In a shocking move, Rwanda has cut all diplomatic ties with Belgium. As per reports, the European nation has been accused of "undermining Rwanda" during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Following this severance of ties, Rwanda has asked Belgian diplomats to leave the country within the next 48 hours.
Rwanda's decision also follows after Brussels called for European nations and the EU to sanction Rwanda over its support for the rebel group M23. Rwanda, however, has denied any affiliation to he group or the conflict in DRC.
"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," read the official statement issued by Rwandan Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Belgium has called Rwanda's decision "disproportionate." Brussels, which is also the former colonial power of Rwanda, stated it will respond to these measures.
"Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium라이브 바카라 diplomats persona non grata. This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda they prefer not to engage in dialogue," stated Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot on social media platform X.
In January 2025, rebel group M23 stormed Congo and claimed the key city of Goma. The conflict caused by a rebel group has resulted in at least 7,000 deaths in DRC and over 850,000 people have been forced to flee due to the conflict.
With the outbreak of the conflict, Congo also cut all ties with Rwanda, which it has accused of supporting the rebel M23 group. In the past two months of the crisis, M23 rebels have taken over two cities -Goma and Bukavu.
Kigali continues to deny their involvement in the conflict. As per a UN report, Rwanda controls the rebel group and has about 4,000 soldiers in the country.
However, the African nation has denied involvement in the conflict and stated that it faces a threat from ethnic Hutu fighters in the DRC.
