Kigali-Brussels: diplomatic break up against a crisis in Bukavu

On Tuesday, Rwanda announced the suspension of its bilateral aid program with Belgium. This decision comes in a tense regional climate, where the M23 rebels maintain their grip on Bukavu, capital of South Kivu.

Kigali reacts to the remarks made by Maxime Prévot, the new Belgian foreign minister, who had mentioned, at the Munich conference, the possibility of ending cooperation with Rwanda. Diplomatic tensions intensified during this event, where the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister urged the European Union to adopt a firmer position with regard to Rwanda, suggesting the suspension of several agreements.

In response, the Rwandan Foreign Ministry has denounced a “Aggressive campaign” aimed at restricting the country’s access to international funding, including those of multilateral institutions. On the ground, the situation remains critical in Bukavu, paralyzed for several days. Boulevard Emery Patrice Lumumba, the main axis of the city, is deserted; Banks, shops and administrative services are closed.

Taxis-wordos, usually banished from the city center, are now the only means of transport that are still operational. The medical activity is limited, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) concentrating the care of the wounded by the general hospital.

In this tense context, the Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) published a press release calling for a “Revolutionary struggle” against the “Gangsterism and state terrorism”. The rebellious movement justifies its actions by denunciation of the “Bad governance, authoritarianism, corruption” and “The abusive exploitation of national resources”.

Accused by Kinshasa and Brussels of supporting the rebels, Kigali firmly rejects these accusations. Rwanda claims to focus on securing its borders and the fight against “Ethnic extremism policies” in the region. He also calls for mutual respect in development partnerships and supports mediation efforts by the African Union (AU), the Eastern African Community (CAE) and SADC.

In Bukavu, local radios, now deprived of usual programs since the withdrawal of the authorities, broadcast continuous music. Meanwhile, the residents, disarmed, note the damage caused by the looting that followed the city.