Rwanda-Belgium Diplomatic Relations Severed Amid EU Sanctions on M23 Rebels

Rwanda and Belgium have cut diplomatic ties amid escalating tensions over Rwanda’s support for M23 rebels in the DRC. The EU has imposed sanctions targeting Rwandan military leaders as part of its response to ongoing violence and resource trafficking. Both nations accuse each other of hostile actions, complicating the prospects for peace talks in Angola.

On March 17, 2025, Rwanda and Belgium officially severed diplomatic ties, coinciding with the European Union’s approval of sanctions against Rwandan military leaders and members of a Rwanda-oriented rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This tension arises from the M23 rebels’ rapid advancement into eastern DRC, leading to extensive territorial gains and significant civilian casualties, with the government reporting up to 7,000 deaths due to the conflict.

The recently adopted sanctions, finalized in a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels, target key figures within the Rwanda Defense Force and the M23 group, as well as a refinery implicated in the illegal trafficking of DRC’s abundant natural resources. These sanctions are being implemented as peace talks between the DRC government and M23 rebels are set to commence in Angola.

An EU diplomat emphasized that the sanctions serve not as an attack on Rwanda but as a necessary action against violations of international humanitarian law. In response to Belgium’s siding with the DRC and its ongoing diplomatic campaigns against Rwanda, the Rwandan Foreign Affairs Ministry has instructed Belgian diplomats to leave within 48 hours, accusing Belgium of fostering hostile sentiments toward Rwanda.

Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Maxime Prévot, denounced Rwanda’s actions as disproportionate, highlighting that their refusal to engage in dialogue when disagreements arise indicates a concerning diplomatic approach. While the EU condemned the presence of Rwandan forces in the DRC, they have faced accusations of exacerbating the conflict through previous deals, particularly regarding critical minerals.

The EU maintains that the sanctions represent a preliminary response, urging the necessity for additional actions. The review of critical raw materials agreements with Rwanda is ongoing, although future measures remain uncertain. Previously, Rwanda had suspended cooperation with Belgium, asserting that Belgium was attempting to obstruct its access to developmental funding, and this degradation of bilateral relations appears to be a decisive move in response to Rwanda’s territorial violations against the DRC.

The severing of diplomatic ties between Rwanda and Belgium marks a significant escalation in an already tense situation concerning the ongoing conflict in the DRC, exacerbated by the activities of Rwandan-backed rebels. The EU’s sanctions against Rwandan military personnel signal a coordinated effort to address perceived violations of international law. Both countries’ actions reflect deeper political and diplomatic rifts, leaving the future of regional stability and relations uncertain as peace talks begin in Angola.

Original Source: www.politico.eu