This Monday, March 17, Rwanda announced the breakdown of its diplomatic relations with Belgium. The regime of Rwandan President Paul Kagame accuses the old colonial power of having “Caught” For Kinshasa, “Long before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo”. In its press release, the Rwandan foreign ministry points to a systematic mobilization of the Belgian government “Against Rwanda in different forums”.
Rwanda reproaches Belgium in particular to play its influence within the European Union to propagate ” Lies and manipulations (in order to) Create an unjustified hostile opinion with regard to Rwanda ”. The whole “In order to destabilize the country and the region”. As a sanction, Rwanda has thus ordered “All Belgian diplomats present in Rwanda (of) Leave the country within 48 hours ”.
Belgian diplomats declared persona non grata in Rwanda
For the Belgian Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, this decision, perceived as “Disproportionate” and regrettable, reflects the will of Rwanda to “Do not dialogue” :: “Belgium will take similar measures” he assured on X.
According to a message from the Nigerian senator Shehu Sani, relayed on X by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rwandan Olivier Nduhungirehe, this diplomatic rupture started by Kigali is intended “A strong message addressed to the former colonial masters: all African states will not give up their sovereignty and their dignity for crumbs of economic aid. »»
While Rwanda accuses its ex-colonial power of having participated for decades in the promotion of “” Genocide negationism »» and to seek the obedience of its former colony,, The Minister Belgian Foreign Affairs denies such a allegation: “” The only compass in Belgium will continue to be respect for human rights, the rule of law and international humanitarian law »»,, defendHe, in the Belgian daily DH. A position, he adds, “” shared by the whole EU as well as by other international partners, including the G7. ». More broadly, “CECI shows that this is not an isolated position and that Belgium does not need to convince its partners »»,, Adds Maxime Prévot.
“” Belgium does not seek to punish or weaken Rwanda, even less according to a colonial past from which it has distanced itself for a long time. This is a total deformation of the facts »»he concludes.
These diplomatic tensions are part of the war in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), rich in resources and border of Rwanda, which has intensified in recent months. M23 (“” March 23 movement »»), piloted according to UN experts by the Rwandan army and who claims to defend the interests of Tutsia populations in the region, launched an important offensive at the end of January, leading to the taking of Goma. In this context, Belgium has asked the European Union to consider sanctions against Kigali. President Kagame then denounced “The aggressive campaign” And “Unjustified external interference” Belgian authorities against Rwanda. The latter had suspended its cooperation with Belgium in terms of development aid.
