KIGALI, RWANDA (BG) — Rwanda has officially severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, citing its alleged interference in regional affairs and historical role in fueling ethnic divisions.
The decision, announced by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Monday, is effective immediately.
According to the statement, Rwanda’s move follows “careful consideration of several factors, all linked with Belgium’s pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions.”
The Rwandan government accused Belgium of undermining the country for decades, particularly in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda’s decision to cut ties with Belgium comes amid ongoing accusations from the international community that the Rwandan government is backing the M23 rebels in the DRC—allegations Kigali has repeatedly denied. The conflict in eastern DRC has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands and resulted in significant loss of life.
“Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in which Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda,” the statement read.
The Rwandan government further accused Belgium of mobilizing against Rwanda through “lies and manipulation” to destabilize both the country and the broader region. It also accused Belgium of allowing its territory to be used by groups promoting genocide denial.
Rwanda’s decision requires all Belgian diplomats to leave within 48 hours. However, the government assured it would comply with the Vienna Convention to protect Belgian diplomatic premises and property.
The move has drawn reactions from political figures and officials. Nigerian Senator and human rights activist Shehu Sani commented on the situation, saying, “Rwanda breaking diplomatic ties with Belgium is a strong message to the former colonial masters that not all African states will surrender their sovereignty and dignity for crumbs of economic aid.”
Belgium, in response, called Rwanda’s decision “disproportionate” and announced reciprocal measures.
“Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium’s diplomats persona non grata. This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda they prefer not to engage in dialogue,” said Maxime Prévot, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation.
Prévot added that Belgium would take similar actions by summoning Rwanda’s chargé d’affaires, declaring Rwandan diplomats persona non grata, and terminating governmental cooperation agreements.
The breakdown in relations marks a significant shift in diplomatic ties between the two nations, which have a long and complex history dating back to Belgium’s colonial rule over Rwanda until the country’s independence in 1962.
