Rwanda cuts diplomatic ties with Belgium amid EU sanctions, escalating DRC conflict

Rwanda has formally severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, escalating tensions between the two nations on the same day that the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions on Rwandan officials over their alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The dramatic move by Kigali comes amid accusations that Belgium has “taken sides” in the deteriorating Rwanda-DRC relations, with historical grievances and colonial-era tensions resurfacing in diplomatic rhetoric.

Rwanda has accused Belgium of attempting to “maintain its neo-colonial illusions” and of unfairly positioning itself against Kigali in the escalating regional crisis.

Belgium, which played a key role in advocating for EU sanctions, defended its stance, saying it is based on human rights concerns and Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 rebels, who have seized key strategic locations in eastern Congo.

As diplomatic relations collapse, Belgium has retaliated by expelling Rwandan diplomats, marking one of the most significant diplomatic fallouts in Africa-Europe relations in recent years.

Belgium’s decision to back EU sanctions targeting five Rwandan and four Congolese officials has deepened the rift between Brussels and Kigali.

The sanctions, agreed upon by EU foreign ministers, come in response to the escalating humanitarian and security crisis in eastern DRC, where violence between the Congolese army and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels continues to devastate civilian populations.

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Rwanda has long denied directly supporting the M23 rebels, despite mounting UN and Western intelligence reports alleging Kigali’s involvement in funding, arming, and directing the group’s military campaigns. Kigali has instead accused Kinshasa of harboring and supporting Hutu extremist militias, particularly the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Belgium, a former colonial power in both Rwanda and the DRC, has been one of the strongest voices within the EU pushing for accountability and financial restrictions on individuals tied to the conflict.

Rwandan officials, in response, have accused Belgium of using its influence to manipulate European policy against Kigali.

The conflict in eastern DRC has taken a dangerous turn, with M23 rebels seizing major cities such as Goma and Bukavu.

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Congolese authorities have repeatedly accused Rwanda of orchestrating a covert campaign to destabilize the region and exploit its vast natural resources, including coltan, gold, and cobalt.

Kigali, however, insists that its actions are defensive, alleging that the DRC has allowed Hutu rebel groups to operate freely within its borders, posing a direct security threat to Rwanda.

Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation have largely failed, with regional peace talks led by the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC), and the United Nations struggling to broker a sustainable ceasefire.

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Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation continues to worsen, with hundreds of thousands displaced and reports of severe human rights violations, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, sexual violence, and forced displacement.

Reacting to Rwanda’s decision to cut off diplomatic relations, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot condemned the move as “disproportionate” and accused Kigali of avoiding dialogue rather than engaging in constructive diplomacy.

“This is an unfortunate step backward,” Prévot said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “Rwanda has chosen confrontation over dialogue at a time when diplomatic engagement is most needed.”

The collapse of diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Belgium marks a new low in relations between the two countries, raising concerns about broader EU-Africa relations.

Analysts warn that Belgium’s stance could influence other European nations to take a tougher stance on Rwanda, potentially leading to further economic and diplomatic isolation for Kigali.

At the same time, Rwanda’s strategic partnerships with China and Russia could gain momentum as Kigali seeks alternative alliances to counter Western influence in its affairs.

The Rwanda-DRC conflict remains a volatile issue, with the risk of wider regional destabilization increasing as neighboring countries such as Uganda and Burundi are drawn into the growing tensions.

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