This was voiced during the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, organized by the Rwandan Embassy in Belgium and IBUKA, umbrella organization of genocide survivors.

During the event, André Bucyana, the acting Chargé d’Affaires, illuminated the role played by the international community in these sorrowful times.

The commemoration was attended by a host of notable figures, including Jeroen Cooreman, the Director General for Bilateral Affairs at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Kalvin Soiresse Njall, President of the French-speaking section of the Brussels Regional Parliament; and Benoit Cerexhe, Mayor of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, where Brussels’ genocide memorial is located.

The event also saw participation from Dr. Jesse Jean, the Haitian Ambassador and chair of the ACP group’s committee of Ambassadors; Dr. Ibrahim Norbert, Deputy Secretary-General of the ACP; and Ernest SAGAGA, head of Ibuka Mémoire et Justice-Belgique, among others.

Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Bucyana reminded attendees that following the murder of 10 Belgian peacekeepers guarding Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana on April 7, 1994, Belgium decided to withdraw the remainder of its forces from Rwanda.

He mentioned that after the loss of the Belgian peacekeepers from MINUAR who were protecting the Prime Minister, Belgium not only withdrew its own troops but also influenced the UN to repatriate all MINUAR forces.

Initially, there were 2,700 peacekeeping troops in Rwanda, which was reduced to only 250 in Kigali to observe the situation.

Belgian troops had been positioned at the ETO Kicukiro vocational and technical school in Kigali, where many Tutsis had sought refuge, hoping for safety. However, on April 11, 1994, they left them vulnerable to the Interahamwe militia and government forces.

As the Belgian forces left, Tutsis trying to accompany them were pushed back, with shots fired to prevent them from following towards the Kigali International Airport.

Bucyana also recounted how Guy Verhofstadt, a former Prime Minister of Belgium, admitted Belgium’s involvement in these tragic events during a visit to Rwanda.

Verhofstadt, on a notable visit in 2000, acknowledged the need for reconciliation in Rwanda, stating the importance of admitting Belgium’s role and past mistakes.

He paid homage to the genocide victims and sought forgiveness on behalf of Belgium. The Rwandan government later recognized Verhofstadt’s acknowledgment, which came six years after the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The commemoration event in Brussels was attended by Rwandans, friends of Rwanda, diplomats, and officials from Belgium and the European Union, marking a significant moment of remembrance and reflection.

The event was moderated by Norbert Nsabimana.

Jeroen COOREMAN, representing the Belgian Government as a senior official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivering remarks.

Dr. Ibrahim Norbert, serving as the Deputy Secretary-General in ACP, was among the distinguished guests, highlighting the event's significance.

Kalvin Soiresse Njall, President of the French-speaking section of the Brussels Regional Parliament.

Sagaga, the President of Ibuka-Belgique laid a wreath at the memorial.

Gashumba Charles Damascène, the representative of RwandAir in Belgium and across Central European countries, graced the event with his presence.

Benoit Cerexhe, Mayor of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, where Brussels’ genocide memorial is located.

Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Bucyana reminded attendees that following the murder of 10 Belgian peacekeepers guarding Prime Minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana on April 7, 1994, Belgium decided to withdraw the remainder of its forces from Rwanda.

Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Rwanda;s Embassy in Belgium, André Bucyana during a walk to remember. Standing on his left, is Sagaga, the President of Ibuka-Belgique.

"Essuie tes larmes et tiens-toi debout," a poignant play written by Rurangwa Jean Marie Vianney, captivated audiences in Brussels at the ULB University auditorium.

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Photos: Jessica Rutayisire