Rwanda, Belgium expel each other's diplomats over Congo conflict

Belgium and Rwanda have expelled each other’s diplomats as their relations continue to deteriorate over allegations concerning their respective roles in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The diplomatic spat comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the M23 rebel group's advances in eastern Congo, Caliber.Az reports, citing Western media sources.

Rwanda announced the severance of diplomatic ties on March 17, giving Belgian diplomats just 48 hours to leave the country. The Rwandan government accused Belgium of "using lies and manipulation" to foster an "unjustified hostile opinion" of Rwanda, specifically in relation to the situation in eastern Congo. A statement from Rwanda's foreign ministry described Belgium's actions as part of a broader pattern of "undermining" Kigali during the ongoing conflict.

In response, Belgium condemned the move as "disproportionate," with Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot calling Rwanda’s decision to expel Belgian diplomats "disproportionate" and a refusal to engage in dialogue. "When we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue," Prevot stated on X (formerly Twitter).

The tensions come as diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo continue. On March 17, the government of the DRC announced its participation in upcoming peace talks scheduled for March 18 in Angola, aimed at establishing a ceasefire with the M23 rebel group, which is alleged to have backing from Rwanda. The M23 rebels, who have made significant territorial gains in the resource-rich region, are expected to send a delegation to the peace talks in Luanda.

African leaders have been working to broker a lasting ceasefire in Congo, with Rwanda accused of supporting the M23 group’s offensive in the volatile region. The escalation of the conflict in January, when the rebels advanced further into Congo’s eastern territories, has intensified international scrutiny of Rwanda’s role in the violence.

By Khagan Isayev