Rwanda severs diplomatic ties with Belgium over Congo conflict
Cracked wall depicting the fragmented flags of Rwanda and Belgium, symbolizing the severed diplomatic relations between the two nations amid tensions over the conflict in eastern Congo, accessed on March 17, 2025. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Rwanda announced Monday it has cut diplomatic relations with Belgium, accusing the European nation of undermining Kigali in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The Government of Rwanda today notified the Government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately,” Rwanda’s foreign affairs ministry said in a statement.
The diplomatic rupture comes amid escalating tensions over Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which launched a major offensive in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region earlier this year, capturing two major cities.
Rwanda’s foreign ministry accused Belgium of taking sides in the regional conflict and engaging in a systematic campaign against Rwandan interests.
“Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda, in an attempt to destabilize both Rwanda and the region,” the statement said.
A United Nations report has implicated Rwanda in the conflict, stating that Kigali effectively controls the M23 group and has deployed approximately 4,000 troops inside Congo. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations, claiming instead that it faces threats from ethnic Hutu fighters operating from Congolese territory.
The statement emphasized that the decision reflects “Rwanda’s commitment to safeguarding our national interests and the dignity of Rwandans.”
All Belgian diplomats currently stationed in Rwanda have been ordered to leave the country within 48 hours, according to the ministry’s statement.
