The Government of Rwanda has severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, effective immediately, and instructed all Brussels’ diplomats to leave the East African country within 48 hours.

In a media statement on Monday, 17 March 2025, Rwanda accused Belgium of having “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.”

Rwanda further alleged that Belgium employed “lies and manipulation” to foster an unjustifiably hostile perception of Rwanda, aiming to destabilise the country and the east African region.

President Paul Kagame’s government emphasised that its decision reflects a commitment to safeguarding national interests, upholding the dignity of Rwandans, and defending principles of sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect.

In compliance with the Vienna Convention, Rwanda pledged to ensure the protection of Belgian diplomatic premises, property, and archives in Kigali.

The announcement comes amid reports that the European Commission is considering sanctioning nine individuals linked to the DRC conflict, who are believed to have ties to the Rwandan government.

According to Congolese officials, at least 7000 people have died and some 450,000 displaced this year as a result of clashes between the DRC army and the M23 rebels, which are believed to be backed by Rwanda.

Rwanda also accused Belgium of being “the main European state financing genocidal denialist networks with public budgetary support,” while pursuing policies of hostility toward Rwanda. In an earlier statement, Rwanda condemned Belgium’s “clear partiality” towards the DRC government’s “propaganda” and its “deliberate indifference” to the genocidal agenda of the FDLR, a rebel group that Rwanda says threatens regional peace and security in Rwanda and the Great Lakes.