Rwanda established diplomatic ties with Belgium, saying European countries were “consistently destroyed” by European countries in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Brussels has been calling on European countries to approve Rwanda’s support for the M23, a rebel group at the Congo Doctor Crisis Centre.
Authorities in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, gave Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.
Belgium, a former colonial force, said he would respond to the measures and put Rwanda’s decision “disproportionately”.
Despite claims from the United Nations and the United States, Rwanda denies supporting M23.
Kigali accused Brussels of trying to “maintain its new colonial delusions” in a statement Monday.
“Belgium has clearly taken convenience in regional conflicts and continues to systematically mobilize Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to ensure unreasonable hostile opinions in Rwanda in an attempt to undermine Rwanda and the region,” the statement said.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot responded to Rwanda’s measures on social media: “This is disproportionate and shows that they are reluctant to have a conversation when we disagree with Rwanda.”
Prevot said Belgian Rwandan diplomats will be declared “Non Grata role”.
The statement may lead to the removal of diplomatic status and often lead to the deportation or withdrawal of the approval of the envoy.
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