Rwanda announced on Monday that it has severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, citing what it described as Belgium’s biased stance in a regional conflict and its alleged efforts to tarnish Rwanda’s reputation internationally. The decision, which takes immediate effect, was communicated in a statement from Rwanda’s foreign ministry.
“Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda,” the statement said. It accused Belgium of attempting to destabilize Rwanda and the broader region.
The move comes as Brussels has been urging European nations to impose sanctions on Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which has been at the center of the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In response to the diplomatic rupture, Rwanda has given Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.
Belgium Calls Rwanda’s Decision “Disproportionate”
Belgium condemned the decision, labeling it “disproportionate” and expressing regret over the breakdown in relations. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated, “Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium's diplomats persona non grata.”
Prevot added, “This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue.”
The diplomatic rift coincides with renewed efforts to address the escalating conflict in eastern DRC. On Monday, the Congolese government confirmed its participation in peace talks scheduled for Tuesday in Angola, aimed at resolving tensions with the M23 rebel group, which is backed by Rwanda.
The M23, which has made significant territorial gains in Congo’s mineral-rich east since January, has also sent a delegation to Luanda for the talks, according to the group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka.
The conflict in eastern Congo has drawn international concern, with regional and global powers increasingly involved in efforts to mediate a resolution. Rwanda’s decision to cut ties with Belgium underscores the deepening geopolitical tensions surrounding the crisis.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, with the upcoming peace talks in Angola seen as a critical opportunity to de-escalate the conflict and restore stability to the region.