Rwanda denounces American sanctions and calls for a negotiated resolution of the conflict in the DRC

Diplomatic rupture: Rwanda cuts its links with Belgium

ByThe Mwebantu Team

Kigali’s decision to break his diplomatic relations with Brussels arises in a context of increasing tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, reviving concerns about a regional conflict in the Great Lakes.

The Rwandan government announced, on Monday, March 17, 2025, its decision to immediately cut all diplomatic links with Belgium, a radical measure which marks a point of non-return in relations between the two countries. According to the official press release from the Rwandan Foreign Affairs, this rupture stems from a “In -depth reflection” facing “Belgian persistent attempts to maintain its neocolonial illusions”.

Kigali accuses Belgium of “Constantly mine Rwanda, long before and during the current conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo”a conflict in which Belgium would have a historical and violent role. Rwandan authorities underline in particular the “Destructive historical role of Belgium in the creation of ethnic extremism”referring to the colonial era and to the events which led to the genocide of the Tutsis in 1994.

This radical decision occurs a month after Rwanda has suspended its bilateral aid program with Belgium in February, in response to the proposals of the new Belgian Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot, who had mentioned the possibility of a “Stopping the cooperation program” with Rwanda. The tension had also intensified at the Munich security conference, where the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister called for a “Firmer reaction” of the European Union against Kigali.

This rupture is part of a tense regional climate, where relations between the DRC and Rwanda are marked by an increasingly bellicose rhetoric. The Congolese Defense Minister, Me Guy Kabombo Muadianvita, recently said that “if we have a strong army, no neighboring country will dare to challenge us”, during a visit to injured soldiers in Kinshasa.

In response, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said that “We must not be afraid to speak, to fight for ourselves and against those who want to destroy us”during an exchange with the population.

The Rwandan press release specifies that “All Belgian diplomats present in Rwanda must leave the country within 48 hours”. In accordance with the Vienna Convention, Rwanda undertakes to ensure the safety of the premises, property and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali.

This decision, described as“Rwanda commitment to protect its national interests and the dignity of Rwandans”intervenes when mediation efforts seem to stagnate, despite a call to a ceasefire of the Angolan presidency and the peace discussions expected in Luanda between Kinshasa and the M23.

The Mwebantu Team
The Mwebantu Team

Led by Nia, the insightful editor-in-chief, Kwame, our technology expert, and Amara, the bold field reporter, the Mwebantu team weaves the vibrant narrative of Africa every day, forging a narrative bridge between the continent and the world. Their shared passion illuminates the mission of Mwebantu News, making African voices resonate on the global stage.