Rwanda has broken its diplomatic ties with Belgium and Europe.

 

It also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to all European diplomats to exit the country.

 

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Monday.

 

Rwanda accused Belgium of “consistently” undermining Kigali “during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo”.

 

“The Government of Rwanda today notified the Government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately,” it added.

 

In turn, Belgium said Rwandan diplomats were no longer welcome in the country.

 

Reacting, Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot expressed regret over Rwanda’s decision.

 

Prevot said Rwanda’s decision has shown that it prefers not to engage in dialogue after a disagreement.

 

Posting on X, Prevot wrote: “Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium’s diplomats persona non grata

 

“This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda they prefer not to engage in dialogue.”