The government of Rwanda has expressed its intentions to stop its long diplomatic relationship with Belgium, citing Rwanda’s commitment to safeguarding its national interests and the dignity of Rwandans, as well as upholding the principles of sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect.
In a letter dated March 17, 2025, it was announced that the decision to sever diplomatic relations with Belgium would take effect immediately.
“Rwanda’s decision has been taken after careful consideration of several factors, all linked with Belgium’s pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions on Rwanda. Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in which Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda,” Read the letter addressed to Belgium government.
Additionally, the letter revealed that the government of Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion on Rwanda in an attempt to destabilize both Rwanda and the region.
Government of Rwanda further ordered all the Belgian diplomats in Rwanda to leave the country within 48 hours. In compliance with the Vienna Convention, Rwanda will assure the protection of the premises, property, and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali
Rwanda further accused Belgium of its 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.
