Rwanda Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Belgium, Expels Its Diplomats

By The Inspirer.

The Government of Rwanda has officially informed Belgium that it is severing diplomatic relations and has ordered Belgian diplomats to leave Rwandan territory within 48 hours.

This decision, announced on Monday, March 17, must be implemented immediately. Rwanda stated that it made this choice after thorough consideration, citing Belgium’s colonial-era behavior.

A statement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Belgium of consistently undermining Rwanda, both historically and in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The ministry specifically blamed Belgium for actions that have harmed Rwanda.

The statement further alleged that Belgium has taken a stance in the current conflict that is detrimental to Rwanda. It accused Belgium of spreading falsehoods to justify decisions aimed at destabilizing Rwanda and the region.

As a result, Rwanda has ordered all Belgian diplomats to leave within 48 hours while promising to uphold international diplomatic principles by protecting Belgium’s assets and buildings in Rwanda.

Kagame’s Strong Remarks

President Paul Kagame recently warned that Rwanda would not tolerate Belgium’s behavior and hinted at taking a strong stance.

“One of the problems we have is that a small country like Belgium colonized Rwanda, divided it, and sought to make it as small as itself. That’s what Belgium did, and I will call them out on it. Belgium has tormented Rwanda for over 30 years; it keeps coming back to harm those who survived… We warned them before, and we will warn them again,” Kagame said.

The president also accused Belgium of pressuring other countries and international institutions to impose sanctions on Rwanda.

“Will we die because of these sanctions? Those responsible for the problems are the same ones calling for sanctions. If you ask them why these sanctions are necessary, they say they don’t know—but Belgium told them to impose them,” Kagame remarked.

Belgium’s Response

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, revealed in a February 2025 interview with IGIHE that Belgium had lobbied institutions such as the World Bankand the European Union (EU) to impose economic restrictions on Rwanda.

“There are many institutions involved—World Bank, European Union… Belgium has gone to all financial institutions,” he said.

Kagame also referenced Belgium’s decision to reject Rwanda’s ambassador, Vincent Karega, citing his alleged mishandling of Congo-related matters.

“They have been against us for a long time, even before this war started. They rejected our ambassador, saying he didn’t act properly regarding Congo. But who are they? Who gave them the authority over us? Do Rwandans believe in God? Did God put Rwanda under these people? We will remind them, no matter what,” Kagame stated.

Following Rwanda’s decision, Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot, announced that Belgium would retaliate by expelling all Rwandan diplomats, accusing Rwanda of refusing to engage in diplomatic dialogue.