Rwanda breaks relations with Belgium over sanctions threat
Rwanda has moved to sever all diplomatic ties with its former colonial ruler, Belgium, over the possibility of sanctions imposed by the European nation.
As reported by BBC News, on March 17, Rwandan government officials declared all Belgian diplomats in the country “persona non grata” and gave them 48 hours to leave.
This move effectively cuts off all diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium, leaving their relationship in a limbo with clear path to reconciliation in sight.
The rift between the two nations comes amid accusations by Belgium and other European countries that Rwanda is actively supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The rebel group, which is armed and backed by Rwanda, has made sweeping territorial gains in recent months, capturing key cities like Goma and Bukavu.
However, the fighting has come at a devastating human cost. According to reports from the Congolese government and UNICEF, an estimated 7,000 people have been killed, and around 850,000 have been displaced.
Due to Rwanda’s alleged role in prolonging the conflict, it has faced the threat of sanctions from multiple Europeans countries, including Belgium. Some sanctions have already been imposed on Rwandan military commanders linked to M23.
Despite mounting accusations, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has refused to acknowledge wrongdoing. Instead, Rwanda has strongly condemned Belgium’s stance, accusing it of trying to exert undue influence over Rwandan affairs.
In a statement, the Rwandan government accused Belgium of attempting to sustain “neo-colonial delusions” and destabilize both Rwanda and the region.
This sentiment echoes previous comments made by Kagame, who vowed to “stand up” to Belgium if it interferes in Rwanda’s affairs.
Responding to Rwanda’s decision, Belgian Foreign Minster Maxime Prevot called the move “dipropionate” and accused Rwanda of refusing to engage in diplomatic dialogue.
While the fallout may appear to be a bilateral issue, its consequences are already being felt across the region.
As previously reported by Maghrebi, peace talks between the M23 rebels and the Congolese government were scheduled for March 18 in hopes of resolving the conflict.
However, on March 16, the M23 rebels withdrew from the talks, claiming that international bodies were trying to influence them.
As a result, the conflict in the DRC is set to continue .With Rwanda now fully backing M23 and its relationship with the West deteriorating, the prospect of a peaceful resolution appears increasingly unlikely.
BBC News, Maghrebi
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