President Kagame Slams Vatican’s Push to Sanctify King Baudouin
The Vatican’s push to sanctify Belgian King Baudouin has sparked a strong reaction from Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who sharply criticized the lack of rationality in today’s global political landscape.
In a tweet posted on December 30, 2024, Kagame expressed his dismay over what he sees as an increasing trend in politics and decision-making where facts, evidence, and logic are disregarded in favor of subjective narratives. He wrote:
Very hard to rationalize anything these days! Global trend esp in politics is :- No need for facts,evidence or logic. Just… ‘ To whom it may concern’ !!!!
— Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) December 30, 2024
Kagame’s reaction followed an analysis by Amani Athar shared by Yolande Makolo, who raised questions about the moral justification for canonizing Belgian King Baudouin. The analysis suggests that the decision may not be based on his personal virtues, but rather on a more complex historical context. King Baudouin’s legacy is deeply intertwined with Belgium’s colonial past in Congo, a period marked by exploitation, violence, and systemic oppression. The king’s involvement in these colonial activities has led many to question whether such a figure is worthy of sainthood.
The push to sanctify King Baudouin has sparked outrage, particularly among those who believe it risks whitewashing history and failing to hold accountable individuals associated with colonial injustices. Kagame’s reaction reflects Rwanda’s broader stance on confronting the past with transparency and justice.
This exchange highlights a growing skepticism about decision-making processes that lack solid foundations in facts and evidence. Kagame’s comment serves as a call for global institutions to reflect on the wider societal and historical implications of their actions. As the debate over Vatican’s push to sanctify Belgian King Baudouin continues, it raises important questions about how history should be remembered and the responsibility of institutions in shaping collective memory.
