Rwanda Expels Belgium’s Ambassador Following Tensions Over DRC Conflict
Rwanda has announced the expulsion of Belgium’s ambassador as tensions between the two countries escalate over allegations concerning their involvement in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement released on Monday, 17 March, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed it was severing diplomatic ties with Belgium and giving Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.
The statement accused Brussels of “using lies and manipulation to foster an unjustified hostile stance against Rwanda.” Reads the statement:
The Government of Rwanda today notified the Government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately.
Rwanda’s decision has been taken after careful consideration of several factors, all linked with Belgium’s pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions.
Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in which Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda.
Today, Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda, in an attempt to destabilize both Rwanda and the region.
Beyond Belgium’s destructive historical role in fueling the ethnic extremism that resulted in entrenched discrimination and persecution, and ultimately the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, it has also allowed Belgian territory to be used by groups that propagate genocide denial and sustain genocidal ideology.
Today’s decision reflects Rwanda’s commitment to safeguarding our national interests and the dignity of Rwandans, as well as upholding the principles of sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect.
All Belgian diplomats in Rwanda are required to leave the country within 48 hours. In compliance with the Vienna Convention, Rwanda will assure the protection of the premises, property, and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali.
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