A flourished planted seed of hate: How Colonial-Era Divisions Continue to Shape Africa’s Conflicts.

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It all began in a meeting room far far away from Africa, a long time ago. The meting that changed the history of Africa came to be known as the Berlin conference. Organized by Otto von Bismarck, the first chancellor of Germany, at the request of Leopold II of Belgium. One of the main reasons to initiate the meeting, was to find natural resources and market of their finished goods. Similar to what is happening now, the same main powers then are keeping planting the seed of hate to keep looting Africa.  To achieve their plan they decided to use divide and rule and make locals hate each other so as to achieve their goals.

The Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 represented the peak of European rivalry for African territory, a phenomenon known as the Scramble for Africa. During the 1870s and early 1880s, European powers like Great Britain, France, and Germany turned to Africa as a source of natural resources to fuel their expanding industries and as a potential market for their manufactured goods. To protect their economic interests, these nations dispatched scouts to secure treaties with local populations or their supposed representatives. Likewise, Belgium’s King Leopold II, driven by a desire to amass personal wealth, employed agents to claim extensive lands in central Africa. Although generally indifferent to Africa, German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck felt obliged to assert territorial claims to safeguard Germany’s commercial interests.[1]

On their premeditated evil agenda of divide and rule Africa, the consequence of their actions was not only of then, even after 140 years we still face them. The saddest part of this, is that the main players initiating the colonization are still dividing Africa for their own interests, of course because of the minerals mainly found in the DRCongo.

Even after the colonization Rwanda and many other african countries chose to colaborate with their former colonizers for development purposes. But everytime the colonisers find a chance to plant the seed of hatred for their own intrests, they don’t miss the chance. But this time Rwanda said enough is enough.

February 18, 2025 marked the turning point in the relation with Belgium. Belgium[2] has led an aggressive campaign, together with DRC, aiming to sabotage Rwanda's access to development finance, including in multilateral institutions. In a statement, RWANDA SUSPENDS DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION WITH BELGIUM, Rwanda was clear of its stand. ‘’Belgium has made a political decision to choose a side in this conflict, which is its right, but politicizing development is plainly wrong. No country in the region should have its development finance jeopardized as a tool of leverage. Punitive, one-sided measures can only be constructed as unwarranted external interference that undermines the African-led mediation process, and thereby risks delaying the peaceful resolution of the conflict. Indeed, such measures have repeatedly failed to provide a solution in the past, only adding to the problems and deferring them to the future.’’

In moments like these, the westerns countries a.k.a the former colonizers are the first one who suspend aid or cooperations with the countries they consider as the ones they can control. This time was not the same case, in response to the decision of Belgium taking sides, Rwanda decided to suspend its entire 2024-2029 bilateral aid program with Belgium. Rwanda sent a firm message: we will not be bullied or blackmailed into compromising national security. The priority remains securing borders and permanently ending violent ethnic extremism in the region.[3]

On 4 March 2025, another major event happened. Rwanda issued a strong rebuke against Germany’s caretaker government, accusing it of politicizing development cooperation in a way that is both misguided and harmful. According to Rwanda, Germany claims to support African-led efforts to resolve the crisis in eastern DRC, yet its actions tell a different story. By failing to hold the DRC accountable for its alleged violations, Germany is only emboldening the country’s aggressive stance and prolonging the conflict unnecessarily.[4]

The statement goes further, pointing out what Rwanda sees as a glaring contradiction in Germany’s position. A nation that prides itself on recognizing the dangers of ethnic extremism, Germany is now turning a blind eye to the threat posed by the FDLR militia—an armed group backed by the DRC that Rwanda considers genocidal. This militia, Rwanda warns, not only threatens its own security but also endangers Congolese Tutsi communities in eastern DRC.[5]

Rwanda argues that countries like Germany, which have played a historical role in the region’s instability, should act with greater responsibility and avoid imposing one-sided, coercive measures. Instead of reinforcing divisions, they should be working toward a balanced and lasting solution. Despite these external pressures, Rwanda makes its stance clear: national security will not be compromised. The country remains committed to protecting its borders and engaging in regional peace efforts, but it refuses to be pressured into decisions that do not serve its interests.[6]

 President Paul Kagame in an interview with Jeune Afrique, remarked that Belgium has been a key player in fueling insecurity in the region but continues to ignore its own involvement. “There is a serious issue of dishonesty among those who should have helped solve this crisis. There are countries like Belgium which have a historical responsibility and are part of this problem,” he said. Belgium, a former colonial power in Rwanda, played a significant role in defining the country’s borders with its neighbors. Throughout the years of the conflict between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army coalition, Belgium has sided with the DRC instead of supporting peace negotiations. It has also openly criticized Rwanda, accusing it of backing M23. "They keep repeating the same thing, everything is Rwanda’s fault. How can you solve such a complex issue by blaming the victims? Kagame questioned. (The interview retold in an article of Igihe a local online newspaper.)[7]

The relations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are highly strained, with the DRC severing diplomatic ties over Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, a claim Rwanda denies. This is one of the fruits of the hate that the colonizers planted when they initiated their plan to colonize Africa.

 Rwanda through the ministry of foreign affairs in a statement on situation in EASTERN DRC dating 26th January 2025, Rwanda showed it concerns and commitment. Rwanda expressed concern over the lack of proper context in statements made about the conflict in eastern DRC, warning that misleading narratives do not contribute to a solution. The recent escalation around Goma, Rwanda asserted, was caused by repeated ceasefire violations by the Congolese army (FARDC), which is fighting alongside UN-sanctioned FDLR militias, European mercenaries, ethnic militias (Wazalendo), Burundian forces, SAMIDRC troops, and MONUSCO. Rwanda highlights UN reports confirming that the late Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, North Kivu’s Military Governor, was coordinating with the FDLR and obstructing FARDC operations against the militia’s leadership. This ongoing fighting near Rwanda’s border poses a direct threat to its security, necessitating a strong defensive posture.[8]

 The statement also refutes claims that Rwanda is responsible for the resurgence of M23, emphasizing that the group represents Congolese Tutsis and is not violating its own country’s territorial integrity. The breakdown of the Luanda process, due to the DRC’s refusal to engage in dialogue with M23, has fueled further conflict, threatening regional stability. Rwanda reiterates its commitment to a political resolution but stresses that mediation efforts like the Luanda and Nairobi processes must be reinvigorated to achieve lasting peace in the region.[9]

 

The legacy of colonialism continues to cast a long shadow over Africa, particularly in the Great Lakes region. The divide-and-rule tactics employed during the Berlin Conference not only fractured African societies at the time but also planted deep-seated divisions that persist today. The ongoing tensions between Rwanda, the DRC, and the implication Western powers like Belgium and Germany reflect this historical interference, with external actors continuing to exploit regional conflicts for their own interests.

 However, Rwanda’s firm stance against foreign interference signals a shift in the narrative. By prioritizing national security and rejecting political pressure, Rwanda is asserting its sovereignty and demanding a more balanced approach to resolving regional conflicts. The broader lesson for Africa is clear: true independence is not just about political freedom but also about resisting external manipulation that perpetuates division and instability. Only through unity, regional cooperation, and self-determined leadership can Africa overcome the lingering effects of colonialism and build a future free from external exploitation.

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