Rwanda cut ties with Belgium amid growing diplomatic spat

In a dramatic move on Monday, Rwanda announced the severing of diplomatic relations with Belgium, ordering all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.
The decision arises amidst rising tensions and accusations surrounding Belgium’s alleged interference in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The announcement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation framed the decision as a culmination of long-standing grievances. The ministry described Belgium’s efforts as “pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions signaling a serious diplomatic rupture between the two nations.
“All Belgian diplomats in Rwanda are required to leave the country within 48 hours,” the statement detailed, underlining the urgency and seriousness of the directive.”
Rwanda’s government has accused Belgium of consistently undermining its sovereignty, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in the DRC.
“Belgium has taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilise against Rwanda in various forums,” the Ministry’s statement asserted.
The claim is part of a broader narrative employed by Rwanda, which suggests that Belgium’s actions are rooted in a history of colonialism that has left lasting scars on the Rwandan psyche.
Offering a historical context, the Rwandan government condemned Belgium’s role in developing ethnic divisions and extremism, which it claims directly contributed to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
N’Djili International Airport, Kinshasa./Photo Courtesy
“Belgium allowed its territory to be used by groups promoting genocide denial and sustaining genocidal ideology,” the ministry claimed, suggesting that Belgium’s historical influence has perpetuated animosity and discord in the region.
Rwanda’s actions come after a series of sanctions imposed by Western nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. These sanctions were largely a response to Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC conflict, where it has been accused of supporting rebel groups.
In a separate announcement, Canadian ministers stated that as a result of Rwanda’s actions, the country would suspend export permits for controlled goods and technologies.
“The measures against Rwanda announced by Canada will not solve the conflict,” Rwanda countered. “We will continue to work with the region on the agreed African-led mediation process while we safeguard our national security.”
The complexity of the situation is further enhanced by Rwandan claims of Belgium’s ulterior motives. The Rwandan government alleges that Belgium is using “lies and manipulation” to foster a hostile international stance against it, aiming to undermine stability both nationally and regionally.
The assertion reflects a pattern in global politics where nations engaged in conflict try to frame their adversaries’ actions in a particular light to gain domestic and international support.
The repercussions of Rwanda’s diplomatic move may reverberate throughout the region, particularly considering the ongoing instability in the DRC. Rwanda has positioned itself as a key player in Eastern Africa, often asserting the importance of national dignity and sovereignty in the face of external pressures.
According to the Rwandan Foreign Ministry, this latest action signifies a commitment to protect national interests and maintain respect on the international stage.
Despite the heated rhetoric from both sides, it remains to be seen whether this diplomatic crisis will escalate further or whether cooler heads will ultimately prevail. The situation is immensely complex, with both historical grievances and current geopolitical realities interwoven. Moreover, the international community’s response—especially from nations now issuing sanctions—will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Rwanda’s diplomatic relationships in the region.
For Belgium, the implications of Rwanda’s actions could mean a recalibration of its foreign policy in Africa, especially given its colonial history and the sensitivities surrounding it. As Rwanda clearly articulates its stance against perceived neocolonial attitudes, Belgium may need to reassess its approach to international engagement in regions previously under its colonial influence.
In the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the DRC, this sudden diplomatic rift highlights the intricate web of regional politics in Central Africa. The potential for conflict is heightened by external interventions, and Rwanda’s decision to sever ties may be seen as both a defensive maneuver and a declaration of independence from historic allegiances that it feels no longer represent its interests.
As events unfold, the international community watches closely, acutely aware that the consequences of these diplomatic disputes extend far beyond the borders of Rwanda and Belgium, impacting regional stability and international relations.