Belgium’s Attempt to Restore Ties with Rwanda via Qatar Falls Short, Says FM Nduhungirehe

Kigali  Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe has confirmed that recent efforts by Belgium, mediated through Qatar, to reopen diplomatic dialogue with Rwanda have so far produced no results.

In an interview with Ukweli Times, Minister Nduhungirehe explained that Belgium sought Qatar’s help to arrange discussions aimed at repairing bilateral relations. In May, he met with the Belgian Foreign Minister to clarify Rwanda’s reasons for suspending formal diplomatic ties, citing what he described as inappropriate conduct on Belgium’s part, particularly given its historical involvement in Rwanda and the wider Great Lakes region. “Belgium requested a dialogue through Qatar. During my meeting with their Foreign Minister in May, I outlined why Rwanda decided to suspend relations, highlighting Belgium’s conduct, which we found unacceptable considering its historical role in the region,” Nduhungirehe said.

Despite these diplomatic overtures, the Minister stressed that Belgium’s stance had not changed. “So far, no tangible progress has been made to restore the relationship. Although the Belgian Foreign Minister indicated he would attend the upcoming Francophonie ministerial meeting, we have seen no visible shift in their approach toward Rwanda,” he added.

Belgium is also reported to have reached out to Uganda recently, seeking assistance to mediate with Rwanda.

Background of the Diplomatic Rift

Rwanda suspended diplomatic relations with Belgium in March 2025, ordering Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours. The decision followed accusations that Belgium had repeatedly undermined Rwanda’s sovereignty, including during political crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Belgium allegedly took positions contrary to Rwanda’s interests and circulated misleading information.

Belgium has acknowledged the breakdown in relations but insists it is too early to restore them. Maxime Prévot, a senior Belgian official, told Jeune Afrique that rebuilding ties would require careful planning and time. “It is premature to speak of reconciliation. The relationship needs to be rebuilt gradually and through proper channels. This is what I have been attempting over the past months, particularly through discussions in Doha with Rwandan officials, facilitated by Qatar,” Prévot said.

Prévot is expected to visit Kigali in November 2025 for the Francophonie Ministerial Meeting. However, he cautioned against expecting immediate progress, stressing that diplomatic restoration is a process that requires patience and constructive dialogue.