Rwanda Severs Ties with Belgium, Citing Neocolonialism and Regional Meddling
The Government of Rwanda has officially severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, citing persistent interference and neocolonial tendencies, effective immediately.
In a strongly worded statement, Rwanda accused Belgium of undermining its sovereignty and taking an active role against it in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Rwandan government claimed Belgium has historically fueled ethnic divisions in the region, contributing to instability and the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“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 read.
The Rwandan government further alleged that Belgium has mobilized international opposition against it through “lies and manipulation” and has allowed its territory to be used by groups promoting genocide denial and extremist ideologies.
As part of the diplomatic severance, Rwanda has ordered all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours while assuring the protection of Belgian diplomatic premises in Kigali in line with the Vienna Convention.
This decision marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations, with broader implications for regional politics and international relations.
