Muganwa, speaking from Kigali, explained that tensions between the two countries had been mounting long before the recent escalation linked to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation accused Belgium of using falsehoods and manipulation to create an unjustified hostile narrative about Rwanda, particularly over its involvement in the DRC conflict. In response, Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot labelled Rwanda's action as "disproportionate" and expressed disappointment that Rwanda chose to sever ties rather than engage in dialogue.

Muganwa pointed out that the rift had been brewing for years, with no ambassadorial representation between the two countries for some time, particularly after Belgium rejected Rwanda's former ambassador to South Africa, Vincent Perea. This refusal, allegedly due to objections from the Congolese government, further worsened relations.

More recently, Belgium’s campaign to rally Western nations to impose sanctions on Rwanda and the European Union’s subsequent sanctions on Rwandan military officials have added fuel to the fire. Muganwa also noted that Belgium’s support of Burundian troops in the DRC, which Rwanda sees as a direct challenge to its interests, contributed to the breakdown in relations.

The severing of diplomatic ties signals a major shift in Rwanda’s foreign relations, with the potential for wider regional implications. While Rwanda maintains strong ties with France, Muganwa suggested that the country could now leverage support from other African nations, particularly within the Francophone community, against Belgium. However, he cautioned that Belgium’s influence in Africa, especially in former colonies like Rwanda and the DRC, could still play a significant role in the evolving diplomatic dynamics.

--ChannelAfrica--