Rwanda has suspended its development cooperation with Belgium, accusing Brussels of blocking its access to international financial support amid ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement on Tuesday, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Belgium had “chosen a side in the conflict, which is their right, but politicizing development is unacceptable.” The ministry accused Belgium of using financial aid as a political tool, undermining diplomatic relations.
The decision halts the 2024-2029 bilateral aid program with Belgium, signed in February 2023. The program, worth about €95 million ($99.2 million), funded development projects in Rwanda. The suspension raises concerns over the future of ongoing and planned Belgian-funded initiatives.
The dispute follows escalating violence in eastern DRC, where armed groups continue to destabilize the region. On Sunday, the M23 rebel group took control of Bukavu, a month after seizing Goma. Clashes in Goma resulted in over 3,000 deaths, including peacekeepers, and displaced thousands. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, an allegation Kigali denies, insisting it is being unfairly blamed for Congo’s security crisis.
Belgium has condemned the violence and urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory while calling for an end to alleged support for M23. However, Rwanda argues that Belgium’s stance threatens African Union-led mediation efforts.
“Rwanda will not be bullied or blackmailed into compromising its national security,” the foreign ministry stated.
The suspension signals a sharp decline in Rwanda-Belgium relations. Analysts suggest Rwanda may now seek alternative sources of funding and reconsider its international alliances. As tensions persist, regional leaders continue to push for a diplomatic resolution, while Rwanda maintains that national security remains its top priority.