Rwanda Breaks Ties with Belgium Over DR Congo Conflict
By Kasim Isa Muhammad
Kanempress News
18th March 2025
Rwanda has officially severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing Brussels of consistently undermining its position during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Kigali has expressed frustration over what it describes as Belgium’s neo-colonial mindset and interference in its internal matters, particularly over allegations that Rwanda has supported the M23 rebel group.
In a bold move, the Rwandan government has given Belgian diplomats just 48 hours to leave the country. In response, Belgium condemned the decision as disproportionate and announced reciprocal measures, including declaring Rwandan diplomats “persona non grata.”
Before the severance of ties, Rwandan President Paul Kagame publicly criticized Belgium’s perceived authority in the region, questioning its right to intervene in the conflict. Despite mounting international pressure and accusations, Rwanda continues to deny providing any support to the M23 rebels, in contrast to claims by the United Nations and the United States.
The conflict in eastern DR Congo, fueled by the M23’s control of key cities, has had devastating consequences, resulting in over 7,000 deaths and displacing more than 850,000 people. In response to the ongoing violence, the European Union has imposed sanctions on three Rwandan military commanders accused of involvement in the crisis.
The diplomatic rupture between Rwanda and Belgium marks a significant escalation in the tension surrounding the DR Congo conflict and signals the broader international divisions over the role of Rwanda in the region’s instability.
