Rwanda has formally ended its diplomatic relationship with Belgium, citing what it describes as persistent neocolonial attitudes from Brussels.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Belgian diplomats have been ordered to leave the country within 48 hours.
Despite the abrupt break in relations, Kigali has assured that it will safeguard the Belgian embassy’s property and archives, signalling an intention to avoid immediate hostility.
According to the Rwandan government, the decision was taken to protect its national interests following a “thorough assessment” of historical grievances and current geopolitical dynamics.
Officials claim Belgium, Rwanda’s former colonial ruler, has consistently acted in ways that undermine the country’s sovereignty, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The ministry accused Belgium of aligning itself against Rwanda in the regional conflict and using international platforms to promote a negative narrative about Kigali.
Rwandan authorities believe Brussels has played an active role in shaping public opinion through what they call “systematic misinformation.”
Tensions have been further strained by renewed violence in the eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group has launched an offensive since early 2025, seizing strategic locations including Goma and Bukavu. Rwanda has faced allegations of backing the group militarily, claims it continues to strongly deny.
Rwanda’s decision to cut ties is being framed not as an impulsive move but as a strategic response to long-standing and worsening diplomatic friction.
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