Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Belgium

Rwanda is severing diplomatic relations with Belgium because of Brussels' position on the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This was announced on March 17 by the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"This decision was made after careful consideration of a number of factors, all of which were related to Belgium's pathetic attempts to preserve its neocolonial illusions. Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda's position, both long before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo," the ministry's website says.

Kigali noted that Belgium unequivocally sided with the DRC in the confrontation with Rwanda and is actively engaged in creating a negative image of the African country. In addition, the European state also allows groups to deny the genocide of the Rwandan Tutsi people in 1994.

"All Belgian diplomats stationed in Rwanda are required to leave the country within 48 hours. In accordance with the Vienna Convention, Rwanda will ensure the protection of the premises, property and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

On the brink of a major war: Rwanda and DR Congo fight over resources

The current conflict could affect the whole of Africa and affect the interests of Western countries

The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting Tutsi rebels from the March 23 Movement (M23) group in the east of the republic. On January 26, Kinshasa severed relations with Kigali after the start of the rebel offensive on the Congolese city of Goma.

On February 22, the rebel coalition of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes the M23, declared its readiness for negotiations to resolve the conflict in eastern DRC. At the same time, the rebels stressed that they reserve the right to protect civilians.