Rwanda cuts diplomatic ties with Belgium over Congo dispute

Rwanda has officially severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing its former coloniser of undermining its sovereignty and pushing for international sanctions over the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. 

As part of the decision, Rwandan authorities declared Belgian diplomats persona non grata and ordered their departure. The move follows a speech by President Paul Kagame on Sunday, in which he reportedly accused Belgium of consistently working against Rwanda’s interests.

“Belgians go to Kinshasa, point a finger at Rwanda, and say they will impose sanctions on us and also mobilize the world against Rwanda. They are shameless. Mobilizing the world against Rwanda, with our small size? They should leave us alone”, Kagame said. 

In response, Belgium’s Foreign minister Maxime Prevot called the move “disproportionate” and announced reciprocal measures, including expelling Rwandan diplomats and ending governmental cooperation agreements. 

Tensions

Rwanda’s diplomatic break with Belgium comes amid growing international pressure over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which has made significant territorial gains in eastern Congo, including capturing key towns such as Goma and Bukavu. Belgium has been at the forefront of Western efforts to impose sanctions on Rwanda. 

Meanwhile, peace talks between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group are set to begin Tuesday in Angola. It remains unclear how Rwanda’s severed ties with Belgium will impact diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict. 

^{Rwandan president Paul Kagame arrives in Brussels (2017) © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}