Rwanda accuses Belgium of fuelling ethnic extremism, denying the genocide and destabilising the region.

Belgian diplomats have been given 48 hours to leave Rwanda, with assurances that their diplomatic premises will be protected under the Vienna Convention.

This comes after SADC terminated the mandate of its mission in the DRC and directed the phased withdrawal of troops. This decision follows the tragic deaths of 18 SADC troops, including 14 from South Africa, as M23 rebels advanced on the city of Goma.

M23 is allegedly backed by Rwanda.

Earlier, Rwandan President Paul Kagame called on the Rwandans to stand firm in defence of the country.

Addressing his citizens, Kagame took time to respond to Belgium which has been lobbying the European Union member countries to impose strong measures against Kigali, accusing the country of supporting the M23 rebels in the eastern DRC.

Kagame reminded Belgium of the role the country played in the Tutsi genocide of 1994.

--SABC--