Brussels/Kigali – Belgium and Rwanda have expelled each other’s diplomats in a tit-for-tat exchange, intensifying a growing diplomatic crisis linked to the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The latest move marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the two nations, with both sides trading accusations over their involvement in the region’s instability.
Rwanda’s government announced on Monday that it had severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, ordering Belgian diplomats to leave Kigali within 48 hours.
The decision comes amid mounting criticism from Brussels over Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which has been active in eastern DRC.
Kigali has repeatedly denied backing the rebels, accusing Belgium and other Western nations of unfairly targeting its government while ignoring the Congolese army’s alliances with other armed groups.
In response to Rwanda’s expulsion order, Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot described the decision as “disproportionate” and announced retaliatory measures.
“Belgium will not leave this action unanswered,” Prévot said in a statement. “We will declare Rwandan diplomats persona non grata and expect them to leave Belgium in the same timeframe.”
Mounting Diplomatic Tensions
The rift between Belgium and Rwanda has been brewing for months, fueled by Belgium’s vocal criticism of Rwanda’s role in the DRC conflict.
Brussels has called for international sanctions against Kigali, citing evidence from United Nations reports that suggest Rwanda provides military and logistical support to the M23 rebels.
The armed group has been engaged in fierce battles with the Congolese army, displacing thousands of civilians and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Belgium, a former colonial power in both Rwanda and the DRC, has positioned itself as a strong advocate for Congo’s territorial integrity.
In recent months, Belgian officials have openly condemned Rwanda’s alleged interference in Congolese affairs, straining relations between Brussels and Kigali.
The expulsion of diplomats is the most dramatic fallout from these tensions so far, raising concerns about the future of diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
Belgium remains one of Rwanda’s key trading partners and a major development aid donor, but the latest diplomatic row could put these ties at risk.
Regional and International Reactions
The escalating dispute has sparked concern within the European Union, with officials in Brussels urging both sides to de-escalate the situation.
The EU has previously called for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis in eastern DRC and has expressed worries that worsening relations between Rwanda and Belgium could hinder international peace efforts.
The Rwandan government has defended its decision, arguing that Belgium’s stance on the DRC conflict is biased and undermines Rwanda’s sovereignty.
“We will not tolerate any external interference in our affairs,” Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta said in a press briefing.
Meanwhile, Congolese officials have welcomed Belgium’s strong stance against Rwanda, calling it a necessary step to hold Kigali accountable for its alleged actions in eastern DRC.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the expulsion of diplomats signals a deepening rift between the two countries, further complicating efforts to stabilize the Great Lakes region.
