Rwanda and Belgium in reciprocal expulsions over DRC conflict
War of words breaks out over alleged roles in the worsening conflict in eastern DRC
17 March 2025 - 16:01
byAnait Miridzhanian
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Congolese and Belgian citizens take part in a protest in Brussels on Monday while clashes between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo continue. Picture: REUTERS/Yves Herman
Nairobi — Belgium and Rwanda announced the expulsion of each other’s diplomats, as relations deteriorated over allegations about their respective roles in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Kigali said it was severing diplomatic relations and giving Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the east African country, accusing Brussels of “using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda”.
Belgium’s foreign affairs minister, Maxime Prévot, said the move was “disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda they prefer not to engage in dialogue”.
Brussels will reciprocate by declaring Rwandan diplomats persona non grata, he said.
African leaders have been trying to establish a lasting ceasefire in the DRC, where the Rwandan government is accused of supporting an offensive by M23 rebels.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Rwanda and Belgium in reciprocal expulsions over DRC conflict
War of words breaks out over alleged roles in the worsening conflict in eastern DRC
Nairobi — Belgium and Rwanda announced the expulsion of each other’s diplomats, as relations deteriorated over allegations about their respective roles in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Kigali said it was severing diplomatic relations and giving Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the east African country, accusing Brussels of “using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda”.
Belgium’s foreign affairs minister, Maxime Prévot, said the move was “disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda they prefer not to engage in dialogue”.
Brussels will reciprocate by declaring Rwandan diplomats persona non grata, he said.
African leaders have been trying to establish a lasting ceasefire in the DRC, where the Rwandan government is accused of supporting an offensive by M23 rebels.
Reuters
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