Belgium has expressed regret over Rwanda’s decision to cut diplomatic ties and expel Belgian diplomats, calling the move “disproportionate” and indicative of Kigali’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue.
In response, Belgium announced reciprocal measures, including expelling Rwandan diplomats and terminating governmental cooperation agreements.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot confirmed the developments in a statement on Monday, emphasizing Belgium’s commitment to diplomacy but warning against actions that undermine engagement.
“This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue,” Prévot said. He further stated that Belgium would take similar measures, including summoning Rwanda’s chargé d’affaires and expelling Rwandan diplomats from Belgium.
This followed an announcement by Kigali that it was severing diplomatic ties with the European country.
The decision also marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the two nations, whose relations have been strained over recent geopolitical differences, particularly concerning the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Belgium has been critical of Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC, a claim Kigali denies.
Background of the Diplomatic Row
Rwanda’s move to sever ties with Belgium follows growing criticism from Brussels regarding Kigali’s regional policies. The Belgian government has been vocal in its opposition to Rwanda’s role in the DRC conflict and has supported international calls for increased scrutiny of Rwanda’s actions in the region, including imposing sanctions on Rwanda.
Rwanda has accused Belgium of taking sides as one of the reasons for expelling Belgian diplomats, adding that Brussels has consistently undermined the Kigali administration.
Implications of the Diplomatic Fallout
The diplomatic rupture is expected to impact various aspects of Belgium-Rwanda cooperation, including development aid, trade, and security collaboration. Belgium has historically been a key partner in Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction and economic development, but relations have become increasingly tense in recent years.
Experts warn that this deterioration could have broader consequences, particularly for EU-Africa relations, as Belgium has traditionally played a key role in shaping European policies toward the Great Lakes region.
The diplomats in both countries have 48 hours to leave their different stations.
