Rwanda and Belgium have severed diplomatic ties following the EU’s sanctions against Rwandan military leaders connected to M23 rebels in the DRC. The sanctions target individuals and entities involved in illegal resource trafficking. Belgium’s support for the DRC has intensified tensions, leading to mutual demands for diplomats’ expulsion. The situation raises questions about foreign influence in the DRC conflict.
On March 17, 2025, Rwanda and Belgium officially severed diplomatic ties in light of escalating tensions caused by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels capturing key areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This includes the crucial cities of Goma and Bukavu, contributing to the humanitarian crisis with approximately 7,000 casualties reported by the DRC government. The European Union (EU) responded by agreeing to sanctions targeting top officials in the Rwanda Defense Force and the M23 group associated with illegal resource trafficking from eastern DRC.
The sanction announcement coincides with planned peace talks between the DRC and M23, set to commence in Angola. An EU diplomat clarified that the measures enacted are not aimed at “Rwanda-bashing” but are in response to violations of international humanitarian laws. In retaliation, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Ministry mandated that Belgian diplomats vacate the country within 48 hours, criticizing Belgium for allegedly manipulating public opinion against Rwanda and perpetuating neocolonial narratives.
Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Maxime Prévot, responded by declaring Rwanda’s diplomats personas non grata and denouncing existing government agreements. He described Rwanda’s actions as disproportionate and a refusal to engage in constructive dialogue. Despite the EU’s condemnation of Rwanda’s military presence in DRC as a violation of sovereignty, the bloc has faced criticism for exacerbating the conflict, specifically concerning its mineral trade agreements that were perceived as enabling the smuggling of conflict resources.
The EU sanctions are characterized as a preliminary action, with calls for additional steps as the review of critical raw materials agreements continues. Rwanda had preemptively paused bilateral cooperation with Belgium in February, attributing Belgium’s actions to efforts to undermine its access to development funding, indicating that tensions have been mounting prior to this diplomatic rupture.
The severance of diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Belgium highlights the increasing complexity of the conflict in the DRC, fueled by allegations of international law violations and the illegal trafficking of resources. The EU’s decision to impose sanctions reflects a response to these developments while peace talks aim to address the ongoing violence. This situation underscores the influence of international relationships on regional stability and the challenges of navigating foreign policy amid internal conflicts.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
