The Government of Rwanda has officially severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, ordering all Belgian diplomats to leave Rwandan territory within 48 hours. The decision, announced on Monday, March 17, follows what Rwanda describes as Belgium’s persistent colonialist attitude and interference in regional affairs.

Rationale Behind the Decision

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rwanda accused Belgium of continuously undermining its sovereignty, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The statement emphasized that Belgium has taken a biased stance, spreading misinformation and advocating for sanctions against Rwanda.

“Belgium has a history of destabilizing Rwanda and the region,” the statement read. “Today, it has openly chosen a side in the current conflict, working against Rwanda’s interests and fueling false narratives.”

President Kagame’s Response

President Paul Kagame has been vocal about Belgium’s conduct, warning that Rwanda will not tolerate continued interference. He criticized Belgium’s historical and ongoing role in Rwanda’s challenges, stating:"One of our misfortunes is that we were colonized by a small country like Belgium, which went on to divide Rwanda and weaken it. Belgium has a long history of harming Rwanda, and even now, it pushes for sanctions against us. We have warned them before, and we will not tolerate this any longer."

Pressure for Sanctions

Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe previously revealed that Belgium has lobbied international institutions, including the World Bank and the European Union, to impose sanctions on Rwanda. He described Belgium’s efforts as a systematic campaign to restrict Rwanda’s access to global financial and diplomatic support.

Implementation of the Decision

As part of the diplomatic break, all Belgian diplomats in Rwanda have been instructed to leave within 48 hours. Rwanda has, however, pledged to respect the Vienna Convention by safeguarding Belgian properties and diplomatic buildings in the country.

This development marks a significant shift in Rwanda-Belgium relations and underscores Rwanda’s firm stance against external interference in its affairs.

The Government of Rwanda has officially severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, ordering all Belgian diplomats to leave Rwandan territory within 48 hours. The decision, announced on Monday, March 17, follows what Rwanda describes as Belgium’s persistent colonialist attitude and interference in regional affairs.

Rationale Behind the Decision

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rwanda accused Belgium of continuously undermining its sovereignty, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The statement emphasized that Belgium has taken a biased stance, spreading misinformation and advocating for sanctions against Rwanda.

“Belgium has a history of destabilizing Rwanda and the region,” the statement read. “Today, it has openly chosen a side in the current conflict, working against Rwanda’s interests and fueling false narratives.”

President Kagame’s Response

President Paul Kagame has been vocal about Belgium’s conduct, warning that Rwanda will not tolerate continued interference. He criticized Belgium’s historical and ongoing role in Rwanda’s challenges, stating:"One of our misfortunes is that we were colonized by a small country like Belgium, which went on to divide Rwanda and weaken it. Belgium has a long history of harming Rwanda, and even now, it pushes for sanctions against us. We have warned them before, and we will not tolerate this any longer."

Pressure for Sanctions

Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe previously revealed that Belgium has lobbied international institutions, including the World Bank and the European Union, to impose sanctions on Rwanda. He described Belgium’s efforts as a systematic campaign to restrict Rwanda’s access to global financial and diplomatic support.

Implementation of the Decision

As part of the diplomatic break, all Belgian diplomats in Rwanda have been instructed to leave within 48 hours. Rwanda has, however, pledged to respect the Vienna Convention by safeguarding Belgian properties and diplomatic buildings in the country.

This development marks a significant shift in Rwanda-Belgium relations and underscores Rwanda’s firm stance against external interference in its affairs.