Belgium renounces an offer of ambassador to Rwanda amid tensions with Kigali

Belgium has withdrawn its application for approval to appoint a new ambassador to Rwanda, marking a significant strain in diplomatic relations between the two countries. The decision follows a lack of response from Rwandan authorities to Belgium's request for accreditation.

The outgoing Belgian ambassador, Bert Vermessen, will not be replaced for the time being, as Belgium's request for a new representative in Kigali has remained unanswered. Belgium initially sent the request six months ago and issued an ultimatum to Kigali in June, demanding a response within 24 hours. The absence of any reaction from Rwanda led Belgium to consider this silence as a refusal.

"This last request has remained without reaction or explanation. We have communicated to Rwanda the withdrawal of our application for approval," stated the Belgian federal public service of foreign affairs.

On the Rwandan side, officials have acknowledged receipt of the note from Belgium.

A diplomatic source indicated that Rwanda views the withdrawal as a reciprocal measure, noting that the post of Rwandan ambassador to Belgium has been vacant for a year. The tension stems partly from Belgium's refusal to accredit Vincent Karega, the former Rwandan ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who was expelled from the DRC and previously accused of involvement in the persecution of Rwandan opponents while serving in South Africa.

Although diplomatic ties between Belgium and Rwanda have not been severed, relations will continue at the level of the chargé d'affaires. The strained context is exacerbated by Kigali's perception that Brussels is overly sympathetic to the DRC's claims regarding the conflict in North Kivu with the M23 rebel group, which is supported by Rwanda.