Rwanda shuts Brussels Embassy as diplomatic rift with Belgium deepens

Rwanda has officially closed its embassy in Brussels after cutting diplomatic ties with Belgium.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed the closure, saying the embassy would no longer provide consular services in Belgium.

“Following the severance of diplomatic relations with Belgium, decided on March 17, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to bring the following points to the public’s attention," the ministry said in a statement on Friday.

"The Rwandan Embassy in Brussels has closed its doors and will no longer provide consular services on Belgian territory.”

Rwandan citizens in Belgium seeking consular services have been directed to the country’s embassy in The Hague, Netherlands.

“Consular services will be provided by the Embassy of Rwanda in the Netherlands, in The Hague ([email protected] | +31 70 392 65 71),” the ministry stated.

Despite the diplomatic fallout, Rwandan authorities assured that Belgian nationals visiting or residing in Rwanda would not be affected.

They will continue receiving visas on arrival at no cost for a 30-day stay.

“The free movement of travellers and professionals continues as normal. Belgian nationals will continue to obtain a visa on arrival, free of charge for a 30-day stay, in accordance with the current visa regime,” the statement added.

Rwanda announced its decision to cut ties with Belgium on March 17, accusing Brussels of “consistently undermining” its position in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Rwandan government gave Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.

Belgium has been a vocal critic of Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, pushing for European nations to impose sanctions against Kigali.

In response to Rwanda’s decision, Belgium called the move “disproportionate” and vowed to take further action.

While both the United Nations and the United States have accused Rwanda of backing the M23, Kigali has repeatedly denied any involvement.

The rift has further strained relations between Rwanda and Belgium, which once ruled Rwanda as a colonial power and remains a key player in European policies on Central Africa.