Rwanda has severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, accusing the European country of consistently undermining Rwanda during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Belgium has been at the forefront of urging European nations to impose sanctions on Rwanda due to its alleged support for the M23, a rebel group central to the crisis in DR Congo.
Rwanda’s government has given Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country. In response, Belgium, the former colonial power, called the decision “disproportionate” and said it would take action in return.
Despite claims from organizations like the UN and the US, Rwanda has denied supporting the M23 group.
In a statement released on Monday, Kigali accused Brussels of trying to “maintain its neo-colonial delusions.”
“Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and is persistently working against Rwanda in various international forums, using falsehoods and manipulation to create an unjustified hostile perception of Rwanda, with the aim of destabilizing both Rwanda and the broader region,” the statement read.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot responded on social media, calling Rwanda’s actions “disproportionate” and suggesting that Rwanda prefers to avoid dialogue when disagreements arise.
Prevot also stated that Rwandan diplomats in Belgium would be declared “persona non grata,” a move that could lead to the revocation of diplomatic status and the expulsion or withdrawal of recognition of the diplomats.
