Van Baalen, MEP VVD, defends end to Dutch financial aid to Rwanda - Main contents

“The Dutch government doesn’t want to donate money to a country in which human rights are being violated and where there is a lack of democracy.”

“Kagame! Murderer! Kagame! Murderer!” Hundreds of Rwandans and Congolese demonstrated in Brussels the last few of days. They are angry that President Paul Kagame is invited to the European capital. But the demonstration was in vain - Brussels and Kigali remain close friends.

“The president of Rwanda is a criminal”, says Paul Rusesabagina. The famous manager of Hôtel des Mille Collines is one of the demonstrators who are gathered on Albertina square in Brussels.“It is a disgrace that the European Union welcomes Kagame. The UN charge him with war crimes in Eastern Congo. We want to wake up the international community.”

Brussels is proud of the progress Rwanda has made since the 1994 genocide. During the European Development Days in a heavily secured congress centre, the Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luise Mushikiwabo, spoke of the equality of men and women in her country.

Buying influence

“In Brussels the idea exists that we wield influence if we support Rwanda”, says Dutch Member of the European Parliament, Hans van Baalen. “Even now, after the recent accusations stated in a UN report.” Mr Van Baalen thinks this conviction will be proven false. The Dutch government feels the same about it. The Netherlands won’t send direct financial aid to Rwanda in 2011. “The government doesn’t want to donate money to a country in which human rights are being violated and where there is a lack of democracy.” Another cause of concern is the trial against the Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire. But according to British member of the European parliament, Michal Cashman the Netherlands are wrong. “Where is the evidence? We’ll have to be careful with accusing Rwanda”, he says.

Netherlands stands alone

“The word ‘genocide’ is being used far to easily in Eastern Congo. Rwanda has known a genocide and wants to prevent that it will happen ever again.” Therefore Brussels should keep on supporting Rwanda, is the opinion of most politicians in the European capital.

Mr Van Baalen admits that the Netherlands at the moment stands alone in its opinion: “The Netherlands has taken a clear stance. But it is hard to find support in Brussels. I’m going to talk about the issue with the commission of Foreign Affairs and European parliament.”

Meanwhile the demonstrators in the centre of Brussels leave the square disappointed. They have been sent away by the police. They take their boards and banners back home.

President Kagame didn’t hold his announced speech during the European congress. He left early to Rwanda for more pressing issues. His minister of Foreign Affairs replaces him and thanks Europe for all the support. To Radio Netherlands Ms Mushikwabo says: “We respect the decision of the Netherlands to stop direct aid for Rwanda. But our relationship with the European Union remains very friendly.”