Rwanda has officially severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, demanding that Belgian diplomats leave the country within 48 hours. The expulsion follows a heated exchange between the two nations, with Rwanda accusing Belgium of ongoing interference in its internal affairs, particularly in relation to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement released on Monday, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Belgium of consistently undermining Rwanda, both historically and in the context of the current conflict in the DRC. The statement highlighted Belgium’s role in colonial-era atrocities and its continued involvement in the region’s volatile dynamics, especially regarding Rwanda’s actions in neighboring DRC.
“Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both before and during the ongoing conflict in the DRC, where Belgium holds a deep and violent historical role in acting against Rwanda,” the statement read. Rwanda’s government has long maintained that Belgium’s actions in the region are rooted in its colonial past and ongoing neo-colonial interference.
The tension between Rwanda and Belgium has escalated in recent weeks. Belgium recently froze aid and suspended several trade agreements with Kigali in response to Rwanda’s increasing involvement in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. Belgium’s decision was influenced by concerns over Rwanda’s support for armed groups operating in the region, particularly the M23 rebel movement, which controls key areas rich in natural resources in North and South Kivu provinces.
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At a press conference in Kigali on Sunday, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame responded to Belgium’s actions with defiance. He emphasized that Rwanda would not tolerate foreign interference in its domestic and regional policies, particularly when it comes to defending its strategic interests in the DRC. Kagame’s comments marked a strong stance against Western countries, especially those with historical ties to the region.
“Rwanda will defend its interests. We will not tolerate the interference of foreign powers who want to dictate our path, especially countries like Belgium that have a history of atrocities committed against Rwandans,” Kagame said. He reiterated that Rwanda would continue to stand firm against any attempts at “neo-colonial interference.”
The historical context of the Rwanda-Belgium relationship adds a layer of complexity to the current tensions. Belgium ruled Rwanda as a colonial power from 1916 until the country’s independence in 1962. During this period, Belgium’s policies contributed to ethnic divisions and violence, which would later play a role in the 1994 genocide, where over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed in a systematic campaign of violence.
In recent months, Rwanda has faced mounting international scrutiny over its actions in eastern DRC, where its support for the M23 rebel group has sparked significant regional instability. The M23 has captured several strategic areas in North and South Kivu, including resource-rich territories, and has been accused of committing numerous human rights abuses.
The situation in the DRC has led to widespread concerns that Rwanda is using the M23 as a proxy force to exert influence over the region’s resources and political landscape. The United Nations, along with several Western governments, has called for Rwanda to halt its support for the rebels and to allow for peaceful negotiations between the DRC government and armed groups.
Belgium’s recent move to suspend aid and trade agreements with Rwanda is a direct consequence of these concerns. However, Kigali’s government has rejected foreign criticism, arguing that its involvement in the DRC is driven by security concerns and regional stability.
As Rwanda expels Belgian diplomats and tensions between the two countries remain high, the situation in the DRC continues to evolve. The conflict in eastern DRC, compounded by historical grievances and geopolitical rivalries, remains one of the most pressing issues in Central Africa. Rwanda’s defiant stance is unlikely to ease the international scrutiny it faces, but it underscores the complex and often contentious dynamics at play in the region.
