KIGALI (Rwanda) – Rwanda has severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, ordering the Belgian ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours.
The decision, announced on Monday, March 17, was taken after “careful consideration of several factors, all linked with Belgium’s pitiful attempts to sustain its neo-colonial delusions”, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
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The ministry accused Belgium of consistently undermining Rwanda, particularly during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Belgium has a “deep and violent historical role”.
President Paul Kagame had earlier accused Belgium of historical atrocities against Rwandans, saying “they killed Rwandans 30 years ago and have continued to return to finish off the survivors”.
The move comes after Rwanda suspended its development cooperation with Belgium in February, citing the European country’s aggressive campaign to sabotage Rwanda’s access to development finance.
Rwanda blamed Belgium for choosing a political side in the conflict, despite the international community’s call to support the mediation process mandated by the African Union and the Joint EAC-SADC Summit.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated that Belgium has “clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilise against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda”.
In compliance with the Vienna Convention, Rwanda said it will ensure the protection of the Belgian diplomatic mission premises, property, and archives.
