KIGALI, Rwanda – Rwanda has announced a complete severance of diplomatic relations with Belgium, ordering all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.
The decision, which marks a dramatic escalation in tensions, was announced by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
In a statement, the ministry accused Belgium of undermining Rwanda’s sovereignty and engaging in what it called “pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions.”
The statement further alleged that Belgium had been actively working against Rwanda in international forums and taking sides in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The rift between the two nations comes against the backdrop of growing international scrutiny over Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the eastern DRC conflict.
Rwanda has consistently denied accusations of supporting M23 rebels, an armed group that has been fighting the Congolese government.
However, Belgium, along with several Western nations, has called out Rwanda’s role in the instability, imposing various sanctions and restrictions.
According to Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry, Belgium’s actions have gone beyond diplomacy, accusing the European nation of “systematically mobilizing” international pressure against Kigali.
The statement also alleged that Belgium was using “lies and manipulation” to foster hostility towards Rwanda on the global stage.
The accusations extend beyond present-day tensions, with Rwanda also blaming Belgium for its historical role in fostering ethnic extremism, which, according to the statement, contributed to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The ministry claimed that Belgium continues to allow its territory to be used by groups that deny the genocide and promote related ideology.
Rwanda’s decision to cut ties with Belgium follows a wave of diplomatic pressure from Western nations.
Earlier this month, Germany joined the US and the UK in imposing sanctions on Rwanda over its alleged role in the DRC conflict.
Canada also announced new measures, suspending export permits for controlled goods and halting new government-to-government business with Rwanda.
Responding to Canada’s move, Rwanda dismissed the sanctions as ineffective, insisting that the resolution to the DRC crisis must come from African-led mediation rather than external pressure.
“The measures against Rwanda announced by Canada will not solve the conflict. Rwanda will continue to work with the region on the agreed African-led mediation process, while we safeguard our national security,” the government said.
The breakdown of relations between Rwanda and Belgium underscores deeper geopolitical tensions in the Great Lakes region.
With increasing pressure from Western nations over the conflict in the DRC, Rwanda is positioning itself as resistant to what it sees as external interference.
The decision to expel Belgian diplomats signals a broader realignment in Rwanda’s foreign policy as it pushes back against international criticism.
