Belgium and Rwanda have announced the expulsion of each other’s diplomats amid escalating tensions related to accusations regarding their involvement in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kigali declared the termination of diplomatic relations and ordered Belgian diplomats to exit the East African nation within 48 hours, alleging that Brussels has been “spreading falsehoods and manipulation to foster an unwarranted negative perception of Rwanda.”
Maxime Prevot, Belgium’s foreign affairs minister, described the action as “disproportionate,” emphasizing that Rwanda prefers to avoid dialogue when disagreements arise.
In response, Belgium will designate Rwandan diplomats as persona non grata, Prevot stated.
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African leaders are actively working towards establishing a sustainable ceasefire in Congo, where the Rwandan government faces accusations of backing an offensive by M23 rebels in the region.
