Rwanda and Belgium have jointly decided to restore diplomatic relations following 18 months of severed ties with both countries also agreeing to reopen their respective embassies in the near future.
The decision was announced in a joint statement by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe and Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot.
The restoration followed a series of meetings and informal contacts between the two ministers in recent months as both sides sought to address differences and misunderstandings that had strained relations.
Rwanda and Belgium credited Qatar with facilitating the first meeting between Nduhungirehe and Prévot in Doha in June 2025.
The development came 18 months after Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Belgium on March 17 2025. Rwanda said at the time that Belgium had taken sides in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and was mobilising internationally against Rwanda.
Belgium rejected Rwanda’s accusations and described the decision to sever relations as disproportionate. Brussels responded by declaring Rwandan diplomats persona non grata and terminating bilateral government cooperation agreements.
Communication between the two countries gradually resumed despite the diplomatic rupture. Just six days before the restoration was announced Nduhungirehe said talks were taking place but that no decision had yet been made to restore diplomatic relations.
Under the renewed relations Rwanda and Belgium agreed to maintain frank and transparent dialogue as they work through bilateral differences and unresolved disagreements on international issues.
The two countries also agreed that future relations would be guided by non-interference mutual respect and constructive engagement.
As part of the agreement Rwanda and Belgium will reopen their respective embassies in the near future.
Each mission will initially be headed by a chargé d’affaires ad interim supported by a diplomat or consular officer and a small technical support team.
The two governments will subsequently submit requests for agrément for ambassadors while Rwanda’s ambassador to Belgium will also be accredited to the European Union.
Elie Gatete
RADIOTV10