Rwanda breaks off diplomatic relations with Belgium amid tensions and EU sanctions.

247 - The Rwandan government announced on Monday (17) the severing of diplomatic relations with Belgium, a measure considered "disproportionate" by Belgian authorities. The decision comes on the same day that the European Union (EU) adopted sanctions against high-ranking Rwandan military commanders, accused of supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The information was originally released by AFP and confirmed by official statements from the governments involved.

In a statement, the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that it had "notified the Belgian government during the day of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately." The measure was taken amid growing tensions between the two countries, exacerbated by European sanctions. In response, the Belgian Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, stated on his X account (formerly Twitter) that "this decision is disproportionate and shows that, when we disagree, Rwanda prefers not to engage in dialogue." Prévot added that Belgium will adopt similar measures to those taken by Rwanda.

EU sanctions, pressured by Belgium, target high-ranking Rwandan military officials, including General Eugene Nkubito, commander of the 3rd Division of the Rwandan Defence Forces; Brigadier Pascal Muhizi, head of the 2nd Division; and General Ruki Karusi, commander of the Special Forces. In addition, the president of the Rwandan Directorate of Mines, Oil and Gas, Francis Kamanzi, was also included on the sanctions list. The EU accuses Rwanda of supplying "troops and material" to fighters of the M23, a rebel group active in the DRC.

The measures imposed by the European Union include freezing the assets of these individuals within the bloc and prohibiting the granting of visas. This situation highlights the worsening relations between Rwanda and the international community, especially in the context of regional conflicts in Central Africa.