Thursday, March 27, 2025
Agyeman Joshua
BELGIUM: Liège Will Not Join This Year’s Tutsi Genocide Memorial
People take part in a demonstration against the "genocide in Goma of Congo committed by Rwanda sources / Luxitimes
According to RTBF (Belgian Radio and Television of the French Community), the City of Liège will not take part in this year’s commemoration of the 1994 Tutsi genocide in Rwanda.
A ceremony was planned for April 12, but the city and its police decided not to be involved. The reason is the tense international situation, especially the ongoing war in eastern Congo.
Last year, a special event was held at the city hall for the 30th anniversary of the genocide. But this year, Liège police advised the mayor not to take part, saying it could be dangerous.
“A risk analysis was done,” said Jadranka Lozina, the police spokesperson. “The police gave a negative opinion. The international political situation is very tense.”
RTBF reports that the city wants to avoid fights between Congolese and Rwandans living in Liège. Recently, Congolese people protested in the city, and some were seen with a sign showing Rwandan President Kagame with devil horns.
Many Congolese believe Rwanda supports the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo. Also, Rwanda has cut diplomatic ties with Belgium, which adds more tension.
To prevent conflict between the two communities, the city chose to stay neutral, following police advice.
However, many Rwandans are disappointed. Some say the city’s decision not to co-organize the ceremony feels like denying the genocide.
Still, the mayor has not banned Rwandans from holding their own event. If there is no threat to public safety, they are free to remember the genocide on their own.
A ceremony is still expected to take place on April 12, but it will happen without the city’s official support.
