Belgium and Rwanda have resumed diplomatic relations, 18 months after breaking ties due to a dispute over the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The two countries expelled each other's diplomats in March 2025, amid deteriorating relations. The conflict in eastern Congo has been a point of contention between the two nations, with Belgium and other Western governments accusing Rwanda of backing the AFC/M23 rebels.
The AFC/M23 rebels control large parts of North and South Kivu provinces in eastern Congo, having captured Goma and Bukavu, the region's two largest cities, in early 2025. Rwanda denies backing the rebels, saying it is defending itself against the threat from a Hutu militia fighting with the Congolese military. Both DR Congo and Rwanda are former Belgian colonies, adding a layer of complexity to their relationship.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot and Rwanda's foreign ministry announced the resumption of diplomatic relations on X, alongside photos of Prevot and his Rwandan counterpart Olivier Nduhungirehe in New York. The two ministers held a series of meetings and informal contacts over recent months, addressing differences and misunderstandings in a constructive spirit.
The joint statement from Belgium and Rwanda thanked Qatar for facilitating a first meeting in June 2025. The two countries plan to reopen their respective embassies soon. Prevot described the development as an important step "in a world marked by growing tensions". He emphasized that restoring diplomatic relations does not mean abandoning Belgium's position on the conflict.
Prevot said he will continue to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of DR Congo. The conflict in eastern Congo has been a major point of contention between Belgium and Rwanda. The resumption of diplomatic relations is seen as a positive step towards resolving the dispute.
The United Nations and Western governments have accused Rwanda of backing the AFC/M23 rebels, which Kigali denies. Rwanda says it is responding to a threat from a Hutu militia fighting with the Congolese military. The conflict has caused significant instability in the region.
The resumption of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Rwanda is seen as a positive development in the region. Both countries are former Belgian colonies, and their relationship has been strained in recent years. The two nations are working to rebuild their ties and address their differences through dialogue.
Key points
- Belgium and Rwanda have resumed diplomatic relations after 18 months.
- The two countries had expelled each other's diplomats in March 2025.
- The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was the cause of the dispute.
