Rwanda has severed diplomatic ties with Belgium and expelled all Belgian diplomats, accusing the European nation of undermining Kigali during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The move, announced by Rwanda’s foreign ministry on Monday, has sparked a diplomatic standoff, with Belgium responding by expelling Rwandan diplomats.
In a statement, Rwanda’s foreign ministry said, “The Government of Rwanda today notified the Government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately.”
The ministry accused Belgium of taking sides in the regional conflict, claiming that it had systematically worked against Rwanda through misinformation and political manipulation.
Belgium swiftly condemned the decision, calling it “disproportionate.” Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot expressed regret over Rwanda’s move, stating, “This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue.”
The diplomatic fallout comes as the DRC government prepares for peace talks in Angola on Tuesday, aimed at addressing the escalating conflict in eastern Congo. The talks will include representatives from the M23 rebel group, which is widely believed to be backed by Rwanda.
Meanwhile, the European Union has imposed sanctions on nine individuals linked to the conflict, including three senior commanders of Rwanda’s military and the head of its state mining agency. The sanctions target Rwandan special forces commander Ruki Karusisi, army division commanders Eugene Nkubito and Pascal Muhizi, and Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board head Francis Kamanzi.
Additionally, five senior leaders of the M23 group, including its head Bertrand Bisimwa, have been sanctioned. A UN report last year alleged that Rwanda effectively controls M23 and has deployed approximately 4,000 troops in eastern Congo.
Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have continued to rise as the M23 rebels advance in the mineral-rich region, further straining regional stability and international relations.