Rwanda has severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing it of undermining its sovereignty and fueling instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced the decision in a statement issued on Monday, saying it was taken after “careful consideration of several factors.”
According to the statement, Belgium has “consistently undermined Rwanda” for years and played a “deep and violent historical role” in the ongoing DRC conflict, particularly in efforts against Rwanda.
"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 ministry said.
Belgium has also been linked to past events that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, blaming it for fueling ethnic extremism and discrimination.
“This decision reflects Rwanda’s commitment to safeguarding our national interests and the dignity of Rwandans, as well as upholding the principles of sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect,” the ministry added.
All Belgian diplomats in Rwanda have been ordered to leave within 48 hours. However, Rwanda assured that it will protect the Belgian embassy premises, property, and archives in line with the Vienna Convention.
The Rwandan government has not indicated if there is room for future diplomatic talks with Belgium.
