John AdoyiRwanda announced on Monday that it is severing diplomatic ties with its former colonial ruler, Belgium, accusing the European nation of spearheading efforts to impose sanctions against Rwanda over its alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).
As part of the move, Kigali ordered all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours. The decision follows a speech by Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, on Sunday, where he strongly criticised Belgium for what he described as consistent interference in Rwanda’s affairs.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“Belgians go to Kinshasa, point a finger at Rwanda, and say they will impose sanctions on us and also mobilise the world against Rwanda. They are shameless. Mobilising the world against Rwanda, with our small size? They should leave us alone,” Kagame said.
The diplomatic rift comes amid mounting international pressure on Rwanda to halt the activities of the M23 rebel group, which launched attacks on eastern DR Congo earlier this year. The group has captured key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, both of which are vital due to their strategic locations and rich mineral resources.
A United Nations report alleged that Rwanda has about 4,000 troops operating within DR Congo and maintains control over the M23 rebels. However, the Rwandan government has repeatedly denied any involvement in the conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of over 7,000 people and the displacement of more than seven million.
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In a statement on Monday, the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, accused Belgium of “consistently” working to undermine Rwanda during the conflict.
“The Government of Rwanda today notified the Government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately,” the ministry said.
Belgium swiftly responded to the diplomatic fallout, announcing a reciprocal move by expelling Rwandan diplomats from its territory. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot expressed regret over Rwanda’s decision, calling it disproportionate.
“Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium’s diplomats persona non grata,” Prevot stated on X (formerly Twitter). “This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue.”
The crisis further strains relations between Rwanda and the international community, as several nations continue to pressure Kigali to withdraw alleged support for the M23 rebels and play a role in de-escalating the conflict in DR Congo. It remains uncertain how the diplomatic fallout will affect broader regional stability and international efforts to mediate peace in the region.
