Rwanda and Belgium have cut diplomatic ties amid escalating tensions due to the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels’ actions in the DRC. The EU has sanctioned Rwandan military leaders in response to violations of humanitarian law and illegal resource trafficking, ahead of peace talks in Angola. Belgium accuses Rwanda of fostering hostility, while Rwanda claims Belgium’s actions have provoked the rift.
On March 17, 2025, Rwanda and Belgium severed diplomatic ties following the European Union’s decision to sanction Rwandan military leaders and members of the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The relationship has deteriorated as M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have gained ground in the resource-rich eastern DRC, leading to significant displacement and loss of life, with the DRC government reporting 7,000 fatalities in the conflict.
The EU’s sanctions were determined during a foreign affairs ministers meeting in Brussels, targeting high-ranking officials of the Rwanda Defense Force and M23, along with a refinery implicated in the illegal trafficking of DRC’s natural resources. This decision precedes upcoming peace discussions between the DRC and M23 rebels scheduled to commence in Angola.
An EU diplomat clarified that the sanctions were not a form of “Rwanda-bashing,” but a necessary response to violations of international humanitarian law. In retaliation, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Ministry announced the termination of diplomatic relations with Belgium, accusing the country of fostering antagonism and spreading disinformation against Rwanda, as reflected in their statement condemning Belgium’s perceived neocolonial approach.
Belgium responded by declaring Rwandan diplomats persona non grata and announcing the cessation of government cooperation agreements. Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot described Rwanda’s reaction as disproportionate, highlighting that Rwanda prefers to disengage rather than engage in constructive dialogue when disagreements arise.
Despite the EU’s condemnation of the Rwandan forces in the DRC and their focus on the illegal resource extraction, some critics argue that the EU itself has exacerbated the conflict by facilitating a critical minerals deal with Rwanda. This arrangement has been described as providing a cover for smuggling minerals from the DRC, commonly referred to as “blood minerals.”
While these sanctions are viewed as a preliminary action, the EU diplomat acknowledged that further measures are warranted. A review of the critical raw materials deal is currently underway, but it remains uncertain if additional steps will be implemented to suspend this agreement. Additionally, Rwanda had previously suspended bilateral cooperation with Belgium, asserting that Belgium attempted to undermine its access to developmental funding.
The diplomatic rift between Rwanda and Belgium marks a significant escalation in tensions amid ongoing conflict in the DRC, fueled by the support of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. The European Union’s sanctions seek to hold accountable those involved in violations of humanitarian law while addressing the illegal extraction of resources. The situation remains fluid, with potential repercussions for both bilateral relations and regional stability in Central Africa.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
