Rwanda cuts diplomatic ties with Belgium and orders diplomats to leave the country
Rwanda announced on Monday that it was severing diplomatic relations with Belgium and ordered its diplomats to leave Rwanda within 48 hours.
A statement issued by the Rwandan Foreign Ministry explained that the decision to sever relations reflects “Rwanda’s commitment to protecting its national interests and the dignity of Rwandans,” adding that the Kigali government informed its counterpart in Brussels of the severance of relations with immediate effect.
The Rwandan Foreign Ministry accused Belgium of clearly taking sides in a regional conflict and continuing to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in various forums, using lies and manipulation to secure unjustified hostile public opinion, in an attempt to destabilize both Rwanda and the region.
For its part, Belgium said that Rwandan diplomats aren’t welcome in the country, after Rwanda announced the severance of all diplomatic relations with it.
On the other hand, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévost expressed her country’s regret over Rwanda’s decision in a tweet on X, adding, “this is a disproportionate measure and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue”.
Belgium, along with various European and Western parties, as well as the United Nations, accuses Rwanda of deploying approximately 4,000 troops in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where fighting is raging between the Congolese army and the M23 movement.
Rwanda denies deploying troops there and also denies supporting the rebel movement that has seized significant territory in mineral-rich eastern Congo.
The Angolan capital, Luanda, is expected to host direct negotiations, Tuesday, between representatives of the Congolese government and representatives of the armed movement, with the aim of reaching a final solution to the crisis.
