Rwanda and Belgium Cut Diplomatic Ties, Expel Each Other’s Diplomats

Kigali/Brussels – March 18, 2025 – Rwanda and Belgium have officially severed diplomatic relations, marking a major escalation in their already tense relationship over the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In a statement issued today, the Government of Rwanda announced the immediate termination of diplomatic ties with Belgium, ordering all Belgian diplomats in Kigali to leave the country within 48 hours.

The move follows what Rwanda described as Belgium’s persistent interference in regional matters and its anti-Rwandan stance in international forums.

Rwanda’s government cited Belgium’s historic role in fueling instability in the region, its alleged support for groups that propagate genocide denial, and its mobilization of international pressure against Rwanda as reasons for the decision.

“Rwanda’s decision has been taken after careful consideration of several factors, all linked with Belgium’s pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions,” read the statement.

Rwanda also accused Belgium of taking sides in the DRC conflict, where Belgium has pushed for sanctions against Rwanda over allegations of backing the M23 rebel group.

“Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in which Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda,” the statement continued.

Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its sovereignty and rejecting external interference, warning that Belgium’s continued actions were a direct threat to the stability of the region.

Belgium Retaliates Belgium responded swiftly, with Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot calling Rwanda’s decision “disproportionate” and accusing Kigali of avoiding diplomatic engagement when confronted with criticism.

“Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium’s diplomats persona non grata,” Prevot said. “This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue.”

In retaliation, Belgium announced that it would take reciprocal measures, including expelling Rwandan diplomats from Belgium; summoning Rwanda’s chargé d’affaires in Brussels and suspending governmental cooperation agreements with Rwanda.

Tensions between the two countries have escalated in recent months, with Belgium playing a key role in mobilizing European and international financial institutions to cut funding to Rwanda.

Belgium has also been at the forefront of EU efforts to sanction Rwandan officials, including James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, over allegations of supporting M23 rebels in the DRC.

Belgium has pushed for stronger European Union measures, including freezing military aid and suspending raw materials trade agreements with Rwanda. Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting M23, instead accusing Belgium and other Western countries of backing the Congolese government’s military operations against the Tutsi communities in eastern DRC.

Growing Rift With diplomatic ties severed, relations between Belgium and Rwanda have hit their lowest point in decades.

The expulsion of diplomats and suspension of cooperation agreements could have far-reaching consequences, particularly in the areas of trade, development aid, and security collaboration.

Belgium is Rwanda’s third-largest bilateral donor, with aid programs focused on urbanization, agriculture, and strengthening health systems. However, today’s developments signal that these partnerships are now in jeopardy.

As the crisis in eastern DRC deepens, the diplomatic fallout between Rwanda and Belgium adds another layer of geopolitical complexity to an already volatile situation.

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