In brief
On March 17, 2025, Rwanda's Foreign Ministry announced the expulsion of Belgian diplomats, escalating tensions following Belgium's push for EU sanctions regarding Rwanda's involvement in the conflict in Eastern Congo.
Rwanda accused Belgium of taking sides in the ongoing regional conflict and stated that it had given diplomatic staff a deadline of 48 hours to exit the country. This move followed the EU's sanctions aimed at Rwandan officials linked to military actions and resource exploitation in Congo. Critics suggest Belgium is spearheading a broader European condemnation of Rwanda, while Belgium's foreign minister condemned Rwanda's reaction as disproportionate, indicating that further diplomatic consequences could follow.
