Rwanda has severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, citing colonial attitudes and political interference. President Kagame publicly criticized Belgium’s involvement in Rwanda’s affairs. The decision results from tensions over Belgium’s stance in the DRC conflict. Rwanda’s pivot towards new alliances may affect its relations with the European Union and signal changing dynamics in the Great Lakes region.

The Rwandan government has officially terminated diplomatic relations with Belgium, attributing the decision to colonial-era attitudes and political interference. This announcement, made on March 17, 2025, mandates that Belgian diplomats vacate Rwanda within 48 hours. The recent diplomatic rift follows rising tensions, particularly surrounding Belgium’s position on the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

President Paul Kagame’s criticism of Belgium escalated before the official severance, expressing discontent with the country’s colonial past and interference in Rwandan affairs during a meeting in Kigali on March 16, 2025. Kagame articulated, “One of the problems we have is that we were colonized by a small country like Belgium. Worse still, they decided to divide Rwanda, making it as small as themselves. That is Belgium, and I am warning them today.” This underscores longstanding grievances regarding Belgium’s influence on Rwanda’s post-colonial dynamics.

The diplomatic crisis is exacerbated by Rwanda’s cessation of all cooperation agreements with Belgium, coinciding with Belgium’s support for the Congolese government regarding the DRC conflict. Belgium has publicly criticized Rwanda for alleged support of the M23 rebel group, accusations that Rwanda denies vehemently. The Belgian government’s alignment with Kinshasa has been perceived by Rwanda as unwarranted interference, prompting this decisive action.

This rupture represents a considerable shift in Rwanda’s foreign policy, historically marked by close ties with Belgium, a significant donor. However, Rwanda is now pivoting toward strengthening relationships with nations such as China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. The diplomatic fallout is poised to strain Kigali’s relationships with the European Union, where Belgium wields significant influence, simultaneously highlighting emerging geopolitical tensions in the Great Lakes region.

Belgium has yet to issue a formal response to Rwanda’s decision, yet observers anticipate potential long-term economic and political ramifications. The situation raises questions regarding how Belgium and the EU may endeavor to mediate or, conversely, allow relations to further deteriorate. As the Great Lakes region remains precarious, this diplomatic impasse serves as a reminder of the lasting effects of colonial histories and the evolving nature of African geopolitics.

Rwanda’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Belgium accentuates deep-seated historical grievances and highlights significant geopolitical shifts in the region. The move reflects a broader strategy by Rwanda to redefine its international partnerships while questioning former colonial influences. With potential long-term repercussions on both economic and political fronts, the unfolding events will be critical to observe, particularly regarding European relations and regional stability.

Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com

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