Washington, March 18, 2025
To the attention of:
Mr. Bart De Wever,
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium
16 Rue de la Loi, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Subject: The Opposition and the Rwandan People Distance Themselves from the Kigali Regime, Reaffirm Their Historical Ties with Belgium, and Commit to Maintaining Good Bilateral Relations
Mr. Prime Minister,
The Movement for the Republic and Democracy (MRD), which brings together the republican and democratic Rwandan opposition from diverse political backgrounds, wishes to express its deep concern regarding the repeated threats made by President Paul Kagame against Belgium. These hostile statements are part of a broader pattern of intimidation toward any country or institution seeking to promote peaceful solutions to the ongoing war and instability in the Great Lakes region.
On March 16, 2025, during a speech delivered at the Kigali Arena before thousands of Rwandans, Paul Kagame once again issued explicit threats against Belgium and other nations critical of his governance. This speech illustrates a recurring strategy of intimidation and verbal escalation, highlighting the growing isolation of his regime on the international stage.
The following day, on March 17, 2025, Rwanda made the irresponsible decision to sever diplomatic relations with Belgium. This decision once again demonstrates that the Kigali regime does not consider the risks and dangers this rupture poses to Rwandans, who will be the first to suffer its consequences.
For over thirty years, Rwanda has been under the domination of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), a regime characterized by a complete disregard for international laws and principles of sovereignty. Paul Kagame has employed brutal methods to consolidate his power: targeted assassinations, kidnappings, intimidation, systematic repression, and manipulation of information. His autocratic vision has reduced Rwanda to a personal property, where the population is exploited to serve his interests and those of his family.
The unilateral decision to end cooperation with Belgium perfectly exemplifies this dictatorial approach. A responsible leader would have assessed the detrimental consequences of such a rupture on vital sectors such as health, education, and the economy. However, General Paul Kagame, shielded by his repressive apparatus, will suffer no harm from this decision; only the Rwandan people will pay the price.
Despite these tensions, we wish to reaffirm the profound gratitude of the Rwandan people toward Belgium. Our shared history is rich and transcends the ambitions of a single individual. We have not forgotten Belgium’s contributions to Rwanda’s development, particularly in the fields of education, health, and economic growth. We also honor the memory of the Belgian soldiers who fell in Rwanda in 1994 while attempting to preserve peace for our people.
For years, the RPF has sought to rewrite history, particularly by vilifying Belgium to serve its political interests and ensure the perpetuation of Paul Kagame’s power and that of his clan. We, the Rwandan people, firmly reject these manipulations and call on Belgium and the international community to recognize the reality faced by the Rwandan people: within the country, they live under an oppressive regime, and abroad, they endure constant pressure and threats.
We appeal to Belgium, as well as to all international partners, to support efforts to end this dictatorship and restore the Republic and democracy in Rwanda. A democratic transition would not only bring freedom to the Rwandan people but would also guarantee stability for the entire Great Lakes region.
We wish to reassure the Belgian people, the international community, and the countries of the sub-region that we are ready and prepared to share our vision for a democratic Rwanda. We are willing to collaborate with all partners of good faith in mutual respect and with the priority of serving the interests of our peoples.
In the hope of a fairer and freer future for our people, we kindly ask you to accept, Mr. Prime Minister, the expression of our highest consideration.
Rev. Christine COLEMAN
President of the Movement for the Republic and Democracy (MRD Rwanda)
Copies for information:
- Mr. Maxime Prévot, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium
Rue des Quatre Bras 2, 1000 Brussels, Belgium - Presidents of Belgian Political Parties:
- Mr. Georges-Louis Bouchez, President of the Reformist Movement (MR)
- Ms. Conner Rousseau, President of the Socialist Party (PS)
- Mr. Tom Van Grieken, President of Vlaams Belang (VB)
- Ms. Meyrem Almaci, Co-President of Ecolo
- Mr. Joachim Coens, President of the Christian Democratic and Flemish Party (CD&V)
- European Commission:
Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Rue de la Loi 200, 1049 Brussels, Belgium - United Nations Security Council:
United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY 10017, United States
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