Belgium, Rwanda Expel Diplomats Amid DR Congo Tensions
On Monday, Rwanda announced it was severing diplomatic ties with Belgium, giving Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave. Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot, called the decision “disproportionate” and said Brussels would declare Rwandan diplomats persona non grata in response.
Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium’s diplomats persona non grata.
This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda they prefer not to engage in dialogue.
Belgium will take similar…
— Maxime PREVOT (@prevotmaxime) March 17, 2025
Since January, the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group has seized two of eastern Congo’s largest cities, drawing international condemnation. The conflict, rooted in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition over Congo’s mineral wealth, has escalated despite global efforts to mediate.
Rwanda denies supporting M23 but acknowledges its military presence in Congo, with the UN estimating around 4,000 Rwandan troops in the country. Belgium, formerly the colonial power in both nations, has led EU calls to suspend a 2024 raw materials agreement with Rwanda.
RWANDA SEVERS DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH BELGIUM
The Government of Rwanda today notified the Government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately. Rwanda’s decision has been taken after careful consideration of several factors, all linked… pic.twitter.com/Me6l13s4Bq
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Int’l Cooperation (@RwandaMFA) March 17, 2025
In a statement Monday, Kigali accused Belgium of “taking sides” and “systematically mobilizing against Rwanda using lies and manipulation” to destabilize the region.
In a post by the RussiaToday, Rwanda President Kagame accuses Belgium of lobbying for sanctions against Rwanda over Congo conflict “Belgians destroyed Rwanda and killed Rwandans… We fought to be Rwandans, not Belgians… No one will decide for us.”
Rwanda President Kagame accuses Belgium of lobbying for sanctions against Rwanda over Congo conflict
“Belgians destroyed Rwanda and killed Rwandans… We fought to be Rwandans, not Belgians… No one will decide for us.” pic.twitter.com/WBMAWNmCRQ
— RT (@RT_com) March 17, 2025
Meanwhile, the Congolese government and M23 rebels have agreed to send delegations for peace talks in Angola on Tuesday.