“The time hasn’t come yet” – Minister Nduhungirehe speaks on Belgium, Persona Non Grata in Rwanda-DRC peace talks

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has confirmed that there are currently no discussions underway to restore diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium, firmly stating that “the time for that has not yet come.” He also made it clear that Belgium is not welcome to participate in ongoing peace negotiations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), citing the country’s biased conduct.

The statement follows a recent regional tour by Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, which included visits to Uganda, Burundi, and the DRC. While in Uganda, Prévot held talks with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni focused on instability in Eastern DRC. It was reported that Prévot proposed Uganda could mediate between Belgium and Rwanda to help repair strained relations.

Speaking on Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), Minister Nduhungirehe revealed that Rwanda only became aware of Prévot’s proposal through the media.

“We saw those reports in the press. We were not officially notified by the Ugandan government or any other party,” he said.

Minister Nduhungirehe stressed that Rwanda’s top priority is addressing the crisis in Eastern DRC, not restoring ties with Belgium.

“We are currently focused on resolving the war in Eastern DRC. That is our immediate concern. The issues with Belgium will be dealt with at another time,” he said.

“Belgium’s Foreign Minister has the right to visit other countries in the region, but what he does with them is of no concern to Rwanda.”

Asked whether Rwanda would be open to talks with Belgium if it showed willingness, the minister responded, “That time has not yet come. We’re focused on resolving pressing regional matters. When the appropriate moment arrives, we will make that decision.”

In March 2025, Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, expelling its diplomats and suspending more than €95 million worth of Belgian-funded development projects. The government also banned all NGOs, both local and international, from cooperating with Belgian institutions.

The decision followed persistent accusations from Belgium that Rwanda supports the M23 rebel group in DRC—a claim Rwanda has strongly denied. Kigali criticized Belgium’s stance, accusing it of igniting tensions and recalling its damaging colonial history in Rwanda, Burundi, and DRC.

On the subject of Belgium’s interest in joining Rwanda-DRC peace efforts, Minister Nduhungirehe was unequivocal.

“Belgium should not dare to insert itself into these talks. They’ve shown they are not a neutral party by siding with Kinshasa and lobbying the international community against Rwanda,” he said.

He dismissed any lingering belief that Belgium remains a power broker in the region.

“Some people still think Belgium has influence in the Great Lakes region. That’s outdated thinking. It once had historical relevance here, but it squandered that opportunity through partiality and harmful diplomacy,” he said.

“Instead of promoting peace, they used their position to back Congo and lobby for sanctions against Rwanda. That’s why we cut ties. A country without diplomatic relations with Rwanda cannot expect to play a role in regional negotiations.”

Laura D