Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has officially announced the closure of its embassy in Brussels, Belgium, following the country’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Belgium.
In a statement issued on March 17, 2025, the ministry confirmed that the embassy would no longer provide consular services on Belgian territory.
“Following the severance of diplomatic relations with Belgium, decided on March 17, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to bring the following points to the public’s attention. The Rwandan Embassy in Brussels has closed its doors and will no longer provide consular services on Belgian territory,” read part of the statement.
Rwanda further clarified that its consular services would now be handled by its embassy in The Hague, Netherlands. Individuals seeking assistance can reach out to the Rwandan embassy in the Netherlands via email or telephone.
Despite the diplomatic fallout, the ministry assured that Belgian nationals residing in Rwanda or planning to visit would not be affected. It confirmed that Belgian citizens would continue to receive visas on arrival, free of charge, for a 30-day stay, as per the existing visa regulations.
The diplomatic rift between the two nations stems from Rwanda’s claim that Belgium has been consistently undermining it, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Brussels has been at the forefront of European calls for sanctions against Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which has been involved in the DRC crisis.
In response, Kigali gave Belgian diplomats a 48-hour ultimatum to leave the country. Belgium, which was Rwanda’s former colonial ruler, has labeled the move “disproportionate” and stated that it will respond accordingly.
While the United Nations and the United States have linked Rwanda to supporting M23 rebels, Kigali has repeatedly denied any involvement.
The escalating diplomatic tensions add a new dimension to the already fragile relations between Rwanda and Western nations over the DRC conflict.
