The city of Charleroi has decided not to participate in the commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, scheduled for May 24. Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot, clarified that this decision is independent of the federal government’s stance.
In its announcement, the city cited the minister’s decision to suspend foreign relations with Rwanda, stating it must adhere to this directive by halting all interactions with Rwandan-affiliated entities.
However, Minister Prévot, via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on May 26, refuted this claim, emphasizing that no such directive was issued by the federal government. He stressed that Belgium has not severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda and that commemorating the genocide remains a distinct and essential responsibility.
Prévot highlighted that he had encouraged Belgian embassies worldwide to participate in commemoration events when invited. He concluded that Charleroi’s decision was made independently and does not reflect the federal government’s position.
This development occurs amid strained relations between Rwanda and Belgium, following Rwanda’s decision to cut diplomatic ties, accusing Belgium of undermining its interests and siding with the Democratic Republic of Congo in regional disputes.
