Belgium and Rwanda have officially severed diplomatic relations, with Rwanda ordering all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours. This move prompted an immediate response from Belgium, signaling a sharp deterioration in relations between the two nations.
In a statement issued on Monday, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation accused Belgium of “consistently undermining” Kigali in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Rwandan government specifically criticized Belgium’s stance concerning the crisis in eastern Congo, where tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have been escalating.
Belgium swiftly retaliated, declaring Rwandan diplomats in Belgium unwelcome. “Belgium regrets Rwanda’s decision to cut off diplomatic relations and to declare Belgian diplomats persona non grata,” said Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot on X (formerly Twitter). “This is a disproportionate action that demonstrates Rwanda’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue when disagreements arise.”
The diplomatic rift comes amidst growing international concern over the situation in the DRC, particularly in the country’s resource-rich eastern region, which has been plagued by violence and instability. African leaders have been making concerted efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire, with Rwanda accused of supporting M23 rebels in the DRC. The M23 group, which has been involved in a military offensive in the region, is believed to have backing from the Rwandan government, a claim Rwanda denies.
In a related development, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo announced on Monday that it will participate in peace talks set for Tuesday in Angola with the M23 rebel group, which has made significant territorial gains in eastern Congo. The M23 has also confirmed that a delegation will attend the talks in Luanda, with spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka providing updates on the group’s participation via X.
The conflict in eastern Congo has escalated significantly since January when the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced and captured strategic areas in the region, further deepening the crisis in an already volatile area rich in minerals.
