President Paul Kagame of Rwanda (PHOTO/Courtesy).
KIGALI – Rwanda has severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, effective immediately, citing Belgium’s “pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions”.
The decision was made after careful consideration of several factors, including Belgium’s consistent undermining of Rwanda, particularly in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda’s government accused Belgium of playing a “deep and violent historical role” in the DRC crisis, especially in actions targeting Rwanda. The statement also condemned Belgium’s historical involvement in fueling ethnic divisions in the region, which culminated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Furthermore, Rwanda accused Belgium of allowing its territory to be used by groups that propagate genocide denial and sustain genocidal ideology. The decision to cut diplomatic ties reflects Rwanda’s commitment to protecting national interests and upholding sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect.
In response, Belgium declared all Rwandan diplomats persona non grata, and Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot expressed regret over Rwanda’s decision, calling it “disproportionate”.
Rwandan diplomats have been given 48 hours to leave Belgium, while Rwanda will assure the protection of the premises, property, and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali, in compliance with the Vienna Convention.
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