Rwanda has officially severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, ordering all Belgian diplomats to leave within 48 hours, a move that prompted a swift reaction from Brussels.

In a statement on Monday, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Belgium of persistently undermining Kigali’s position in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

"The Government of Rwanda today informed Belgium of its immediate decision to cut diplomatic ties," the statement declared.
Belgium responded in kind, barring Rwandan diplomats from remaining in the country.

"Belgium deeply regrets Rwanda’s choice to end diplomatic relations and expel our envoys. This reaction is excessive and demonstrates Rwanda’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue when faced with disagreements," said Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot on X.

The diplomatic rupture follows Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s allegations that Belgium has been pushing for international sanctions against Rwanda over its alleged involvement in the eastern DRC conflict.

The M23 rebel group, widely believed to be backed by Rwanda, has launched a major offensive in the mineral-rich region, capturing two key cities. A UN report claims Kigali controls the group and has deployed approximately 4,000 troops in the DRC, accusations that Rwanda denies, citing security threats from ethnic Hutu militants in the region.

The Congolese government reports that at least 7,000 people have lost their lives in the violence and has called for international intervention.
The diplomatic fallout comes just as delegations from the DRC and M23 rebels prepare for peace talks scheduled for Tuesday in Angola.