The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced the immediate termination of diplomatic relations, citing Belgium's alleged bias in the regional conflict and efforts to destabilize Rwanda through "lies and manipulation." The ministry also criticized Belgium's historical role in fueling ethnic extremism leading up to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In response, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot condemned Rwanda's actions as "disproportionate," stating that Belgium would reciprocate by declaring Rwandan diplomats persona non grata and terminating development aid.
This diplomatic rift coincides with the European Union imposing sanctions on senior Rwandan military commanders and entities linked to the conflict in eastern DRC. The EU accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has been active in the mineral-rich eastern regions of the DRC.
The M23 rebels recently withdrew from scheduled peace talks with the DRC government, citing international sanctions as a hindrance to dialogue. The conflict has led to significant humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and ongoing violence destabilizing the region.
The severing of diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Belgium marks a new low in relations, raising concerns about the potential impact on regional stability and international efforts to resolve the conflict in the DRC.
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