The East African country of Rwanda announced that it has cut diplomatic ties with Belgium. Belgian officials were given 48 hours to leave the country.

An announcement by the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the government has made the immediate decision to sever diplomatic relations with Belgium.

As part of Rwanda government’s decision, all Belgian diplomats were asked to leave the country within 48 hours. The announcement underscored that the decision was made after evaluating various factors related to Belgium’s attempts to continue its “neo-colonialist ambitions,” stating that “Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict today and continues to act systematically in different ways against Rwanda.

Belgium uses lies and manipulation to obtain a hostile and unfair view against Rwanda, aiming to destabilize both Rwanda and the region.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “Besides its destructive historical role in fueling ethnic extremism that led to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis, Belgium has also allowed the use of its territory by groups spreading genocide denial and ideology. Today’s decision reflects Rwanda’s determination to protect our national interests and the honor of Rwandans, and to uphold principles of sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect.” BELGIUM RETALIATES

The Belgian government also decided to expel all Rwandan diplomats in the country. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot expressed his regret in a statement on his social media account, saying, “Belgium is saddened by Rwanda’s decision to sever diplomatic relations and declare diplomats as persona non grata.” Prevot, describing Rwanda’s decision as “disproportionate,” stated, “This shows they prefer not to engage in dialogue when we do not share the same opinion.”

CALLED FOR SANCTIONS

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Western countries accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group. Rwanda denies the allegations of supporting the group. Belgium had called on European countries to impose sanctions on Rwanda for supporting M23, which continues to advance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and seize control in some areas. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and M23 had announced that they would send delegations to peace talks scheduled to take place in Angola on Tuesday. Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, announced that 7,000 people have lost their lives in the conflicts in the country since January.