited tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. They expressed concern that people from both countries residing in the city could clash during the event.

“An analysis of the potential problem was carried out. The Liège police issued an unfavorable opinion. The international political climate is unstable,” said Jadranka Lozina, spokesperson for the Liège police.

The decision by the authorities in Liège comes in a context of tense diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium.

Liège authorities have traditionally joined Rwandans in commemorating the genocide and had scheduled the event for April 12, 2025.