The Government of Rwanda has announced the immediate severance of diplomatic relations with Belgium, ordering all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on March 17, 2025, Rwanda accused Belgium of persistently undermining the country, particularly in connection with the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The ministry asserted that Belgium’s involvement in the region has been historically violent, with its recent actions allegedly aimed at destabilizing Rwanda.
“Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in which Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda,” the statement read.
The Rwandan government further accused Belgium of mobilizing against Rwanda through misinformation campaigns and manipulation to foster a hostile international stance. Additionally, Belgium was blamed for allowing its territory to serve as a platform for groups accused of promoting genocide denial and extremist ideologies.
“Beyond Belgium’s destructive historical role in fueling the ethnic extremism that resulted in entrenched discrimination and persecution, and ultimately the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, it has also allowed Belgian territory to be used by groups that propagate genocide denial and sustain genocidal ideology,” the statement added.
This development follows growing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. On 19 February 2025, Rwanda recalled its ambassador to Belgium in protest of what it described as continued Belgian interference in Rwandan affairs.
At the time, the Rwandan government condemned Belgium’s “unwarranted hostility” and accused it of backing forces seeking to undermine Rwanda’s sovereignty. The latest move to cut ties entirely signals an escalation in diplomatic hostilities.
The decision, according to the Ministry, reaffirms Rwanda’s commitment to protecting its national interests, dignity, and sovereignty. While all Belgian diplomats have been ordered to leave within 48 hours, the ministry assured that Rwanda would adhere to the Vienna Convention in safeguarding the premises, property, and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali.
