Rwanda has ordered all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours following its decision to sever diplomatic ties with Belgium, citing what it describes as the European nation’s persistent “neocolonial delusions.”
In a statement, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the move was made after “careful consideration of several factors, all linked to Belgium’s pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions.”
Rwanda accuses Belgium of systematically undermining its government, both historically and in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Belgium “has a deep and violent historical role, particularly in acting against Rwanda.”
Western nations and the United Nations have accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels in eastern DRC, allegations Kigali has neither confirmed nor denied. Instead, Rwanda claims Belgium is mobilizing international opinion against it through “lies and manipulation.”
“Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums, attempting to destabilize both Rwanda and the region,” the statement read.
Rwanda views the M23 rebels as Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese demanding equal rights in the DRC. The statement also accuses Belgium of complicity in Rwanda’s past conflicts, including the 1994 genocide, which left an estimated 800,000 people dead and displaced millions. It highlights Belgium’s role in shaping ethnic divisions dating back to colonial rule and criticizes the country for allowing groups that deny the genocide to operate within its borders.
“Beyond Belgium’s destructive historical role in fueling ethnic extremism, which led to entrenched discrimination and ultimately the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, it has also provided a platform for groups that promote genocide denial and sustain genocidal ideology.”
Rwanda says the decision reflects its commitment to protecting “national interests and the dignity of Rwandans” while upholding sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect. In line with the Vienna Convention, Kigali will ensure the security of the Belgian diplomatic mission’s premises, property, and archives.
