The Belgian Mandate over the Rwanda-Urundi Territory: Historical Background and Implementation Mechanisms1914-1924

Abstract

This research paper aims to examine the role played by Belgium in East Africa during World War I, based on its presence in the Congo colony, participating militarily alongside Britain against the German presence, and on the basis of prior agreements and those that followed the war.

      Among the most important findings are that Great Britain granted the Rwanda-Urundi region to the Belgians as a conditional reward through the mandate mechanism established by the League of Nations, in exchange for a guarantee and the possibility of exploiting a portion of the territory to implement Cecil Rhodes' strategic project, thus writing a new chapter in the history and destiny of the region.