Belgium and Rwanda Expel Each Other’s Diplomats as Tensions Escalate Over Congo Conflict
Diplomatic relations between Belgium and Rwanda have hit a boiling point, with both countries expelling each other’s diplomats amid a bitter dispute over their involvement in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a dramatic move, the Rwandan government announced it was severing ties with Belgium and gave Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country. Kigali accused Brussels of manipulating global opinion to create a hostile narrative against Rwanda.
“Belgium is using lies and manipulation to form an unjustified negative opinion of Rwanda,” the Rwandan government stated.
Belgium swiftly responded, with Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prevot condemning Rwanda’s actions as “disproportionate” and a refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue.
“This decision is disproportionate and demonstrates that when we disagree with Rwanda, they choose to avoid dialogue,” Prevot said.
In retaliation, Belgium declared Rwandan diplomats persona non grata, expelling them from the country.
The diplomatic standoff comes amid ongoing efforts by African leaders to broker a ceasefire in the volatile eastern DRC, where Rwanda is accused of supporting the M23 rebel group. Rwanda has vehemently denied these accusations, while Congo and its allies continue to hold Kigali responsible for fueling instability in the region.
With both countries now severing diplomatic ties, the crisis threatens to derail peace efforts in the DRC and raises fears of further regional tensions.
