Rwanda and Belgium have severed diplomatic ties amidst rising tensions over the activities of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The EU has enacted sanctions against Rwandan military leaders amid accusations of illegal resource trafficking. Belgium’s support for the DRC has triggered Rwanda’s retrospective claims of neocolonialism, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.
On March 17, 2025, Rwanda and Belgium announced the severing of their diplomatic ties. This decision followed the European Union’s agreement on a sanctions list targeting Rwandan military leaders and members of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The deteriorating relationship was intensified by the M23 rebels’ advances into eastern DRC, a region highly valued for its natural resources, leading to thousands of civilian displacements amid significant loss of life and growing regional instability.
The EU sanctions, decided during a foreign affairs ministers meeting in Brussels, specifically target high-ranking figures within the Rwanda Defense Force and the M23, as well as a refinery engaged in the illegal trafficking of natural resources from eastern DRC. The timing of these sanctions coincided with upcoming peace talks scheduled in Angola between the DRC government and the M23 rebels, emphasizing international efforts to address the ongoing conflict.
In a statement regarding the break in relations, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Ministry accused Belgium of unjustly rallying against Rwanda through manipulation and spreading misinformation. The ministry labeled Belgium’s actions as a continuation of its neocolonial tendencies and demanded the expulsion of Belgian diplomats from Rwanda within 48 hours.
In response, Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot declared Rwanda’s diplomats persona non grata and condemned the Rwandan government’s actions as disproportionate. He characterized Rwanda’s choice to sever ties as an unwillingness to engage in constructive dialogue in the face of disagreement.
Despite the EU’s condemnation of the Rwandan military’s involvement in the DRC, the bloc is also facing criticism for its prior strategic agreement promoting the trade of critical minerals with Rwanda. Critics argue that this arrangement facilitated the illegal extraction and trafficking of these resources, thereby exacerbating the conflict.
Rwanda had already suspended its cooperation program with Belgium earlier in February, citing Belgium’s alleged intentions to undermine its access to development funding. The ongoing situation remains complex, with the EU sanctions viewed merely as an initial measure, and future steps under consideration regarding the review of its critical raw materials agreement with Rwanda.
The diplomatic rift between Rwanda and Belgium signals increasing tensions in the region exacerbated by the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The EU’s response in the form of sanctions against Rwandan military officials reflects its concerns over humanitarian violations and regional stability. As peace talks approach, both nations’ actions indicate deeper geopolitical implications, with accusations and countermeasures highlighting the complexities of international relations in this context.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
