On Monday, Rwanda interrupted the diplomatic ties with its former colonial sovereign, Belgium, which prompted to penalize the Rwanda for its invasion of the nearby Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda gave Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.
The diplomatic escalation came when the European Union, for the solicitation of Belgium, imposed sanctions against Rwandan military and government officials for their involvement in the conflict in Congo on Monday.
“Belgium has clearly assumed the party in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in several forums,” said the Rwanda Foreign Ministry in a note.
The European Union has accused the Rwandan officials of fueling the conflict through the presence of Rwandan troops in the eastern Congo and the looting of the mining resources of the Congo. The sanctions were the first steps of Europe towards the growing pressure on the Rwanda, although so far it has maintained close cooperation on safety and strategic minerals.
“Belgium has taken on the guide in Europe in supporting the sanctions against Rwanda,” said Kristof Tipca, professor of international development at the University of Antwerp. At the same time, he added, “the European Union has made the minimum with these sanctions for individuals – it still remains rather harmless”.
Belgian Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, said in a declaration that Rwanda’s response “is disproportionate and shows that when we do not agree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue”. He said Belgium would respond in nature to the expulsion of his diplomats.
The United States, the European Union and the United Nations say that Rwanda has financed, supporting and commanded a rebel reversal, M23, which fought the government forces in the eastern Congo for more than a decade and has launched a new offensive there in January.
M23 now checks the two largest cities in the region, border crossings with Rwanda and access to key natural resources, including one of the largest colan mines. Coltan is a fundamental mineral to produce smartphones and other electronic devices. M23 is responsible for an area in the eastern Congo that has the size of Greece or Louisiana.
After the sanctions imposed by the EU, M23 declared in a Monday declaration that would not participate in peace talks with officials of the Congolese government that had been scheduled for Tuesday – what would have been the first official meeting between the two parties in war over the years.
The last wave of violence has killed thousands and cleared more than 500,000 people since the beginning of the year, according to the United Nations refugees agency.
Despite the widespread tests shared by United Nations experts and independent researchers according to which thousands of Rwandan troops are lined up in Congo and that Rwanda provides weapons to M23, Rwanda has denied the support of M23.
Rwanda, a country of 14 million whose economic growth is often seen as a success story in Africa, remains strongly dependent on external assistance. More than a quarter of its $ 4 billion national budget comes from foreign aid, according to the World Bank – approximately 1.25 billion dollars on average in recent years.
Great Britain and Germany retained aid in Rwanda and Canada has suspended some export activities.
On Monday, the European Union has imposed sanctions to a Rwandan gold refinery and five Rwandesi, including Francis Kamanzi, CEO of the mines of Rwanda, Petroleum and Gas Board. The blockade accused the Rwanda of mixing the minerals sacked by the Congo with its production.
Santato were also Roki Karusisi, the commander of the special forces of Rwanda, who is united units M23 on the ground; And two high -ranking military officials, Désiré Rukomera and Eugene Nkubio.
However, the government of the Rwanda remained mostly provocative and on Monday accused the Belgium of “neocolonial disappointments”. Over the past ten years, the country of Eastern Africa has cultivated economic and military relationships with a wide range of countries – including Singapore, Türkiye and Qatar – beyond its traditional western partners.
He portrayed himself as a safe and stable paradise in a volatile region, attracting tourism and investments. Last month, the financial managers of all of Africa met in the capital of Rwanda, Kigali, for a conference on financial technology, and cyclists from all over the world ran through the Lush Hills of the country as part of the Ruanda tour.
“Rwanda flexed the muscles in any criticism and reported:” We are not afraid of sanctions; They have no effect, “said Tipca, professor at the University of Antwerp.” But that strong reaction actually shows that it could have some effects. “