Rwanda has accused Belgium of neo-colonial interference and ordered its diplomats to leave within 48 hours

Rwanda has severed diplomatic relations with Belgium and ordered its diplomats to leave within 48 hours after accusing Brussels of neo-colonial interference, Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday.

The Rwandan government accused Belgium of maintaining "neo-colonial delusions" and interfering in the ongoing conflict in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The ministry's statement highlighted Belgium's "pitiful attempts" and its historical role in regional instability, particularly actions against Rwanda.

According to the statement, Belgium has had a destructive record in promoting ethnic extremism, leading to deep-rooted discrimination, persecution, and ultimately the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

In response to Rwanda's decision, Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prevot, criticized the move as "disproportionate" and indicative of Rwanda's reluctance to engage in dialogue during disagreements. Consequently, Belgium declared on Monday all Rwandan diplomats "persona non grata."

Speaking at the Presidential Citizen Outreach event at BK Arena in Kigali on Sunday, Rwandan President Paul Kagameassertedthat Western nations are imposing sanctions on his country at Belgium's instigation. Kagame emphasized that Rwanda did not initiate the war it is being accused of but that it would stand firm against the hidden agendas fueling the conflict.

Tensions between Rwanda and Belgium have become strained due to the ongoing conflict in the DRC, where the Rwandan government faces accusations of supporting the offensives undertaken by the M23 rebels. Kigali has denied all such accusations.

In the latest escalation, which started in January, the M23 militants seized several key cities in the DRC, including the North Kivu capital of Goma and the South Kivu capital of Bukava. According to recent figures from Kinshasa's Health Ministry, over 8,500 people have died as a result of the fighting.

READ MORE: DR Congo agrees to hold peace talks with rebels

Last month, Rwanda halted its 2024-2029 bilateral aid program with Belgium, accusing it of meddling in regional peace initiatives and using development funding for political purposes.

(RT.com)