Rwanda Cuts Diplomatic Ties With Belgium Amid Tensions Over DRC Conflict
Rwanda has severed diplomatic relations with Belgium and ordered all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.
In a statement on Monday, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Belgium of “consistently” undermining the country in its ongoing conflict with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“The Government of Rwanda today notified the Government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately,” the statement read.
Reacting to the development, Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot expressed disappointment, calling the decision “disproportionate.”
“Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium’s diplomats persona non grata,” Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said on X.
“This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda they prefer not to engage in dialogue,” he added.
Prevot noted that Rwanda appears unwilling to engage in dialogue when confronted with disagreements, declaring that Rwandan diplomats are also unwelcome in the country.
The diplomatic fallout follows accusations from Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who claimed Belgium had been advocating for international sanctions against Rwanda due to its alleged involvement in the DRC conflict.
The M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has launched a major offensive in eastern DRC this year, capturing key cities. A UN report suggests Rwanda controls the group and has deployed approximately 4,000 troops in the region, an allegation Kigali denies.
Rwanda insists it faces security threats from ethnic Hutu militants operating in the DRC.
According to Congolese authorities, the conflict has claimed at least 7,000 lives, leading to calls for a global intervention.
The rising tensions come just as the DRC government and M23 rebels prepare to send delegations for peace talks scheduled in Angola on Tuesday.
Rwanda Cuts Diplomatic Ties With Belgium Amid Tensions Over DRC Conflict is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
