Rwanda-Belgium Diplomatic Relations Remain Suspended as Dialogue Continues
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe
KIGALI, 16 September 2026 — Rwanda and Belgium remain without full diplomatic relations more than a year after the two countries severed ties, although communication and practical engagements between them continue.
Both countries have maintained their respective positions on the diplomatic dispute, while formal relations remain suspended.
Diplomatic Relations Severed in March 2025
On 17 March 2025, the Government of Rwanda announced its decision to sever diplomatic relations with Belgium and requested that Belgian diplomats leave the country within 48 hours.
Belgium subsequently declared Rwandan diplomats persona non grata.
Rwanda cited concerns over Belgium’s approach to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, its broader diplomatic posture towards Kigali and historical issues relating to the two countries’ relations.
The Rwandan government also raised concerns about Belgium’s historical role in Rwanda, including issues relating to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and alleged activities on Belgian territory involving genocide denial.
Belgium, for its part, described Rwanda’s decision as disproportionate and expressed disagreement with Kigali’s approach to the diplomatic dispute.
Contacts Continue Despite the Absence of Formal Relations
In Exclusive Interview with Mama Urwagasabo TV, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, has indicated that communication between the two countries continues, although no decision has been taken to restore diplomatic relations.
“We have not taken a decision [to restore relations], but talks do exist between Rwanda and Belgium,” he said, while distinguishing such contacts from a formal restoration of diplomatic ties.
The Minister noted that interactions also continue because Rwandan citizens reside in Belgium and Belgian citizens live in Rwanda.
Such practical engagement, he explained, does not necessarily amount to the resumption of full diplomatic relations.
Diplomatic Engagements and Consular Arrangements
Since the March 2025 rupture, contacts between Rwanda and Belgium have included discussions facilitated through third parties.
These have included contacts via Qatar in 2025 and a meeting between Minister Nduhungirehe and Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot in Kigali in November 2025, on the margins of a Francophonie gathering.
However, these engagements have not resulted in the reopening of the two embassies or the return of ambassadors.
Consular services for citizens of both countries are currently facilitated through alternative diplomatic missions. Belgian citizens in Rwanda requiring consular assistance are directed to the Belgian Embassy in Nairobi, while Rwandan citizens in Belgium use Rwanda’s Embassy in The Hague.
Belgian citizens can continue travelling to Rwanda under the country’s applicable visa arrangements.
Development Cooperation Remains Suspended
Government-to-government development cooperation between Rwanda and Belgium remains suspended, reflecting the broader state of relations between the two countries.
While practical contacts and consular arrangements continue, the two governments have not announced a formal agreement to restore diplomatic ties.
Rwanda has maintained that the conditions surrounding the dispute must be addressed, while Belgium has expressed its position regarding the severance of relations.
As of 16 September 2026, Rwanda and Belgium remain without full diplomatic relations.
The situation reflects an ongoing diplomatic disagreement between two countries with longstanding historical and people-to-people ties.
While dialogue and practical contacts continue, the restoration of formal diplomatic relations remains unresolved.
The future of Rwanda-Belgium relations will depend on further engagement and the positions adopted by both governments.
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