Rwanda has cut diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing it of undermining the country and taking sides in DR Congo’s ongoing conflict.
Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, alleging that its former colonial ruler has “consistently undermining” the country amid the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Africa side claims Belgium is taking sides in the regional conflict, while Belgium vows to respond to what it calls a “disproportionate” decision.
The Rwandan government, however, gave Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country, following Brussels’ push for European nations to sanction Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied backing the group, despite assertions from the United Nations and the United States.
This diplomatic fallout comes amid intensifying violence in eastern DRC, where around 7,000 people have been killed this year in clashes between the M23 and government forces.
Over 850,000 people have been displaced since January, with the rebels seizing control of key cities such as Goma and Bukavu.
In response to Rwanda’s alleged involvement, Britain has cut some of its aid to the country, while the UN Security Council last month demanded that the M23 cease hostilities and that Rwanda withdraw its troops from DRC.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot quickly responded, criticizing Kigali’s decision, saying “This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue.”
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has issued a defiant statement against Belgium, suggesting that his country will not be dictated to by its former colonial power.
Kagame argued 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 an attempt to destabilise both Rwanda and the region.
“We would ask Belgium: ‘Who are you by the way? Who put you in charge of us?’ Rwandans believe in God, but did God really put these people in charge of Rwanda?” Kagame asked.
