Rwanda has officially severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing the European nation of “consistently undermining” Rwanda amidst the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The move comes after Belgium spearheaded European calls for sanctions against Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which is at the heart of the DRC’s escalating crisis.
In response, Rwanda has given Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country, a strong signal of its frustration. Belgium, the former colonial power, has labeled Rwanda’s decision as “disproportionate” and vowed to retaliate.
Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot, took to social media to condemn Rwanda’s actions, stating that it demonstrated Rwanda’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue when disagreements arise.
Despite consistent assertions from the United Nations and the United States, Rwanda maintains that it does not back the M23 rebels.
In a scathing statement, Rwanda accused Brussels of “sustaining its neo-colonial delusions” and of deliberately trying to destabilize the region. Kigali further alleged that Belgium has taken sides in the regional conflict, using lies and manipulation to foster a hostile international opinion of Rwanda.
The diplomatic breakdown escalates as the fighting between the M23 and DRC’s armed forces intensifies in the east of the country, with over 7,000 deaths reported this year alone.
The UN children’s agency, UNICEF, has highlighted that over 850,000 people have been displaced since January, with the M23 gaining control of key cities like Goma and Bukavu in recent months.
In response to Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23, the UK has slashed some of its aid to Rwanda, while the UN Security Council has called for an end to hostilities and the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the DRC. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, however, remains defiant.
In a recent speech, he questioned Belgium’s role in dictating Rwanda’s affairs, rhetorically asking, “Who put you in charge of us?”
As the diplomatic standoff continues, the future of Rwanda-Belgium relations hangs in the balance, with both sides digging in their heels over the conflict in the DRC and broader regional dynamics.
