Belgium, Rwanda engage in tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats over Congo conflict

Belgium and Rwanda have expelled each other’s diplomats, further straining relations over their alleged roles in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Rwanda announced on Sunday that it was severing diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing the European nation of manipulating international opinion against Kigali.

In a statement, the Rwandan government accused Belgium of undermining its sovereignty and peace efforts in the region, and ordered all Belgian diplomats to leave in 48 hours. 

“The Government of Rwanda today notified the Government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately. Rwanda’s decision has been taken after careful consideration of several factors, all linked with Belgium’s pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions,” the statement reads.

“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.

“All Belgian diplomats in Rwanda are required to leave the country within 48 hours. In compliance with the Vienna Convention, Rwanda will assure the protection of the premises, property, and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali.”

The country added that Belgium’s actions had caused harm to Rwanda’s national interests and diplomatic relations.

Reacting to the expulsion, Maxime Prevot, Belgium’s foreign affairs minister, called Rwanda’s decision “disproportionate” and said his country would respond in kind by expelling Rwandan diplomats.

“Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium’s diplomats persona non grata,” he said.

“This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda they prefer not to engage in dialogue.

“Belgium will take similar measures: the convocation of the Rwandan chargé d’affaires a.i., declaring Rwanda’s diplomats persona non grata and denouncing our governmental cooperation agreements.”

The diplomatic fallout comes amid increasing tensions in the Great Lakes region, where Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo — an allegation Kigali has denied.

In January, demonstrators in the DRC attacked the embassies of several countries, including Belgium, Rwanda, the United States, France, Uganda, and Kenya, accusing them of backing the M23 rebels.

Efforts by African leaders to secure a lasting ceasefire in the region remain ongoing.