Rwanda has decided to cut diplomatic ties with Belgium, ordering embassy officials to leave the country within 48 hours.
The decision comes amid growing tensions between the two nations over the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The dispute is linked to Belgium’s stance on the crisis in eastern Congo, where Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 rebel group. Belgium has been vocal in its criticism, calling for stronger measures against Rwanda. Kigali has denied the allegations and accused Belgium of fueling regional instability through its policies.
This move marks a sharp escalation in diplomatic tensions. The Rwandan government announced that Belgian embassy staff must leave within two days, effectively severing official ties between the two countries. This decision affects trade, diplomatic engagements, and political relations that have existed for decades.
The fallout is expected to affect regional diplomacy, as Belgium has played a key role in European-African relations. With Rwanda’s firm stance, the rift could lead to broader international consequences, especially within the European Union and African Union.
While Belgium has yet to formally respond to the expulsion, the situation adds another layer of complexity to an already fragile conflict in the Great Lakes region. With diplomatic channels shutting down, the future of Belgium-Rwanda relations remains uncertain.