In a bold and unprecedented move, the Rwandan government announced on Monday, that it is severing all diplomatic relations with Belgium, effective immediately.
This decision, marking a serious deterioration in bilateral relations, comes amid escalating tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), raising fears of a wider conflict in the Great Lakes region.
According to an official statement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this rupture follows “in-depth reflection” and is a response to “Belgium’s prolonged attempts to maintain its neocolonial illusions.”
Kigali further accuses Brussels of undermining Rwanda’s sovereignty and playing a “historical and profoundly violent role” in the ongoing DRC conflict.
Rwandan authorities also condemn Belgium’s colonial past and its alleged role in fueling ethnic divisions, particularly in the events leading to the 1994 Tutsi genocide.
The decision comes just a month after Rwanda suspended its bilateral aid program with Belgium, following remarks by Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, who hinted at the possibility of terminating cooperation with Kigali.