Belgium and Rwanda restore diplomatic relations

Belgium and Rwanda have announced the restoration of diplomatic relations, ending an 18-month rupture that began in March 2025. The decision was formalized on September 22, 2026, during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, following a series of constructive informal meetings between Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.

The diplomatic break was triggered by tensions regarding the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Rwanda had previously accused Belgium of taking sides with Kinshasa and criticized Brussels for what it termed “pitiful attempts to maintain neocolonial illusions.”

Under the new agreement, both nations will soon reopen their respective embassies. Initially, these missions will be led by chargés d’affaires ad interim, supported by technical teams and consular staff, before full ambassadors are appointed. While the ties are being restored, both sides emphasized that disagreements regarding the DRC conflict and regional security persist. The two countries committed to maintaining an “open, frank, and transparent dialogue” to address these ongoing international differences.