Rwanda Cuts Ties with Belgium, Orders Diplomats to...

Rwanda Cuts Ties with Belgium, Orders Diplomats to Leave in 48 Hours

Oscar J Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

Rwanda has officially severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, giving all Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.

The announcement, made Monday by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follows escalating tensions between the two nations over Belgium’s alleged interference in regional conflicts.

In a strongly worded statement, Kigali accused Belgium of “using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion” against Rwanda, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Rwandan government further criticized Belgium’s historical role in fueling ethnic extremism and accused Brussels of supporting groups that promote genocide denial.

“Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both before and during the ongoing conflict in the DRC,” the statement read. “It has taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums.”

The diplomatic fallout comes days after Rwandan President Paul Kagame accused Belgium of pushing for sanctions against Rwanda over its alleged involvement in the DRC crisis. Belgium has denied these accusations but stated it will take reciprocal measures in response to Rwanda’s decision.

Belgian diplomats in Kigali have until Wednesday to depart. Rwanda assured that, in accordance with the Vienna Convention, it will safeguard Belgian diplomatic premises, property, and archives.