Diplomatic tensions between Belgium and Rwanda have reached a breaking point as both countries announced the expulsion of each other’s envoy, citing disputes over their roles in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a dramatic escalation, the Rwandan government declared it was severing diplomatic ties with Belgium, giving Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country. On its part, Kigali accused Brussels of manipulating global opinion against Rwanda.
“Belgium is using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda,” the Rwandan government said in a statement.
Reacting to the move, Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Maxime Prevot, condemned Rwanda’s decision, calling it “disproportionate” and a refusal to engage in constructive dialogue.
“This move is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue,” Prevot stated.
Belgium announced it would reciprocate by expelling Rwandan diplomats, effectively declaring them persona non grata.
The diplomatic fallout came amid efforts by African leaders to broker a ceasefire in eastern Congo, where the Rwandan government has been accused of backing the M23 rebel group. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations, while Congo and its allies insist Kigali is fueling instability in the region.
With both nations now severing ties, the crisis threatens to further complicate peace efforts in the DRC, raising concerns about escalating regional tensions.
