Rwanda cuts diplomatic ties with Belgium over neo-colonial accusations

On March 17, 2025, Rwanda announced that it has officially severed diplomatic relations with Belgium amid accusations of neo-colonial interference. The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement in which it ordered Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours. Rwanda's government accused Belgium of taking sides in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and conducting systematic campaigns against it through misinformation and manipulation. This decision follows long-standing tensions between the two nations regarding historical grievances, particularly those rooted in Belgium's colonial past, which included the promotion of ethnic extremism and the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi. The diplomatic rupture comes at a time when Rwanda faces accusations from the DRC of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has launched significant offensives in the eastern DRC since January 2023. The Rwandan government has consistently denied these accusations, insisting that it is under threat from Hutu fighters based in the DRC. Belgium has been vocal in its condemnation of these actions, advocating for sanctions and proposing to suspend aid to Rwanda, actions that have exacerbated the diplomatic strain. Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has described Belgium's actions as indicative of a colonial mindset, asserting that Belgium attempts to impose its will on Rwanda under the guise of diplomacy. In response to Rwanda's decision, Belgium labeled the move as disproportionate, criticizing Rwanda's unwillingness to dialogue over disagreements. The escalating conflict and accusations have led to near-unanimous calls from Kigali for the international community to acknowledge its security concerns while holding Belgium accountable for its historical involvement in the region's instability. As tensions continue to rise, experts predict that the severed ties could complicate international efforts to mediate peace in the DRC while escalating the humanitarian crisis that has already seen thousands displaced and over 8,500 fatalities due to ongoing violence. The historical context of Rwanda's struggle against perceived neo-colonial influences is crucial to understanding the current geopolitical atmosphere, underscoring the complex relationships that exist between former colonies and their colonizers.