Rwanda has announced the immediate severance of diplomatic relations with Belgium, citing Belgium’s alleged interference and historical actions in the region.
The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement on March 17, 2025, detailing the reasons behind this decision and outlining the steps to be taken in the aftermath.
The Rwandan government accused Belgium of persistently undermining Rwanda, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The official statement highlighted Belgium’s historical involvement in the region, alleging that Belgium has “consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in which Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda.”
Rwanda further accused Belgium of taking sides in the regional conflict and systematically mobilizing against Rwanda in various forums. The statement claimed that Belgium used “lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda, in an attempt to destabilize both Rwanda and the region.”
Beyond current events, the Rwandan government referenced Belgium’s colonial past, accusing it of fueling ethnic extremism that led to entrenched discrimination, persecution, and ultimately, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The statement also alleged that Belgium has allowed its territory to be used by groups propagating genocide denial and sustaining genocidal ideology.
As part of the severance of diplomatic relations, Rwanda has ordered all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours. The Rwandan government assured that, in compliance with the Vienna Convention, it would protect the premises, property, and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali.
The statement read, “The Government of Rwanda today notified the Government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplo-matic relations, effective immediately. Rwanda’s decision has been taken after careful consideration of several factors, all linked with Belgium’s pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions.
“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.
“Today, Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda, in an attempt to destabilize both Rwanda and the region.
“Beyond Belgium’s destructive historical role in fueling the ethnic extremism that resulted in entrenched discrimination and persecution, and ultimately the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, it has also allowed Belgian territory to be used by groups that propagate genocide denial and sustain genocidal ideology.
“Today’s decision reflects Rwanda’s commitment to safeguarding our national interests and the digni-ty of Rwandans, as well as upholding the principles of sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect.
“All Belgian diplomats in Rwanda are required to leave the country within 48 hours. In compliance with the Vienna Convention, Rwanda will assure the protection of the premises, property, and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali.”
In response to Rwanda’s actions, Belgium expressed regret over the decision. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot described Rwanda’s move as “disproportionate” and indicative of a preference to avoid dialogue when disagreements arise. Prevot stated, “Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium’s diplomats persona non grata.”
Consequently, Belgium has declared Rwandan diplomats persona non grata, effectively expelling them from the country.
This diplomatic rift occurs amid ongoing efforts by African leaders to establish a lasting ceasefire in the eastern DRC, where the Rwandan government faces accusations of supporting the M23 rebel group. The conflict has intensified since December, with the M23 rebels capturing strategic cities such as Goma and Bukavu.
The Congolese government has reported that at least 7,000 people have been killed in the fighting since January. Peace talks between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels, brokered by Angolan President Joao Lourenco, are scheduled to take place on March 18, 2025, in Angola.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between Rwanda and Belgium. Observers fear that this diplomatic fallout could further destabilize the Great Lakes region and complicate ongoing peace efforts in the DRC. The United Nations and the African Union have called for restraint and urged both nations to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences.
