By Binia Elizabeth
Rwanda has suspended diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing the European country of using lies and manipulation to secure hostile opinions of Rwanda on the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The government of Rwanda said the decision has been taken after careful consideration of several factors, all linked with Belgium’s pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions.
“Belgium has consistently undermined it, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in which Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda,” the statement read in part.
Rwanda said that Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda, in an attempt to destabilize both Rwanda and the region.
“Beyond Belgium’s destructive historical role in fueling the ethnic extremism that resulted in entrenched discrimination and persecution, and ultimately the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, it has also allowed Belgian territory to be used by groups that propagate genocide denial and sustain genocidal ideology.”
The East African nation argued that the decision reflects its commitment to safeguarding its national interests and the dignity of Rwandans, as well as upholding the principles of sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect.
“All the Belgian’s diplomats in Rwanda are required to leave the country within 48 hours. In compliance with the Vienna Convention, Rwanda will assure the protection of the premises, property, and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali.”
In turn, Belgium said Rwandan diplomats were no longer welcome in their country.
“Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium’s diplomats persona non grata,” Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said on X.
“This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue.”
Rwanda’s move came a day after President Paul Kagame accused Belgium of advocating for international sanctions against his country over the conflict in eastern DRC.
The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group launched a large offensive in the mineral-rich east of the DRC earlier this year, taking two major cities in a lightning advance.
Also, a UN report has said Kigali controls the group and has about 4,000 soldiers in the country. Kigali has denied involvement in the conflict and says it faces a threat from ethnic Hutu fighters in the DRC.
Source: The City Review
