Rwanda closes Brussels embassy after diplomatic fallout with Belgium

Rwanda President Paul Kagame. The Rwandan government has ordered all non-governmental organisations (NGOs), faith-based organisations (FBOs) and common-benefit foundations operating in the country to cut ties with the Belgian Government. (Photo: Reuters)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Friday, March 21, 2025

Despite the diplomatic rift, the ministry clarified that Belgian nationals living in Rwanda or planning to visit would not be affected.

Rwanda has officially closed its embassy in Brussels following its decision to sever diplomatic ties with Belgium.

The announcement was made by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Friday.

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“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,” the statement reads.

With the closure of its Brussels mission, Rwanda has redirected its consular services to its embassy in The Hague, Netherlands.

“Consular services will be provided by the Embassy of Rwanda in the Netherlands, in The Hague,” the ministry added.

Despite the diplomatic rift, the ministry clarified that Belgian nationals living in Rwanda or planning to visit would not be affected.

They will continue to receive visas on arrival at no cost for a 30-day stay, in line with the existing visa policy.

“The free movement of travellers and professionals continues as normal. Belgian nationals will continue to obtain a visa on arrival, free of charge for a 30-day stay, in accordance with the current visa regime,” the statement read further.

Rwanda’s decision to cut ties with Belgium was announced on March 17, 2025, with Kigali accusing Brussels of “consistently undermining” it during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rwandan authorities gave Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.

Belgium, which has been vocal in calling for European nations to impose sanctions on Rwanda over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group, described Kigali’s actions as “disproportionate” and said it would respond accordingly.

Although the United Nations and the United States have accused Rwanda of backing the M23, Kigali has repeatedly denied any involvement.

The diplomatic fallout has further strained relations between the two nations, with Belgium being Rwanda’s former colonial power and a key player in European policies on Central Africa.