On Monday, Rwanda announced that it’s cutting diplomatic ties with its former colonialist Belgium. The two countries are in a sharp disagreement over the Congo conflict, with the Belgians accusing Rwanda of supporting M23.
As a result, the European nation has rallied the European Union to impose sanctions on Rwanda. Kagame’s administration retaliated by expelling Belgium from the country, issuing sharp criticism.
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“Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilise against Rwanda in different forums, using lies and manipulation to secure an unjustified hostile opinion of Rwanda, in an attempt to destabilise both Rwanda and the region,” the statement said.
Additionally, Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame said they would stand-up to Belgium. Before this announcement, he sharply criticised them.
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“We would ask [Belgium]: ‘Who are you by the way? Who put you in charge of us?’ Rwandans believe in God, but did God really put these people in charge of Rwanda?” Kagame asked in an address on Sunday.
In response, Belgium’s foreign minister, Maxime Prévot, said that Rwanda’s decision was disproportionate. In return, he said Rwandan diplomats would be declared “persona non grata.”
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Belgium’s position in the Congo conflict could stem from its guilt over its colonial legacy. During that time, it imposed forced labour, and the red-rubber system that led to widespread suffering and death. However, Belgium has always had its hand in DRC so there are several reasons why they take the stand they have.
Despite these sanctions, the EU maintains programs such as cooperative agreements, and foreign aid, raising questions to the effectiveness of the sanctions imposed.
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