Rwanda has taken a decisive step in its diplomatic relations with Belgium, ordering all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours. The move, announced by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Monday, marks an abrupt breakdown in ties between the two nations.
According to the ministry’s statement, the Rwandan government accused Belgium of consistently undermining its sovereignty and unfairly implicating it in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The decision to sever ties follows remarks by President Paul Kagame, who on Sunday criticized Belgium and other European nations for allegedly working to impose international sanctions against Rwanda.
Kagame: ‘They Should Leave Us Alone’
Speaking during a public address, President Kagame expressed frustration over what he described as persistent efforts by Belgian officials to blame Rwanda for the war in eastern Congo. He accused Belgian authorities of falsely portraying Rwanda as a key player in the conflict and attempting to rally the international community against his country.
“Every day, they throw accusations at us,” Kagame said. “They try to make the war in Congo our war and then claim that we support it. They are relentless in their attacks.”
The Rwandan leader did not mince words in his criticism, labeling Belgium’s actions as “shameless” and calling out its diplomats for what he sees as interference in Rwanda’s affairs.
“Belgian officials travel to Kinshasa and point fingers at Rwanda, claiming they will impose sanctions and mobilize the world against us. With our small size, they want to turn the world against us? They should leave us alone.”
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Belgium Reacts to Rwanda’s Diplomatic Ultimatum
Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot, responded swiftly to the diplomatic fallout, expressing disappointment over Rwanda’s decision to expel Belgian diplomats and cut ties.
“Belgium regrets Rwanda’s choice to sever diplomatic relations and declare our diplomats persona non grata,” Prevot stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “This action is disproportionate and demonstrates a refusal to engage in dialogue when disagreements arise.”
The escalating tensions between the two nations come against the backdrop of broader international scrutiny on Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the conflict in eastern Congo. On March 4, Germany halted financial aid to Rwanda following a UN report that accused thousands of Rwandan troops of fighting alongside the M23 rebel group. The U.S. and UK had already suspended aid to Rwanda over similar concerns.
Rwanda Denies Allegations
Despite mounting international pressure, President Kagame’s administration has repeatedly denied any involvement in the eastern Congo crisis. Rwandan officials maintain that their country is being unfairly targeted and that the accusations serve political interests rather than reflecting the reality on the ground.
With diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium now severed, the fallout could have broader implications for Rwanda’s international standing. The move signals a firm stance from Kigali against what it perceives as external interference, even as Western nations continue to scrutinize its role in the region’s ongoing conflict.
