Rwanda has announced it is breaking diplomatic relations with Belgium, having told Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) regrets the "disproportionate" step and announced similar measures. These announcements follow the adoption of sanctions against ten individuals deemed responsible for the situation in eastern DRC on Monday by the EU Council.
Rwanda is taking the decision based on a number of factors that all have to do with "Belgium's pathetic attempts to maintain its neo-colonial delusions," the Rwandan Foreign Affairs Ministry states in a press release.
It stated that Belgium has "clearly taken sides" in the regional conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and is systematically mobilising in international forums against Rwanda, using "lies and manipulation to ensure an unjustified hostile opinion against Rwanda."
Belgium regrets the decision, said Prévot on social media. "This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to enter into dialogue."
He added that Belgium will take similar measures by declaring Rwandan diplomats in Belgium 'persona non grata' and terminating governmental cooperation agreements.
Last month, Rwanda also decided to suspend its development cooperation programme with Belgium. The African country is accused of supporting M23 rebels in their territorial violation of eastern DRC.
