On March 17, 2025, Rwanda and Belgium severed diplomatic ties as the EU imposed sanctions on Rwandan military leaders. Tensions escalated due to Rwandan-backed rebels advancing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, causing significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis. Both nations exchanged stern diplomatic measures amidst the backdrop of impending peace talks.
On March 17, 2025, Rwanda and Belgium officially severed diplomatic relations, coinciding with the European Union’s (EU) decision to implement sanctions against Rwandan military officials and members of the M23 rebel group, which has been implicated in escalating violence within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The turmoil has led to the capture of vital cities, including Goma and Bukavu, amidst reports of significant civilian casualties, with DRC’s government stating that approximately 7,000 individuals have lost their lives due to ongoing conflict.
The EU’s sanctions, announced during a foreign affairs ministers meeting in Brussels, specifically target high-ranking officials in both the Rwanda Defense Force and M23, alongside a refinery associated with illegal resource trafficking from eastern DRC. This punitive measure emerges just prior to scheduled peace negotiations between DRC and M23 rebels, set to take place in Angola. An EU diplomat emphasized that the sanctions were not aimed at undermining Rwanda but rather were a necessary response to violations of international humanitarian law.
In a retaliatory gesture, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Ministry declared the termination of diplomatic ties with Belgium, demanding the exit of Belgian diplomats within 48 hours. This was attributed to Belgium’s support for the DRC in the ongoing conflict and accusations of fostering an antagonistic narrative against Rwanda. The ministry criticized Belgium for clinging to neocolonial notions.
In response, Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot dubbed Rwanda’s actions as excessive and indicative of a refusal to engage diplomatically amidst disagreement. Simultaneously, EU officials condemned the presence of Rwandan forces in DRC, labeling it a breach of sovereignty and drawing attention to the illegal extraction of resources, with the EU facing criticism for exacerbating the conflict through prior agreements with Rwanda.
The sanctions signal a preliminary step, although further actions may be necessitated, as discussions surrounding the ongoing critical minerals deal with Rwanda are reportedly under evaluation. Rwanda had previously halted bilateral cooperation with Belgium, alleging that Belgium was impeding its development funding access, prompting Belgium to initiate a review of its cooperative stance in light of Rwanda’s actions against DRC.
The diplomatic rupture between Rwanda and Belgium comes amidst intensified conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, largely attributable to Rwandan-backed forces. Belgian support for the DRC has led to heightened tensions, resulting in reciprocal diplomatic actions and EU sanctions against Rwandan officials. This situation underscores the deteriorating relations and the urgent need for dialogue as peace talks are set to occur soon.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
