Kigali, 17 March 2025
By Dorrothy Moyo | ZimEye | The Government of Rwanda has announced the immediate severance of all diplomatic relations with Belgium, citing what it described as Belgium’s “pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions.”
The announcement was made via an official statement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, accusing Belgium of consistently undermining Rwanda’s sovereignty and security interests, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda,” the statement read, highlighting Belgium’s alleged interference in regional dynamics and its support for groups that Rwanda claims propagate genocide denial and destabilization in the Great Lakes region.
The Rwandan government claims that Belgium has “clearly taken sides” in the regional conflict and has “systematically mobilized against Rwanda in different forums,” using what Kigali describes as lies and manipulation aimed at creating hostility toward Rwanda on the international stage.
Rwanda also invoked Belgium’s colonial legacy, blaming it for fueling the ethnic divisions that culminated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The government further accused Belgium of allowing its territory to serve as a base for groups allegedly sustaining genocidal ideology.
The decision, which Kigali says reflects its commitment to safeguarding “national interests and the dignity of Rwandans,” comes amid heightened tensions between Rwanda and international actors over the DRC conflict and accusations of regional interference.
All Belgian diplomats in Rwanda have been given 48 hours to leave the country. Kigali has, however, pledged to comply with the Vienna Convention by ensuring the protection of Belgian diplomatic premises and property in Rwanda.
The move is expected to further strain Rwanda’s relations with Western nations and could have significant ramifications for regional diplomacy and security.
Belgium had not commented at the time of writing.