According to Reuters report on September 23, on local time on the 22nd, Rwanda and Belgium issued a joint statement last March when they cut off their diplomatic relations. The statement announced that both countries would resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies.
The statement says that the foreign ministers of Rwanda and Belgium have held a series of meetings and informal contacts over the past few months, resolving several differences and misunderstandings in a constructive manner. Both countries are committed to maintaining open, honest, and transparent dialogue. They have agreed on principles such as non-interference in each other's internal affairs, mutual respect, and constructive engagement. These principles will guide their diplomatic relations.
The statement indicates that both countries have decided to restore diplomatic relations, and the embassies will reopen in the near future. Each embassy will be led by an acting charge d’affaires, along with a diplomatic or consular officer and a small technical support team. Subsequently, both countries will submit requests for the appointment of ambassadors. The ambassador of Rwanda to Belgium will also serve as the representative to the European Union.
In addition, Rwanda and Belgium thanked the Qatar government in their joint statement. With the assistance of Qatar, the two countries were able to hold their first meeting after the border closure in Doha in June 2025.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxim Prouv posted on the social platform X, stating that both parties believe it is important to engage in systematic dialogue, including on issues of disagreement such as the conflict in eastern Congo. He emphasized that the restoration of diplomatic relations does not mean Belgium is abandoning its own position.
Rwanda Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhohungirehe expressed joy at the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries, stating that this would usher in a new era of constructive dialogue based on mutual respect.
Belgian Foreign Minister Pravo and Rwanda Foreign Minister Nduhongirihai on social media
In January 2025, as conflicts in eastern Congo escalated, Belgium has been accusing Rwanda of supporting the Congolese anti-government armed group "M23," and has taken the lead in calling for European countries to sanction Rwanda. Rwanda has denied these accusations, stating that they are "baseless and politically motivated."
In March 2025, Rwanda announced the severance of relations with Belgium, accusing Belgium of long-term damage to Rwanda's interests and mobilizing international public opinion against Rwanda in an attempt to undermine regional stability. Rwanda also criticized Belgium for historically fostering racial extremism and allowing groups within Belgium that deny the genocide in Rwanda in 1994 to exist. Subsequently, Belgium announced the adoption of countermeasures.
