Rwanda announced on March 17, 2025, that it has severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, citing interference and colonial attitudes. The decision requires Belgian diplomats to leave within 48 hours. Tensions escalated following President Kagame’s criticism of Belgium’s involvement in Rwandan affairs and its support of the DRC government against Rwanda. This marks a significant change in Rwanda’s foreign policy, diversifying partnerships away from Belgium and could strain EU relations.
On March 17, 2025, the Rwandan government announced the severing of diplomatic relations with Belgium, citing colonial attitudes and political interference. This decision mandated that Belgian diplomats vacate Rwanda within 48 hours, following rising tensions about Belgium’s position on conflicts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
President Paul Kagame’s reprimand of Belgium on March 16 highlighted historical grievances regarding Belgium’s colonial legacy. He accused them of meddling deeply in Rwandan affairs, stating, “One of the problems we have is that we were colonized by a small country like Belgium. Worse still, they decided to divide Rwanda, making it as small as themselves. That is Belgium, and I am warning them today.”
The breakdown in relations coincided with Rwanda ending all cooperation agreements with Belgium after Brussels aligned politically with the Congolese government in the DRC conflict. Belgium’s criticisms of Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group intensified the issue, an accusation Rwanda has denied, viewing the alignment as intrusive in their regional security.
This diplomatic rift represents a notable change in Rwanda’s foreign interactions, moving away from Belgium, a significant donor and partner, towards establishing closer relations with countries like China, Russia, and the UAE. The estrangement between Kigali and Brussels will likely deepen Rwanda’s tensions with the European Union, of which Belgium is a crucial member.
Belgium has yet to respond officially, but analysts warn that the situation could have extensive economic and political ramifications. As Rwanda asserts its sovereignty, the implications for Belgium and EU relations remain uncertain, particularly in the context of tribal legacies and the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Great Lakes region.
Rwanda’s decisive action to sever ties with Belgium highlights ongoing issues of colonial influence and regional security impacts, exacerbated by recent conflicts in the DRC. The diplomatic fallout underscores the shift in Rwanda’s foreign policy towards stronger partnerships outside traditional Western alignments. The evolving situation necessitates keen observation of the potential economic and political consequences for both nations and the broader EU influence in the region.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
