Belgium has confirmed that it is reassessing its cooperation with Rwanda due to Kigali’s violation of the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This announcement comes as Rwanda has decided to suspend its bilateral aid program with Brussels, citing the politicization of development.
Maxime Prévot, the Belgian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Development Cooperation, stated in a press release that Belgium was already reviewing its commitments with Rwanda before this unilateral suspension. “Following the violation of the territorial integrity of the DRC by Rwanda, we were in the process of reassessing our cooperation in order to take decisive measures in response to this situation,” the Belgian diplomat declared. He added that Brussels planned to conduct a professional suspension process, aiming to preserve the gains of cooperation for the Rwandan people.
Belgium also asserts that it is continuing diplomatic efforts to mobilize the international community for a peaceful solution to the conflict in Eastern DRC based on international law.
Rwanda, on the other hand, announced on Tuesday the suspension of its 2024-2029 bilateral aid program with Belgium, accusing Brussels of being part of an aggressive campaign with Kinshasa to hinder Rwanda’s access to development financing. Kigali believes that Belgium has taken sides in the conflict by adopting punitive and unilateral measures that, according to Rwanda, undermine the mediation efforts led by the African Union, the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). “No country in the region should see its development financing compromised for political pressure purposes,” Rwanda affirmed, stating that these decisions weaken peaceful conflict resolution efforts and risk prolonging regional instability.
The Rwandan government insists that it will not be intimidated and justifies its military engagement by wanting to ensure the security of its borders and combat the FDLR, a militia composed of former Rwandan armed forces involved in the 1994 genocide, which Kigali considers a permanent threat.
Growing Diplomatic Tensions
This recent escalation between Brussels and Kigali marks a turning point in their relationship, as Belgium is one of Rwanda’s main donors and their cooperation has long been seen as strategic. This tension comes amidst a worsening regional crisis, with the advancement of the AFC/M23 supported by Kigali in South Kivu and the deteriorating relations between Rwanda and the international community, including the European Union and the United States, who are calling for an immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory.