Rwanda has made a bold move that’s catching the world’s attention.
The East African nation officially severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, accusing the European power of interfering in Rwanda’s sovereignty and stirring up tensions in the region.
This dramatic action followed a series of political disagreements and a longstanding history of colonial tensions.
Rwanda’s Strong Statement Against Belgium
On March 17, 2025, Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry released a statement announcing the closure of Belgium’s diplomatic mission in Kigali.
Belgian diplomats were given 48 hours to leave the country. The government condemned Belgium’s actions, saying they were the result of “pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions.”
Rwanda blamed Belgium for exacerbating conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and stirring up ethnic divisions that trace back to its colonial past.
In the statement, Rwanda also accused Belgium of using foreign aid as a political weapon and manipulating the international community to paint Rwanda in a negative light.
The Belgian government quickly responded, calling Rwanda’s move “disproportionate” and expelling Rwandan diplomats in retaliation.
President Kagame’s Message Precedes the Expulsion
The expulsion of Belgian diplomats wasn’t entirely unexpected.
The day before, on March 16, Rwandan President Paul Kagame delivered a powerful speech to over 8,000 citizens at the BK Arena in Kigali.
He strongly criticized Belgium’s colonial legacy and its recent attempts to intervene in the ongoing conflict in the DRC. Kagame boldly declared that Belgium had played a destructive role in Rwanda’s past and was now using its international influence to impose unjust sanctions.
Kagame’s fiery rhetoric resonated with the crowd, as he reminded them of the atrocities Belgium committed during colonial rule, especially during the period that led up to the 1994 genocide.
He emphasized that Rwanda would no longer tolerate interference from any European nation that undermines its sovereignty.
Rwanda’s Colonial Past with Belgium
Rwanda’s history with European powers is steeped in suffering and exploitation.
Colonized first by Germany and later by Belgium, Rwanda endured brutal systems of forced labor, racial classification, and ethnic division.
The Belgian government, after taking control of Rwanda in the early 20th century, intensified ethnic divisions by favoring the Tutsi minority over the Hutu majority, setting the stage for decades of ethnic conflict.
This division would ultimately fuel the tragic genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
The Path to Independence and Continued Strife
Rwanda gained independence from Belgium in 1962, but the tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi populations continued.
The violence intensified in the 1950s and 1960s, with thousands of Tutsi fleeing to neighboring countries.
Over the years, Rwanda became a hotbed for ethnic conflict, which culminated in the horrific genocide that left over 800,000 people dead.
The aftermath of the genocide saw the rise of President Kagame and the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), who helped rebuild the country and pushed for national reconciliation.
However, the scars of the past, particularly those left by Belgian colonial rule, remain deeply embedded in Rwanda’s history.
Kagame’s Vision for Rwanda’s Future
In his speech, Kagame called for unity and resilience among the Rwandan people.
He urged them to resist foreign interference and emphasized that Rwanda’s sovereignty was non-negotiable.
He also warned that any European nation that tried to undermine Rwanda’s independence would face consequences similar to Belgium’s.
Changing Dynamics Between Africa and Former Colonizers
The expulsion of Belgium comes at a time when many African nations are reassessing their relationships with former colonial powers.
Geopolitical experts, like Dr. Charles Tolit Atiya, argue that the rise of new economic powers, such as China and the BRICS nations, is giving African countries more options and reducing their dependence on Europe.
According to Atiya, the era of unilateral dominance by former colonizers is over, and they must now adapt to a new geopolitical reality where African nations are asserting their independence.
The Ongoing Conflict in the DRC
While Rwanda’s decision to expel Belgium is a symbolic move, it also highlights the complex dynamics in the region.
The ongoing war in the DRC, a country with a deep and troubled colonial history, continues to affect Rwanda.
Despite Rwanda’s repeated assertions that it is not responsible for the violence in the DRC, Belgium and other Western nations have repeatedly criticized Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict.
Kagame has been outspoken about the historical roots of the conflict, stressing that the tensions between Rwanda and the DRC can be traced back to the colonial era.
Rwanda and the DRC Seek Peace
In a diplomatic move just two days after expelling Belgium, President Kagame met with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi in Qatar on March 19, 2025, to discuss a possible ceasefire and peace agreement.
The meeting marks a hopeful step toward resolving the longstanding tensions between the two countries.
The End of an Era of Colonial Influence?
Rwanda’s decision to sever ties with Belgium and assert its sovereignty is a powerful statement.
It is not only a rejection of Belgium’s colonial past but also an affirmation of Rwanda’s independence in the modern world.
As Kagame pointed out, the country has already survived one of the worst tragedies in human history, and it will not be intimidated by external forces seeking to undermine its hard-won progress.
So, what do you think? Is Rwanda’s move a step in the right direction in terms of reclaiming its sovereignty, or does it signify a dangerous escalation in its relationship with the West? Share your thoughts with us.