The Rwandan government's move to ban charities from receiving Belgian aid does not apply to private companies and the tourism sector, according to diplomatic sources.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), responsible for attracting support and investments, announced on Thursday an immediate prohibition on Rwandan organisations receiving Belgian funds.
The ban affects international NGOs operating in Rwanda, faith-based organisations, and other charities.
European diplomatic sources informed Belga News Agency that the ban primarily targets Belgian public financing for Rwandan projects.
Belgian private initiatives with Rwandan partners are still allowed, but caution is advised, according to the sources. Collaborations between Belgian individuals and the Rwandan private sector or tourism are not included in the ban, they add.
Private Rwandan universities, and hospitals are exempt from the ban, as are Belgian citizens working in tourism or the commercial sector.
About a month ago, Rwanda decided to forego bilateral aid from Belgium worth €95 million. The new ban is an extension of that decision, a diplomatic source indicated.
Relations between Rwanda and Belgium are highly strained, with Kigali deciding last Friday to sever diplomatic ties with Brussels.
President Paul Kagame accuses Belgium of taking sides in the East Congo conflict and acting against Rwanda internationally.
