Rwanda and Belgium have severed diplomatic ties following the EU’s sanctions against Rwandan military leaders amid unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The sanctions target individuals involved with the M23 rebels, who have seized control of significant areas in DRC. Both nations have exchanged accusations of hostility and neocolonial attitudes, with Belgium calling Rwanda’s actions disproportionate and Rwanda condemning Belgium’s support for the DRC.
On March 17, 2025, Rwanda and Belgium officially severed diplomatic ties amid escalating tensions over Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The European Union (EU) has responded to the situation by imposing sanctions against key individuals in the Rwandan military and affiliated groups, particularly following the rebels’ advancement into resource-rich eastern DRC, where they have captured major cities, leading to significant casualties and displacement of the local population.
The sanctions, established during a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels, target senior officials in the Rwanda Defense Force and the M23 group, as well as a refinery linked to illegal resource trafficking from the DRC. This critical decision aligns with impending peace talks between the DRC government and M23 rebels scheduled to occur in Angola.
Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Ministry announced the termination of its diplomatic relationship with Belgium, citing the latter’s alignment with the DRC and accusations of promoting animosity against Rwanda. They characterized Belgium’s actions as indicative of lingering neocolonial attitudes. In retaliation, Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot declared Rwandan diplomats persona non grata and condemned the severance of ties as excessive, underscoring Rwanda’s reluctance to engage in dialogue during disagreements.
Despite sanctions being implemented, the EU has faced criticism for allegedly contributing to the conflict. A previous minerals deal with Rwanda has drawn scrutiny, with opponents arguing it facilitated the smuggling of conflict minerals from eastern DRC. The EU diplomat indicated that the sanctions are merely a preliminary step, with calls for further responses pending a review of critical raw material agreements with Rwanda. In February, Rwanda had already suspended cooperation with Belgium due to accusations of sabotaging funding access, indicating a long-standing rift between the two nations.
The diplomatic rupture between Rwanda and Belgium highlights the complexities of the ongoing conflict in the DRC and the international community’s response. With the EU imposing sanctions, both nations are navigating a charged environment fueled by accusations and disagreements. This incident underscores the need for dialogue and cooperation to address the underlying issues of territorial integrity and humanitarian concerns in the region.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
