The visit of Belgian Prime Minister Maxime Prévot to Beni in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has stirred a mix of attention and unease, both locally and within the international community, as tensions remain high in a region long marked by violence, distrust, and complex geopolitical legacies.
During his stop in Beni, a territory repeatedly hit by attacks from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and other armed groups, Prime Minister Prévot met with the MONUSCO Force Commander, Lieutenant General Ulisses de Mesquita Gomes, and the Head of Office, Abdourahmane Ganda.
He praised their work under extremely difficult conditions, acknowledging their “daily commitment to civilian protection and stabilization in eastern DRC.”
However, Prévot also drew attention to one of the less visible but growing challenges faced by MONUSCO and international actors: the deep mistrust of local communities.
“MONUSCO operates in a hostile environment—repeated ADF attacks, limited freedom of movement, and rising skepticism from parts of the population have significantly hindered its mission,” he noted.
This mistrust has grown over years of perceived inaction, delayed responses to attacks, and an overwhelming sense of abandonment by both national and international actors.
Communities in Beni and beyond have repeatedly voiced frustration, and in some cases, open hostility toward peacekeepers. Adding to the unease surrounding Prévot’s visit is Belgium’s own historical role in the DRC.
As the country’s former colonial power, Belgium’s presence continues to carry symbolic and emotional weight—often reviving unresolved questions of justice, exploitation, and foreign interference.
The timing of this high-profile visit, amid escalating tensions and fragile ceasefires, has prompted cautious responses from local communities and international observers alike.
The Belgian top diplomat is hovering around a territory largely controlled by M23 , a movement that is battling the effects of Belgian colonial occupation. His presence rouses deeply rooted scars of past and present wounds.
While Belgium has positioned itself as a partner for peace and development, critics warn that gestures must be accompanied by genuine accountability and support for local-led solutions, not post colonial posturing.
“Any foreign presence here, especially from a country with such a complex past in Congo, must be measured, transparent, and respectful of the current sensitivities,” said a local activist in Goma.
Despite the controversy, Prévot reaffirmed Belgium’s long-term commitment to supporting the Congolese people, stating: “We will continue to be a committed partner for peace, human rights, and security in the DRC.”
Still, his visit has laid bare the fragile balance between international solidarity and historical memory—an ever-present tension in one of Africa’s most volatile and geopolitically sensitive regions.
