Rwanda and Belgium restore diplomatic relations after 18-month break

Rwanda and Belgium have agreed to restore their diplomatic relations after an 18-month suspension, according to a joint statement signed by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, and Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot.

The two countries said they will reopen their respective embassies in the near future. Initially, each embassy will be headed by a chargé d’affaires ad interim, supported by a diplomat or consul and a small technical team.

The two governments will later begin the process of seeking approval for the appointment of ambassadors.

The joint statement says the decision follows a series of meetings and informal contacts between the two foreign ministers over recent months. The discussions addressed several areas of disagreement and misunderstanding between the two countries.

Rwanda and Belgium also expressed their gratitude to the authorities of Qatar, which facilitated the first meeting between the two foreign ministers in Doha in June 2025.

The restoration comes after Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Belgium in March 2025 amid disagreements over Belgium’s position regarding the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Belgium subsequently took reciprocal diplomatic measures.

In their joint declaration, Rwanda and Belgium reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining an open, frank and transparent dialogue.

The two countries said future discussions will address bilateral disagreements as well as differences over international issues. They also agreed to principles including non-interference, mutual respect and constructive engagement as a basis for their future relations.

The announcement comes just days after Rwanda’s Foreign Minister said that talks between Kigali and Brussels were continuing, although at that time no decision had been taken to formally restore diplomatic relations.

The latest agreement therefore marks a formal change in the diplomatic relationship between Rwanda and Belgium, with the reopening of embassies and the eventual return of ambassadors expected to follow.