The deteriorating relations between Rwanda and Belgium has resulted in expulsion each other diplomats in respective Countries.
This comes after a hated allegation about their roles in the conflict in the Eastern Region of Democratic Republic of Congo with Rwandese President Paul Kagame accusing Belgium of advocating for international sanctions against his country over the conflict.
Rwanda, through its ministry of Foreign affairs accused Belgium of “consistently” undermining Kigali “during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo” (DRC).
Belgium Foreign Minister and international cooperation Maxime Prevot said it’s severing relations with Belgium and giving its diplomats 48 hours to leave the East African country.
“The Government of Rwanda today notified the Government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately,” it stated
Belgium in return through Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said on X that Rwandan diplomats were no longer welcome in their country.
“Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium’s diplomats persona non grata,” Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said on X.
“This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda they prefer not to engage in dialogue.”
The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group launched a large offensive in the mineral-rich east of the DRC earlier this year, taking two major cities.
A UN report has said Kigali controls the group and has about 4,000 soldiers in the country. Kigali has denied involvement in the conflict and says it faces a threat from ethnic Hutu fighters in the DRC.
The Congolese government says at least over 7,000 people have died amid the offensive and has called for international action.
