Rwanda has announced that it has cut diplomatic ties with Belgium and ordered all of the country’s diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.
In a statement on Monday, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the decision was made after careful consideration of multiple factors, citing Belgium's "pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions."
"All Belgian diplomats in Rwanda are required to leave the country within 48 hours," said Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
"In compliance with the Vienna Convention, Rwanda will ensure the protection of the premises, property and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali."
In its statement, The ministry claimed Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"Belgium has taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilise against Rwanda in various forums," the statement added.
It further claimed Belgium was using "lies and manipulation" to foster a hostile international stance against Rwanda, with the intent to destabilise the country and the region.
The ministry also condemned Belgium’s historical influence in fueling ethnic extremism, which it claimed led to entrenched discrimination, persecution and ultimately, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Additionally, it claimed Belgium allowed its territory to be used by groups promoting genocide denial and sustaining genocidal ideology.
According to the ministry, Rwanda's decision reflects its commitment to protecting national interests, preserving the dignity of Rwandans, and upholding the principles of sovereignty, peace and mutual respect.
Earlier this month, German authorities joined the US and UK in issuing sanction measures against Rwanda over the conflict in eastern DRC.
The Canadian government also imposed sanctions on the government of Rwanda over the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Canada also suspended the issuance of permits for the export of controlled goods and technology to the East African country.
“As a result of Rwanda’s actions in the eastern DRC, the government of Canada has decided to suspend the issuance of permits for the export of controlled goods and technologies to Rwanda, suspend new government-to-government business pursuits with Rwanda, as well as proactive support to private-sector business development activities, including trade missions," Ministers Mélanie Joly, Ahmed Hussen, and Mary Ng said.
In response to Canada's move, Rwanda stated that sanctions will not solve the DRC crisis.
“The measures against Rwanda announced by Canada will not solve the conflict. Rwanda will continue to work with the region on the agreed African-led mediation process, while we safeguard our national security,” Rwanda said.
