Rwanda has abruptly severed all diplomatic ties with Belgium, ordering Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours in a move that signals a deepening rift between the two nations. The decision follows growing tensions over Belgium’s criticism of Rwanda’s alleged role in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Kigali has been accused of backing M23 rebels—an allegation it strongly denies.
In its official statement, the Rwandan government accused Belgium of spreading “manipulative narratives” to tarnish its image on the international stage. This follows Belgium’s vocal support for sanctions against individuals linked to M23 and its alleged ties to Rwandan leadership. Kigali has framed the expulsion of Belgian diplomats as a necessary step to defend its sovereignty against what it calls foreign interference.
Belgium has condemned Rwanda’s actions as “unjustified and disproportionate.” In retaliation, Brussels has expelled Rwandan diplomats and announced the immediate suspension of all bilateral cooperation programs, including development aid. This marks a sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries, which have a complicated colonial history and longstanding political tensions.
The diplomatic fallout comes at a critical time for the Great Lakes region, where efforts to broker peace in eastern DRC have stalled. The M23 rebels recently withdrew from negotiations with the Congolese government, citing European sanctions on their members. With Rwanda and Belgium now locked in a diplomatic standoff, international efforts to stabilize the region may face additional challenges.
This latest escalation underscores the shifting geopolitical landscape, with Rwanda increasingly distancing itself from European nations that have been critical of its foreign policies. The diplomatic rupture raises concerns about the broader consequences for regional stability and international peace efforts.
