Belgium has reciprocated a decision by Rwanda to cut off diplomatic ties with Brussels.
Rwanda, formerly administered by Belgium under a mandate first from the League of Nations and later the United Nations, on Monday, announced ending diplomatic ties with Belgium.
Rwanda accuses the European country of ‘clearly taking sides’ in the regional conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, a former Belgian colony.
The Rwandan government also accuses Belgium of systematically mobilising against Rwanda on the international stage, using ‘lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda’.
Kigali gave Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country, the scene of the 1994 genocide.
In response, Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prévot said his country ‘regrets Rwanda’s decision’.
He also immediately took similar countermeasures. Rwandan diplomats become ‘persona non grata’ too and will have to leave the country, and all international cooperation agreements will be rescinded.
EU sanctions introduced
Rwanda has long accused Belgium of taking sides in the conflict in eastern Congo. The rebel group M23 that can count on Rwandan support has captured several key towns.
Last month already, Rwanda decided to suspend development cooperation with Belgium.
The EU has also approved a package of sanctions linked to the conflict. 10 people are targeted, including members of the March 23rd rebel group and the Rwandan army.