Belgium, Rwanda resume diplomatic relations after DRC conflict dispute

Belgium and Rwanda have reestablished diplomatic ties after a 18-month break stemming from a conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The decision was announced jointly by Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot and Rwanda’s foreign ministry on X, accompanied by photographs of the two officials in New York during the UN General Assembly.

The suspension of diplomatic relations began in March 2025 when both nations expelled each other's diplomats, primarily due to tensions surrounding the conflict in Rwanda's neighboring DRC. Rebel group AFC/M23, which holds control over significant portions of North and South Kivu provinces following their 2025 offensive, has been widely attributed to Rwanda, a claim Kigali strongly denies.

Rwanda maintains that it is protecting itself against the threat posed by a Hutu militia, asserting that it is engaging in combat with Congolese forces. Both countries are former Belgian colonies, adding a historical dimension to their recent reconciliation. In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the foreign ministers of both nations disclosed that they had engaged in multiple meetings and informal contacts over the past months to resolve their differences and clear up misunderstandings in a constructive manner.

They also expressed gratitude towards Qatar for its role in facilitating the initial meeting in June 2025, and announced their plans to reopen their respective embassies in the near future. Prevot highlighted the significance of resuming diplomatic relations, stating in a tweet that it represents a crucial step in a world characterized by escalating tensions, emphasizing that restoring diplomatic channels does not entail abandoning one's position, but rather establishing structured dialogue avenues. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC.