Rwanda has reduced diplomatic ties to Belgium, claiming that it was “constantly compressed” by the European nation during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Brussels has led calls to European nations to sanction Rwanda for its support for the M23, a rebellious group at the center of the crisis of Dr Congo.
The authorities of Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, gave Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.
Belgium, which is the old colonial power, said that it would respond to these measures and labeled the decision of Rwanda “disproportionate”.
Despite the statements of the UN and the United States, Rwanda denied having supported the M23.
In his statement on Monday, Kigali accused Brussels of having tried to “maintain his neocolonial illusions”.
“Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulations to guarantee an unjustified hostile opinion on Rwanda, to try to destabilize Rwanda and the region,” said the press release.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot responded to Rwanda measures on social networks, saying: “It is disproportionate and shows that when we do not agree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue.”
Prévot said Rwandan diplomats in Belgium will be declared “Persona Non Grata”.
This declaration can lead to the abolition of diplomatic status and often leads to the expulsion or withdrawal of the recognition of the envoys.
About 7,000 people have been killed in the fighting between M23 and the Armed Forces of Dr Congo in the east of the country since the start of the year, the Congolese authorities said.
According to the United Nations Children’s Agency, UNICEF, more than 850,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since the conflict increased in intensity in January.
In the past two months, the M23 has taken control of two key cities – Goma and Bukavu.
In an attempted pressure on Rwanda, the withdrawal of its support for M23 Great Britain reduced part of their aid to the country.
Last month, the United Nations Security Council demanded that the hostilities of M23 end and that Rwanda removes its troops from Dr Congo.
Before Kigali breaks his ties with Brussels, Rwandan President Paul Kagame promised that his country “rises” in Belgium.
“We will ask [Belgium]: “Who are you by the way?” Who has taken care of you? Did Rwandans believe in God, but has God really put these people in charge of Rwanda? “Asked Kagame in an address on Sunday.
