Kigali, Rwanda – The Rwandan government announced on Monday that it had given Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country, escalating diplomatic tensions following Kigali’s decision to sever ties with Brussels.
AfricaHeadline Reports Team
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In a statement, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Belgium of persistent interference in its affairs, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the DRC, in which Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda,” the statement read.
The diplomatic fallout comes after Belgium froze aid and suspended trade agreements with Rwanda, citing concerns over Kigali’s alleged support for M23 rebels in eastern Congo.
During a press conference in Kigali on Sunday, President Paul Kagame struck a defiant tone, warning against foreign meddling in Rwanda’s internal and regional affairs. He accused Belgium—Rwanda’s former colonial ruler until 1962—of perpetuating neo-colonial influence and vowed to defend the country’s sovereignty.
“The atrocities they committed against Rwandans in the past will not be repeated under the guise of diplomacy or humanitarian aid,” Kagame said.
Rwanda has faced increasing international pressure over its role in eastern Congo, where the M23 rebel group, widely believed to have ties to Kigali, controls two mineral-rich provinces. The expulsion of Belgian diplomats signals a deepening rift between Rwanda and Western powers, with Kigali showing no signs of backing down in the face of mounting criticism.
