Rwanda Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Belgium, Orders Diplomats to Leave Within 48 Hours
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Rwanda has announced the severing of diplomatic relations with Belgium, ordering all Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours. The move, which was confirmed by the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Monday, is a response to Belgium's actions during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The ministry accused Belgium of 'consistently undermining' Rwanda, specifically in relation to the ongoing conflict in the DRC, which has been a point of contention between the two nations. 'The Government of Rwanda today notified the Government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately,' the statement read.
In retaliation, Belgium declared that Rwandan diplomats were no longer welcome in the country. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot expressed regret over the decision, calling it 'disproportionate' and accusing Rwanda of avoiding dialogue. 'When we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue,' Prevot stated on social media platform X.
The diplomatic rupture follows a recent statement from Rwanda's President Paul Kagame, who criticized Belgium for advocating international sanctions against his country over its involvement in the eastern DRC conflict. This escalation marks a significant deterioration in relations between the two countries.
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