In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, Rwanda has ordered Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours following Kigali’s decision to sever ties with Belgium. The move comes amid accusations of interference by Brussels, particularly regarding Rwanda’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
On Monday, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly worded statement, condemning Belgium’s actions and asserting that the European country has long worked against Rwanda’s interests. The statement accused Belgium of not only undermining Rwanda’s sovereignty but also of having a historical role in conflicts affecting the region.
Rwanda Accuses Belgium of Political and Economic Meddling
Rwanda’s statement pointed to Belgium’s colonial past and its more recent diplomatic and economic decisions as evidence of sustained interference. The Rwandan government emphasized that Belgium’s influence in the DRC conflict was not new but part of a broader pattern of external control.
“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,” the statement read.
The diplomatic fallout follows Belgium’s recent decision to freeze aid and suspend trade agreements with Rwanda, citing Kigali’s alleged aggression in eastern DRC. Belgian officials have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has been active in the resource-rich provinces of eastern Congo.
The Belgian government has joined international efforts to put pressure on Rwanda to withdraw support for the rebel forces, leading to an increasingly strained relationship between the two countries.
Kagame Denounces Belgium’s ‘Neo-Colonial’ Policies
On Sunday, Rwandan President Paul Kagame addressed the issue during a press conference in Kigali, where he took a firm stance against what he described as foreign interference in Rwanda’s affairs. He singled out Belgium, accusing it of pursuing a neo-colonial agenda to maintain control over Rwanda’s political and economic decisions.
“Rwanda will not allow itself to be dictated to by foreign powers, especially those with a history of oppression and exploitation in our country,” Kagame declared.
He went on to remind the public of Belgium’s colonial rule over Rwanda, which lasted until 1962, and claimed that Belgium was attempting to exert modern forms of control over the East African nation.
“Belgium has committed atrocities against Rwandans in the past, and now they seek to control us under the guise of diplomacy and international relations,” Kagame added. “We will not stand by and allow such interference.”
The president’s remarks signaled Rwanda’s growing defiance against Western countries that have criticized its policies in the DRC and other regional matters.
The DRC Conflict and Rwanda’s Role Under International Scrutiny
Rwanda’s relationship with the Democratic Republic of Congo has been fraught with tensions, largely due to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. Rebel groups, particularly the M23 movement, have been accused of carrying out attacks and taking control of territories in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
The DRC government has long alleged that Rwanda provides financial and military support to M23 rebels, a claim Kigali has repeatedly denied. However, numerous international reports, including findings from the United Nations, have pointed to evidence of Rwandan involvement in the conflict.
Belgium has been one of the European countries leading the call for tougher sanctions on Rwanda, arguing that Kigali’s actions contribute to instability in the region. The freezing of aid and suspension of trade agreements were part of a broader international effort to pressure Rwanda into ceasing any alleged support for armed groups in eastern Congo.
Rwanda, however, has pushed back against these claims, accusing Belgium and other Western nations of ignoring the complex history of the conflict and unfairly blaming Kigali for the ongoing violence.
Diplomatic Fallout and Future Implications
The decision to expel Belgian diplomats is expected to further strain relations between the two countries. Rwanda’s move comes at a time when international efforts to resolve the DRC conflict are intensifying, and tensions between Kigali and Western powers, particularly Belgium, France, and the United States, are rising.
Political analysts suggest that Rwanda’s actions may have broader consequences for its international relations. Belgium has historically been a key diplomatic and economic partner for Rwanda, and the severing of ties could impact trade agreements, development aid, and regional cooperation.
At the same time, Rwanda’s strong stance may resonate with other African nations that have criticized Western interference in their domestic affairs. Kagame has often positioned himself as a leader who resists foreign dominance, and this latest move may bolster his image as a defender of African sovereignty.
However, the expulsion of Belgian diplomats also raises questions about Rwanda’s long-term strategy. Will the country seek alternative alliances with other global powers, such as China or Russia, to counterbalance Western influence? Or will diplomatic mediation lead to a potential reconciliation with Belgium in the future?
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Rwanda-Belgium Relations?
The expulsion of Belgian diplomats within a 48-hour deadline marks a significant turning point in Rwanda-Belgium relations. With tensions at an all-time high, the future of their diplomatic ties remains uncertain.
As the international community watches closely, Rwanda’s firm rejection of Belgian influence signals a broader shift in African politics—one where former colonial powers face increasing resistance from nations determined to assert their sovereignty.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this crisis deepens or if diplomatic negotiations can pave the way for renewed dialogue between Rwanda and Belgium.
