Rwanda has severed all diplomatic ties with Belgium, ordering Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours in response to what it calls Brussels’ “systematic mobilization” against Kigali in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Rwandan Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Monday, accusing Belgium of siding with the DRC in regional tensions and undermining Rwanda’s national interests. “Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums,” the ministry stated.
Tensions between the two countries have been escalating over allegations that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebel group, which has been battling Congolese forces in the mineral-rich eastern DRC. While Kigali denies backing the rebels, the DRC and Belgium insist that Rwanda is aiding the insurgents in an attempt to control territory across the border.
The diplomatic fallout comes just weeks after Rwanda suspended its 2024-2029 bilateral aid program with Belgium, accusing Brussels of blocking its access to development finance. Belgium, on the other hand, has vowed to continue advocating for a peaceful resolution to the crisis while condemning Rwanda’s alleged interference in the DRC.
The severing of ties coincides with the European Union’s recent sanctions against nine individuals—including five Rwandans—linked to violence in the DRC. As the conflict intensifies, Rwanda’s decision to break ties with Belgium marks a significant shift in regional diplomacy, raising concerns about further instability in Central Africa.
