Belgium and Rwanda have agreed to restore diplomatic relations 18 months after severing ties over the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The move, announced on X by Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot and Rwanda's foreign ministry, follows months of meetings and informal contacts and thanks Qatar for facilitating talks in June 2025. Both countries plan to reopen their embassies soon; Prevot said renewed engagement provides structured channels for dialogue while he continues to defend the DRC's territorial integrity.
Belgium and Rwanda Restore Diplomatic Ties After 18-Month Rift Over DRC Conflict
FILE PHOTO: Belgium's Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prevot arrives to watch the military parade during the Belgian National Day celebrations in Brussels, Belgium, July 21, 2026. REUTERS/Omar Havana/File Photo
Brussels, Sept 22 — Belgium and Rwanda have agreed to restore diplomatic relations 18 months after ties were severed amid a dispute over the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot and Rwanda's foreign ministry announced the move on X, posting photos of Prevot with his Rwandan counterpart, Olivier Nduhungirehe, in New York during the United Nations General Assembly.
Key Developments
The two countries expelled each other's diplomats in March 2025 as relations deteriorated over fighting in eastern DRC. The announcement said the foreign ministers have held a series of meetings and informal contacts over recent months to address differences and clear up misunderstandings "in a constructive spirit." Both sides thanked Qatar for facilitating an initial meeting in June 2025 and said they plan to reopen their embassies soon.
Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe arrives to attend the 80th United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, New York, U.S., September 23, 2025. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper/File Photo
Context and Claims
Rebel fighters from the M23 movement now control large parts of North and South Kivu provinces after their advance in early 2025, when they captured Goma and Bukavu, the region's two largest cities. The United Nations and several Western governments allege that M23 is receiving support from Rwanda, a charge Kigali denies.
Rwanda says it is defending itself against threats from a Hutu militia that it alleges is operating alongside elements of the Congolese army. Both the DRC and Rwanda were former Belgian colonies.
What Leaders Said
Prevot wrote on X that the resumption of ties was an important step "in a world marked by growing tensions." He added that restoring diplomatic relations "does not mean abandoning our position, but having structured channels for dialogue," and reaffirmed that he will continue to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC.
The joint statement stressed that renewed engagement should help manage disputes through dialogue and create clearer lines of communication between Brussels and Kigali as regional tensions persist.
Reporting: Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels and George Obulutsa in Nairobi. Editing: Franklin Paul and Bill Berkrot.
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