By Jones Gadama
In a shocking move, Rwanda has announced that it is cutting diplomatic ties with Belgium, ordering all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.
This drastic decision comes amidst a deepening rift between the two nations, rooted in Belgium’s colonial past and its perceived meddling in Rwanda’s internal affairs.
The tensions between Rwanda and Belgium have been simmering for years, with Rwanda accusing Belgium of harboring genocide deniers and sympathizers.
The rejection of Rwanda’s proposed ambassador, Vincent Karega, by Belgium in 2023 marked a turning point in the deteriorating relations.
Rwanda saw this move as a deliberate attempt to undermine its sovereignty and dignity.
Belgium’s actions, Rwanda argues, are a continuation of its colonial-era policies, which cultivated ethnic divisions and empowered ideologues responsible for the 1994 genocide.
The presence of groups like Jambo ASBL, a Belgian-based organization with ties to genocide deniers, has further strained relations. Rwanda views these groups as a threat to its stability and unity.
The diplomatic spat has also been fueled by Belgium’s demands that Rwanda stop supporting the M23 rebel movement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Rwanda, however, has condemned the DRC-Burundi-FDLR alliance, which it sees as a threat to the Congolese ethnic Tutsi population.
Rwanda’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Belgium is a clear assertion of its independence and sovereignty.
The country is unwilling to tolerate what it perceives as Belgium’s neocolonial attitude and meddling in its internal affairs.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Belgium will respond to Rwanda’s decision.
One thing is certain, however: the rift between Rwanda and Belgium has exposed deep-seated issues that will require more than just diplomatic gestures to resolve.
In the meantime, Rwanda has announced that it will transfer its European affairs to Berlin, Germany, in an effort to maintain diplomatic relations with the European Union.
This move is seen as a strategic attempt to bypass Belgium and establish more constructive relationships with other European nations.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Rwanda will no longer tolerate disrespect or interference in its internal affairs.
The country’s stance is resolute: dignity is not negotiable.
