Rwanda Breaks Ties with Belgium: Diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours

Kigali, 17 March 2025, The government of Rwanda has officially cut diplomatic ties with Belgium, effective immediately. Rwanda, a small and developing country, has accused Belgium of trying to keep its influence in the region and interfering in its affairs.

Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a strong statement saying Belgium has been working against Rwanda for a long time, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The statement claims Belgium has supported anti-Rwanda groups and has allowed people who deny the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to operate in its territory.

This decision means that all Belgian diplomats must leave Rwanda within 48 hours. Rwanda also announced it will close its embassy in Belgium and recall all its diplomats from Brussels.

Belgium Reacts: "This is Disproportionate"

Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot, responded quickly on social media, saying the decision was extreme and showed that Rwanda does not want to talk when there is a disagreement. Belgium now plans to take similar steps, including expelling Rwandan diplomats and canceling government agreements.

"We Will Not Respond"

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, made it clear that Rwandan diplomats will not follow any orders from Belgium and will leave the country within 48 hours. He also confirmed that Rwanda’s embassy in Belgium will be shut down immediately.

This sudden diplomatic fallout raises serious questions about the future of relations between the two countries. While Belgium is an influential European nation, Rwanda is standing firm on its decision. The world now waits to see how this situation will develop.