Baku: Colonialism was not limited solely to the occupation of territories; it also shaped institutions that influenced political power, social identities, economic relations, and mechanisms of discrimination in society. These structures continue to exert their influence in a number of former colonies even decades after the formal end of colonialism,' said Charles Kayonga, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Azerbaijan, during his speech at the international conference titled 'Belgium's Colonial Injustice and the 101-Year Path to Reparations,' held in Baku on August 21.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the ambassador stated that the impact of historical events on contemporary politics and future developments must be taken into account. He emphasized that corrective justice serves both to eliminate historical harm and to build stronger and more solidarity-based relations between states and societies. Kayonga noted the importance of studying the political experience related to colonialism for understanding its long-term consequences.

He elaborated that colonialism not only occupied territories but also created institutions that influenced the formation of political power, social identities, and economic organization. These institutions determined who was included in society's processes and who was left out. He stressed that these structures continue to exist in some form in many former colonies and that it is necessary to delve into historical processes to mitigate their effects.

Kayonga also remarked that while colonialism did not mechanically determine Rwanda's subsequent political development, it did shape the institutional and social framework within which later political actors operated. He underlined the importance of clearly revealing the nature and long-term consequences of these structures to conduct meaningful discussions on historical responsibility, justice restoration, and reparations.