Following rising strains in their relations, Rwanda has officially cut diplomatic ties with their former colonial masters, Belgium, and has instructed its diplomats to depart within 48 hours, following allegations of neo-colonial interference by Brussels, as announced by the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
It would be recalled that Last month, Rwanda halted its 2024-2029 bilateral aid program with Belgium, accusing it of meddling in regional peace initiatives and using development funding for political purposes.
The Rwandan government accused Belgium of harboring “neo-colonial delusions” and meddling in the ongoing conflict in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The ministry’s statement criticized Belgium for its “pitiful attempts” and its historical contribution to regional instability, particularly its actions against Rwanda.
The statement further asserted that Belgium has a detrimental history of fostering ethnic extremism, which has resulted in entrenched discrimination, persecution, and ultimately the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
In reaction to Rwanda’s decision, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot condemned the action as “disproportionate” and a sign of Rwanda’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue during conflicts. As a result, Belgium announced on Monday that all Rwandan diplomats are now considered persona non grata.
During the Presidential Citizen Outreach event in Kigali on Sunday, Rwandan President Paul Kagame claimed that Western nations are imposing sanctions on Rwanda at the behest of Belgium. He stressed that Rwanda did not instigate the war it is accused of but will remain resolute against the concealed agendas that are exacerbating the conflict.
Tensions between Rwanda and Belgium have intensified due to the ongoing conflict in the DRC, where the Rwandan government is accused of supporting the M23 rebels’ offensives. Kigali has categorically denied these allegations.
The latest escalation, which began in January, has seen M23 militants capture several strategic cities in the DRC, including Goma, the capital of North Kivu, and Bukava, the capital of South Kivu. Recent reports from Kinshasa’s Health Ministry indicate that over 8,500 individuals have lost their lives as a result of the ongoing violence.
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