Editor's Review

"Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)."

The Rwandan government has cut diplomatic ties with Belgium, citing continued efforts to undermine Rwanda and destabilize the region. 

In a statement on Monday, March 17, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the decision was made after careful consideration of several factors.

"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. 

"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 in part.

Rwanda accused Belgium of taking sides in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and using lies and manipulation to foster a hostile international perception of Rwanda.  

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"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 added.

File image of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever

Additionally, Rwanda accused Belgium of fuelling the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and allowing groups that promote genocide denial to operate on Belgian soil. 

"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 further read.

Rwanda also directed that all Belgian diplomats in Rwanda be given 48 hours to leave the country, further assuring that it would protect Belgian diplomatic premises and property.

"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 statement concluded.