Rwanda and Belgium restore diplomatic relations after 18 months

The most immediate consequence will be the upcoming reopening of both embassies. The missions will initially operate with reduced teams, led by chargé d’affaires ad interim, assisted by a diplomat or consular officer and a small technical team. The appointment of new ambassadors will occur later, following the requests for approval.

Kigali severed ties with Brussels on March 17, 2025, accusing Belgium of taking sides against Rwanda in the Congolese issue and mobilizing its European partners. Belgium deemed this decision disproportionate, subsequently expelling Rwandan diplomats and terminating several government cooperation agreements.

The rapprochement does not resolve the underlying disagreement. Maxime Prévot stated that the restoration of relations does not signify a departure from Belgium’s position on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC. Kigali continues to reject accusations of supporting the AFC/M23, while the UN and several Western governments consider the rebel movement to be backed by Rwanda.

Qatar played a mediating role in resuming dialogue. Doha facilitated an initial meeting between the two ministers in June 2025, three months after the break. Several meetings and informal contacts subsequently addressed the disputes, according to the joint statement cited by both governments.

Both parties now promise an open, frank, and transparent dialogue, including on their differing positions in the Great Lakes region. The Rwandan ambassador to be appointed in Brussels will also need to be accredited to the European Union, but both missions will initially be led by chargé d’affaires. No reopening date has yet been announced.