Rwanda Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Belgium, Orders Diplomats to Leave

Addis Ababa, March 17, 2025 (ENA)— Rwanda severed its diplomatic relations today with Belgium and ordered all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.

In a statement, Rwanda's foreign affairs ministry accused Belgium of interference.

''Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in which Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda,'' the statement read in part.

Belgium recently froze aid and suspended trade agreements with Kigali in relation to ongoing conflict in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.

"The government of Rwanda today notified the government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately," the Rwandan foreign ministry said in a statement. "Rwanda's decision has been taken after careful consideration of several factors, all linked with Belgium's pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions."

In response, Belgium described Kigali's move as "disproportionate" and said it will take similar measures.

"Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium's diplomats persona non grata," Maxime Prevot, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, European affairs and development cooperation of Belgium, said on social media.

"This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue," he said.

"Belgium will take similar measures: the convocation of the Rwandan charge d'affaires a.i., declaring Rwanda's diplomats persona non grata and denouncing our governmental cooperation agreements," Prevot said.

Belgium has been critical of Rwanda's alleged involvement in the conflict in the eastern DRC, particularly its reported support for the M23 rebel group, an accusation Kigali denies.

After resurfacing in late 2021, the M23 has taken control of territories in the eastern DRC, including regional hub Goma.

On Monday, the European Union (EU) announced sanctions on Rwandan military commanders

In a press conference in Kigali on Sunday, Rwanda's President Paul Kagame struck a defiant tone, saying the east African country would defend its interests against interference by foreign countries.

Kagame singled out Belgium, which ruled Rwanda as a colony until 1962, saying it had committed atrocities against Rwandans, vowing to fight back against its 'neo-colonial interference'.

Kigali has faced increased international scrutiny over its role in the conflict in eastern Congo where its proxy rebel force controls two resource-rich provinces.