Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said that restoring diplomatic relations with Kigali did not mean Brussels had changed its position on the conflict in eastern DRC. Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said Rwanda still considers the neutralisation of the FDLR and the resolution of the DRC-AFC/M23 conflict essential to achieving lasting peace.
The exchange followed a joint statement by the two governments announcing the restoration of diplomatic relations after 18 months of severed ties.
Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Belgium in March 2025 accusing Brussels of taking sides in the dispute between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and of pushing for international sanctions against Rwanda. Belgium rejected the accusations and described Rwanda’s decision as disproportionate.
Following the restoration of relations Prévot welcomed the development saying it was significant at a time when tensions were growing in different parts of the world.
“In a world marked by growing tensions, this is an important signal here in New York, the UN’s host city, which embodies multilateralism and dialogue beyond our differences.”
Prévot said the restoration was the result of discussions with his Rwandan counterpart and efforts by both countries to move beyond their differences.
“This is the culmination of a process of frank discussions with my counterpart and the result of a shared, respectful effort. I am convinced that we can set a positive agenda, mutually beneficial to our citizens, and grounded in the richness of our interpersonal relations.”
He said the two countries had agreed to continue dialogue even on issues where their positions remain different including the conflict in eastern DRC.
“We agreed on the importance of systematic dialogue, including on the points of disagreement that remain, such as the conflict in eastern DRC. Restoring diplomatic relations between states does not mean abandoning our position, but having structured channels for dialogue, and I will continue to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC.”
Prévot said Belgium wanted to continue using its experience in the region to support mediation efforts and would keep calling for all parties to respect commitments made under the Doha and Washington processes.
Responding to his Belgian counterpart Nduhungirehe said Rwanda also welcomed the restoration of relations saying it would open new opportunities for constructive dialogue based on mutual respect.
On the conflict in eastern DRC Nduhungirehe said Rwanda believes lasting peace requires respect for the sovereignty of all countries in the region as well as the neutralisation of the FDLR and a resolution of the conflict between the DRC Government and AFC/M23 by addressing its root causes.
“Regarding the conflict in eastern DRC we believe that respecting the sovereignty of all countries in the region neutralising the genocidal FDLR and resolving the conflict between the DRC Government and AFC/M23 by addressing its root causes remain key to achieving lasting peace in the region.”
Belgium has repeatedly accused Rwanda of having troops in eastern DRC and has called for their withdrawal.
Rwanda has denied the allegations and says the security measures it has taken are defensive responses to threats it links to the DRC Government and the FDLR. International bodies have separately called for both the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the DRC and the neutralisation of the FDLR.
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