Belgium expels Rwanda diplomats amid deteriorating relations

Maxime Prevot, Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Belgium has regretted Rwanda's decision to cut off diplomatic ties citing their unwillingness to hold dialogue to solve their issues.

In a statement by Maxime Prevot, Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Belgium has decided to reckon with Rwanda by taking similar actions.

"This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda they prefer not to engage in dialogue. Belgium will take similar measures: the convocation of the Rwandan charge d'affaires a.i., declaring Rwanda's diplomats persona non grata and denouncing our governmental cooperation agreements," Prevote stated just some hours after Rwanda made the statement.

Prevote responded after Rwanda made the announcement earlier in the day accusing Belgium of neocolonial interference, regional destabilisation, and tolerating genocide denial.

The Rwandan government ordered Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.

"Belgium has taken sides in the ongoing regional conflict and systematically mobilised against Rwanda in international forums, using lies and manipulation to fuel hostility against our nation," stated Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The government further accused Belgium of allowing its territory to be used by groups propagating genocide denial and sustaining genocidal ideology.

It also referenced Belgium's colonial history and its role in ethnic divisions that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Rwanda suspends Belgium aid de...Rwanda suspends Belgium aid deal over interference

"Rwanda is committed to protecting its national interests and dignity while upholding sovereignty, peace and mutual respect," said the statement.