Rwanda sever diplomatic ties with Belgium over DRC conflict

Dar es Salaam. In a dramatic and unexpected decision, the Government of Rwanda has announced the immediate severing of all diplomatic relations with Belgium, ordering Belgian diplomats to vacate the country within 48 hours.

The move has shocked the international community, as Kigali accuses Brussels of “lies and manipulation” to generate an unjustified hostile stance towards Rwanda.

The Rwandan government’s official statement condemned Belgium’s interference, accusing the European nation of undermining Rwanda’s sovereignty and regional peace efforts. The communiqué further stated that Belgium’s actions had caused harm to Rwanda’s national interests and diplomatic relations.

Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Maxime Prevot, swiftly condemned the decision, labelling it “disproportionate” and expressing concerns over Rwanda’s refusal to engage in dialogue when disputes arise. 

He confirmed Belgium would reciprocate the expulsion by declaring Rwandan diplomats persona non grata.

A key issue in the dispute is Belgium’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where its controversial actions have been a source of tension.

Rwanda’s statement pointed to Belgium’s “neocolonial delusions” and its divisive role in the region, particularly in relation to the DRC.

The history between the two countries remains fraught, particularly in the wake of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which Rwanda holds Belgium partly accountable for. 

Rwanda accuses Belgium of fueling ethnic extremism, contributing to the divisive systems of discrimination that culminated in the genocide.

Furthermore, Rwanda has raised concerns over Belgium’s failure to address groups within its borders that deny the genocide and propagate harmful ideologies.

In its statement, the Rwandan government stressed that the decision to sever diplomatic ties was made in the interest of protecting its sovereignty, national dignity and the principles of peace and respect in international relations. 

Rwanda assured that it would continue to uphold its obligations under the Vienna Convention, ensuring the protection of Belgian diplomatic properties in Kigali.

This move marks a significant escalation in Rwanda’s diplomatic strategy, particularly given the historical complexities that have shaped its relationship with Belgium.

The decision is expected to strain relations further and may have far-reaching consequences for broader diplomatic ties in the Great Lakes region.

Rwanda remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard its sovereignty and will not tolerate any efforts to destabilise its position, either regionally or globally.