Diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and Belgium have increased significantly, with the two countries expelling one another’s ambassadors due to differences over the war in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a shocking move, Rwanda said it was severing diplomatic ties with Belgium and asked Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours. Kigali accused Brussels of plotting against Rwanda, saying: “Belgium is using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda.”
Belgium soon struck back, with Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prevot condemning Rwanda’s move as “disproportionate” and a refusal to resort to constructive dialogue. “This measure is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they don’t wish to engage in dialogue,” Prevot stated. Belgium, in response, expelled Rwandan envoys, terming them persona non grata.
The diplomatic fallout follows persistent efforts by African leaders to broker a ceasefire in eastern Congo. Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, a charge it has consistently denied, while Congo and its allies believe that Kigali is instigating regional instability.
With both countries severing ties, the crisis heightens fears of further escalation and derailment of peace talks in the DRC.
