Rwanda has kicked out the Belgian ambassador because relations between the two nations have turned sour. The Rwandan government made this big move on Monday, March 17, telling all Belgian diplomats they must leave within 48 hours. Rwanda completely cut ties with Belgium right away.
Rwanda claims Belgium keeps pushing against them based on lies. The foreign ministry stated Belgium tries to hold onto old colonial control dreams. They accused Belgium of picking sides in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo conflict and working actively against Rwandan interests across different international meetings.
Rwanda pointed fingers at Belgium for its harmful past role in the region. They said Belgium helped create the ethnic hatred that eventually led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The Rwandan government also accused Belgium of letting groups that deny the genocide use Belgian territory for their activities.
The statement emphasized that Rwanda made this decision to protect its national interests and the dignity of its people. Despite cutting ties, Rwanda promised it would protect the Belgian embassy building and property in Kigali, as required by international law under the Vienna Convention.
Rwanda claims Belgium keeps pushing against them based on lies. The foreign ministry stated Belgium tries to hold onto old colonial control dreams. They accused Belgium of picking sides in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo conflict and working actively against Rwandan interests across different international meetings.
Rwanda pointed fingers at Belgium for its harmful past role in the region. They said Belgium helped create the ethnic hatred that eventually led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The Rwandan government also accused Belgium of letting groups that deny the genocide use Belgian territory for their activities.
The statement emphasized that Rwanda made this decision to protect its national interests and the dignity of its people. Despite cutting ties, Rwanda promised it would protect the Belgian embassy building and property in Kigali, as required by international law under the Vienna Convention.
