Rwanda has severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing the European nation of consistently undermining Rwanda and destabilizing it and the region.

In a statement issued on Monday, 17 March, the Government of Rwanda said the decision to break all diplomatic relations with Belgium was taken after meticulous consideration of several reasons, all of which were connected to Belgium’s pathetic efforts to maintain its neocolonial delusions.

“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,” said the Government of Rwanda on Monday.

“Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in which Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda.”

Rwanda pointed out that Belgium has been using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda, in an attempt to destabilize both Rwanda and the region.

“Today, Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums, 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.”

The Government of Rwanda emphasized that this decision reflects its dedication to safeguarding the country’s interests and the dignity of Rwandans, as well as upholding the principles of sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect.

All Belgian diplomats in Rwanda were ordered to depart the country within 48 hours.

“In compliance with the Vienna Convention, Rwanda will ensure the protection of the premises, property, and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Kigali,” reads the statement.

The decisions come on the heels of Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, warning Belgium against impeding Rwanda’s progress and accusing it of using Rwanda as a scapegoat for the political issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

During residential Citizen Outreach held at BK Arena on Sunday, Kagame stated: “Belgium destroyed Rwanda, killed Rwandans, and this history goes beyond just the past 30 years. They say, ‘We do not allow you to do this or that,’ and we ask them, ‘But who are you? Who put you in charge of us?”