Rwanda announced on Monday that it has officially severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing the European country of persistently undermining Kigali over the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, launched a major offensive earlier this year in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, capturing two significant cities. A United Nations report alleges that Kigali has effective control over the group and has deployed around 4,000 troops in the region. However, Rwanda has denied any involvement, claiming it is instead defending itself against threats from ethnic Hutu militias operating in the DRC.
In a statement, Rwanda’s foreign affairs ministry said Belgium had “clearly taken sides in a regional conflict” and had been actively working against Rwanda in international forums. It accused Belgium of spreading falsehoods to destabilise both Rwanda and the region.
The decision, Kigali stated, was made to protect Rwanda’s national interests and the dignity of its citizens. The statement also ordered all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.
