The East African country Rwanda has announced that it is cutting diplomatic ties with Belgium. Belgian officials have been given 48 hours to leave the country.

In a statement by the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government declared its immediate decision to sever diplomatic relations with Belgium.

As part of the decision taken by the Rwandan government, all Belgian diplomats were asked to leave the country within 48 hours. The statement highlighted that the decision was made following an evaluation of various factors related to Belgium’s attempts to pursue “neo-colonialist ambitions”, stating that “Belgium has openly taken a side in a regional conflict today and continues to act systematically in different ways against Rwanda.

Belgium uses lies and manipulations to obtain a hostile and unjust view towards Rwanda, attempting to destabilize both Rwanda and the region.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement emphasized, “Apart from Belgium’s destructive historical role in fueling ethnic extremism leading to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis, the country allowed the denial of genocide and the use of genocide ideology by groups. Today’s decision reflects Rwanda’s commitment to protecting our national interests and the dignity of Rwandans and maintaining sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect.”

**BELGIUM RETALIATES**

The Belgian government also decided to deport all Rwandan diplomats in the country. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot expressed his regret over Rwanda’s decision to cut diplomatic ties and declare diplomats as personae non gratae. Describing Rwanda’s decision as “disproportionate,” Prevot stated, “This shows that they prefer not to engage in dialogue when we disagree with Rwanda.”

**CALLS FOR SANCTIONS**

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Western countries accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group. Rwanda denies the allegations of supporting the group. Belgium had called on European countries to impose sanctions on Rwanda for supporting the M23, which is advancing in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has taken control in some areas. The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 had announced that they would send delegations to peace talks planned in Angola on Tuesday. Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, revealed that 7,000 people have lost their lives in the conflicts in the country since January.