President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has ended the country’s diplomatic relations with Belgium, in the wake of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and issued a 48-hour exit order.
In a statement through the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Kagame said Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the DRC.
He accused Belgium of having a deep and violent historical role in the conflict, especially in acting against Rwanda.
“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,” Kagame said.
Kagame said Belgian diplomats has 2 days to leave the country.
Kagame said Rwanda will protect them and secure the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali.
“All Belgian diplomats in Rwanda are required to leave the country within 48 hours,” he said.
“In compliance with the Vienna Convention, Rwanda will assure the protection of the premises, property, and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali.”
Rwanda Defends Decision
He explained that the decision reflects Rwanda’s commitment to safeguarding its national interests and the dignity of Rwandans.
Additionally, he said the move upholds the principles of sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect.
He emphasized that Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums.
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Kagame accused Belgium of 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,” reads the statement.
Also Read: Kagame Sends Hard-Hitting Message to European Powers
Kagame Stops Development Cooperation with Belgium
On February 18, Kagame suspended development cooperation with Belgium which was to run up to 2029.
He accused the country of leading an aggressive campaign, together with the DRC, aiming to sabotage Rwanda’s access to development finance, including in multilateral institutions.
“These efforts demonstrate that there is no longer a sound basis for development cooperation with Belgium. Accordingly, Rwanda is suspending the remainder of the 2024-2029 bilateral aid program with Belgium,” read a statement from the Ministry.
Kagame stressed that Rwanda will not be bullied or blackmailed into compromising national security.
He said the country’s main goal is a secure border, and an irreversible end to the politics of violent ethnic extremism in the region.
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