Rwanda’s decision to sever diplomatic relations with Belgium comes amid rising tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, reigniting fears of a regional conflict in the Great Lakes area.
On Monday, March 17, 2025, the Rwandan government announced it was immediately cutting all diplomatic ties with Belgium—a drastic move marking a point of no return in relations between the two countries. According to the official statement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the decision followed “careful consideration” in response to “Belgium’s persistent attempts to uphold its neocolonial illusions.”
Kigali accuses Belgium of “continuously undermining Rwanda, both before and during the current conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” a conflict in which Belgium is said to have played a historically violent role. Rwandan authorities specifically pointed to Belgium’s “destructive historical role in fostering ethnic extremism,” referencing the colonial era and the events leading up to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
The move follows Rwanda’s suspension of its bilateral aid program with Belgium in February, triggered by statements from Belgium’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot, who suggested a potential “halt to the cooperation program” with Rwanda. Tensions further escalated during the Munich Security Conference, where the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister called for a “stronger EU response” against Kigali.
This rupture comes in a highly charged regional climate, as relations between the DRC and Rwanda are increasingly marked by hostile rhetoric. Congolese Minister of Defense, Me Guy Kabombo Muadianvita, recently declared during a visit to injured soldiers in Kinshasa: “If we have a strong army, no neighboring country will dare to challenge us.”
In response, Rwandan President Paul Kagame stated during a public address, “We must not be afraid to speak out, to stand up for ourselves, and to fight against those who seek to destroy us.”
The Rwandan communiqué added that “all Belgian diplomats currently in Rwanda must leave the country within 48 hours.” In line with the Vienna Convention, Rwanda pledged to ensure the protection of the premises, property, and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali.
Described as a “commitment to safeguarding Rwanda’s national interests and the dignity of its people,” this move comes as mediation efforts appear stalled, despite a ceasefire call from the Angolan presidency and upcoming peace talks in Luanda between Kinshasa and the M23.