The Government of Rwanda has officially severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, citing the European country’s alleged interference in regional affairs and its historical role in destabilising Rwanda.
The decision, effective immediately, was communicated on Monday by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a strongly worded statement, the central African nation accused Belgium of persistently undermining its sovereignty, both in the past and in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
The Rwandan government claimed Belgium has played a "deep and violent historical role" in the conflict, particularly in actions targeting Rwanda.
"Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forms, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda, in an attempt to destabilize both Rwanda and the region," the statement reads.
Rwanda further accused Belgium of allowing its territory to be used by groups that promote genocide denial and perpetuate what Kigali described as "genocidal ideology."
The government linked Belgium’s actions to its colonial past, calling its alleged interference an extension of "pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions."
The decision to cut ties was framed as an effort to protect Rwanda’s national interests, uphold sovereignty, and ensure the dignity of its citizens.
All Belgian diplomats in Rwanda have been given 48 hours to leave the country. However, the Rwandan government assured compliance with the Vienna Convention, pledging to protect the Belgian embassy premises, property, and archives.
This development marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and Belgium, a country that once ruled Rwanda as a colonial power before its independence in 1962.
The move is expected to have wider implications for diplomatic relations between Rwanda and European nations, especially amid increasing scrutiny of Rwanda’s role in the DR Congo conflict.
In February, Rwanda suspended its long-standing development cooperation with Belgium, citing external interference that undermines Africa-led mediation efforts in resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo.
The decision was a pre-emptive move after Belgium planned to suspend aid to the Kigali government that it accused of supporting the M23 rebel group.
Since 1962, Belgium has been a key development partner for Rwanda, contributing to sectors such as health, agriculture, education, urban development, and social protection.