Rwanda bans NGO cooperation with Belgium after diplomatic fallout
The directive takes effect immediately and affects all collaborations, partnerships and financial engagements with Belgian institutions, agencies, and programmes.
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 and its affiliated entities, following a decision to sever diplomatic relations with Belgium.
According to the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), the directive takes effect immediately and affects all collaborations, partnerships and financial engagements with Belgian institutions, agencies, and programmes.
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“Pursuant to the Government of Rwanda’s decision of 17th March 2025 to sever diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Belgium, it has prohibited all international and national NGOs, FBOs, and common-benefit foundations registered and operating in Rwanda from engaging in any form of cooperation with the Government of Belgium and its affiliated entities,” reads the statement.
The directive mandates an immediate cessation of any ongoing projects or agreements involving Belgian institutions and their affiliates.
“Any ongoing projects or agreements involving these entities and other similarly affiliated organisations must be terminated immediately and reported accordingly,” the Board said.
Blanket ban
Additionally, the government has imposed a blanket ban on financial transactions between Rwandan NGOs and Belgian entities, including grants, donations and technical assistance funding.
“No funds, grants, donations, or financial contributions shall be received from or disbursed to the Government of Belgium, its institutions, affiliated agencies, or programs,” the RGB stated.
The Board warned against attempts to bypass the restrictions through third-party intermediaries, stating that any indirect financial transactions would attract strict penalties.
The government also warned of severe consequences for any organisation that fails to comply with the directive.
“Non-compliance may result in the suspension of registration and/or revocation of legal personality, in accordance with the applicable laws governing NGOs, FBOs, and foundations,” the Board said.
The government further indicated that additional legal and administrative measures would be taken against entities found to be in violation of the directive.
The move marks an escalation in diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and Belgium.
On March 17, Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, giving Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.
President Paul Kagame accused Belgium of advocating for international sanctions against his country over the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
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