Kigali, Rwanda – Rwanda has expelled Belgian diplomats and severed ties with Brussels, accusing Belgium of meddling in its affairs amid ongoing tensions over the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement, Rwanda’s foreign affairs ministry condemned Belgium’s actions, claiming that the European nation has long sought to undermine Kigali.
“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 move follows Belgium’s decision to freeze aid and suspend trade agreements with Kigali, citing Rwanda’s alleged support for rebel forces in eastern Congo.
Kagame Condemns ‘Neo-Colonial’ Interference
During a press conference in Kigali on Sunday, Rwandan President Paul Kagame defended his country’s position, vowing to resist foreign interference.
“We will defend our interests against any form of external pressure,” Kagame declared, singling out Belgium, which ruled Rwanda as a colony until 1962. He accused Brussels of committing historical atrocities against Rwandans and attempting to exert neo-colonial influence.
Rwanda’s Role in the Congo Conflict
Kigali has come under increasing scrutiny over its alleged support for M23 rebels, who control resource-rich provinces in eastern DRC. Rwanda denies direct involvement but maintains that Kinshasa’s policies and governance failures have fueled instability in the region.
As diplomatic tensions escalate, the fallout between Rwanda and Belgium marks a major shift in relations between the two nations, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile Great Lakes region.