In response to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Rwandan government announced on Monday that it has severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, effective immediately.
The decision was communicated to the Belgian government, with Rwandan authorities accusing Belgium of undermining Rwanda both before and during the current conflict in the DRC.
In an official statement, the Rwandan government criticized Belgium for its historical role in the region, describing it as “deep and violent,” particularly in actions taken against Rwanda. The statement further accused Belgium of taking sides in the regional conflict and systematically mobilizing against Rwanda in international forums.
“Today, Belgium has clearly aligned itself in this regional conflict and continues to use lies and manipulation to foster unjustified hostility toward Rwanda, aiming to destabilize both our nation and the region,” the statement read.
The Rwandan government also instructed all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours, in accordance with the Vienna Convention. It assured the protection of Belgian diplomatic premises, property, and archives in Kigali.
The move comes amid heightened tensions over the conflict in eastern DRC, where the M23 armed group—allegedly linked to Rwanda—has been accused of launching large-scale operations resulting in hundreds of deaths, according to the Congolese government. Rwanda has consistently denied involvement in the conflict.
The decision to cut ties with Belgium follows recent remarks by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who accused Belgium of advocating for international sanctions against Rwanda over the DRC conflict. Kagame also highlighted Belgium’s historical role in fueling ethnic extremism, which contributed to the entrenched discrimination and persecution of the Tutsi community during the 1994 genocide.
Rwanda emphasized that the decision reflects its commitment to protecting national interests, preserving dignity, and upholding principles of sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect.
In response, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot expressed regret over Rwanda’s decision, calling it “disproportionate” and criticizing Rwanda for avoiding dialogue. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prévot stated that Belgium would reciprocate by declaring Rwandan diplomats persona non grata and suspending governmental cooperation agreements.
The diplomatic rift marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations in East Africa.
