KIGALI, Rwanda — Rwanda announced Monday that it has severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, ordering Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours. The move, a significant escalation in a fraught relationship, comes amid accusations of interference by the former colonial power.
The Rwandan government issued a strongly worded statement outlining what it described as Belgium’s continued efforts to undermine Rwanda, both historically and in the present day. Citing Belgium’s role in the ongoing conflict in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kigali accused Brussels of taking active steps to destabilize the region and of harboring groups that promote genocide denial.
A Long History of Strained Relations
Relations between Rwanda and Belgium have been historically complicated. Belgium ruled Rwanda as a colonial power from 1919 until Rwanda’s independence in 1962. Under Belgian rule, deep ethnic divisions were exacerbated, laying the groundwork for tensions that ultimately culminated in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.
For years, Belgium has been critical of Rwanda’s leadership, particularly under President Paul Kagame, whose government has faced increasing scrutiny over its military actions in eastern Congo. The region remains volatile, with accusations that Rwanda is supporting M23 rebels, a charge Kigali has repeatedly denied. Belgium’s recent decision to freeze aid and suspend trade agreements in response to these allegations has only deepened the divide between the two nations.
Kagame’s Defiant Response
At a press conference in Kigali on Sunday, President Kagame struck a defiant tone, calling out Belgium’s actions as ‘neo-colonial interference.’ He emphasized that Rwanda would not be dictated to by foreign governments, particularly former colonial rulers with a history of exploiting Africa for political and economic gain.
“The same country that contributed to the divisions that led to genocide now dares to lecture us on governance and human rights,” Kagame said. “Rwanda will not be subjected to the hypocrisy of those who have never sought justice for their own past crimes.”
Belgium has not officially responded to Rwanda’s announcement, though officials in Brussels have in the past defended their stance on Rwanda and the DRC, citing concerns over human rights and regional stability.
A Shift in Rwanda’s Foreign Policy?
Rwanda’s decision to cut ties with Belgium signals a broader shift in its foreign policy. Over the past decade, Kagame has cultivated alliances beyond traditional Western partners, deepening economic and political ties with countries like China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. Analysts say the diplomatic break with Belgium is further evidence that Rwanda is seeking to assert its sovereignty on the global stage while reducing its reliance on Western nations for aid and political backing.
Dr. Jean-Claude Ntezimana, a political analyst based in Kigali, notes that the move is not entirely surprising given the worsening relations between the two countries.
“This is the culmination of years of diplomatic friction,” Ntezimana said. “Rwanda is demonstrating that it will not tolerate what it perceives as undue external interference, especially from a country with such a fraught colonial legacy.”
Uncertain Fallout
The immediate implications of the diplomatic rift remain unclear. Belgian diplomats have been given 48 hours to leave Rwanda, and under the Vienna Convention, Rwanda has pledged to protect Belgian diplomatic property and archives. However, the long-term consequences could be significant, particularly for economic relations and international cooperation on regional security.
While Belgium is no longer a major financial backer of Rwanda, it remains influential within the European Union and international organizations, which could use diplomatic and economic leverage to pressure Kigali.
For now, Rwanda appears undeterred.
“Rwanda has built itself into a strong, independent nation,” Kagame said Sunday. “We will continue on that path, with or without Belgium’s approval.”
As Rwanda moves forward without diplomatic relations with its former colonizer, the broader implications of this decision will play out on the African and global diplomatic stage in the weeks and months ahead.
