The Government of Rwanda has severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, effective March 17, 2025, and has given all Belgian diplomats in Rwanda 48 hours to leave the country.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this decision was made after careful consideration of several factors, all linked to Belgium’s persistent attempts to maintain its neocolonial influence.
“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 read.
Rwanda accuses Belgium of actively mobilizing international opposition against it through misinformation and manipulation, effectively taking sides in a complex regional dispute.
“Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the DRC, in which Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda,” the statement added.
Beyond current political tensions, Rwanda also pointed to Belgium’s historical role in fostering ethnic divisions in the country, which contributed to discrimination, persecution, and ultimately, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The statement further accused Belgium of providing a safe haven for groups that engage in genocide denial and the propagation of genocidal ideology.
“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.”
ALSO READ: Rwanda suspends development cooperation with Belgium
The Rwandan government emphasized that the decision was taken in defense of its national interests, sovereignty, and the dignity of its people.
“Today’s decision reflects Rwanda’s commitment to safeguarding our national interests and the dignity of Rwandans, as well as upholding the principles of sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect.”
Despite ordering all Belgian diplomats to leave within 48 hours, Rwanda affirmed that it would adhere to international diplomatic norms.
“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.
Rwanda’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Belgium comes a day after President Paul Kagame, during a citizen outreach event at BK Arena in Kigali on March 16, 2025, warned Belgium against blaming Rwanda for the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) problems and mobilizing the international community to impose sanctions—despite Belgium’s colonial legacy being a root cause of the region’s longstanding conflicts.