Key facts
- Belgium and Rwanda resumed diplomatic relations on September 22, 2026, after an 18-month dispute.
- The dispute stemmed from differing views on the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot and Rwandan counterpart Olivier Nduhungirehe announced the resumption of ties.
- The two countries expelled diplomats in March 2025.
- M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, control parts of North and South Kivu provinces.
- Belgium and Rwanda plan to reopen their respective embassies soon.
Belgium and Rwanda have officially resumed diplomatic relations, marking a significant step towards resolving a dispute that led to a breakdown in ties 18 months prior. The disagreement centered on the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with Belgium and Western governments accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, an allegation Kigali denies. Rwanda maintains it is acting in self-defense against a Hutu militia operating with the Congolese military.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot and his Rwandan counterpart, Olivier Nduhungirehe, announced the resumption of relations via posts on X, accompanied by photos from New York where the United Nations General Assembly is underway. The two nations had expelled each other's diplomats in March 2025 as relations soured.
In a joint statement, both ministers acknowledged constructive dialogue over recent months to address differences and misunderstandings. They also expressed gratitude to Qatar for facilitating an initial meeting in June 2025. Both countries intend to reopen their embassies shortly. Prevot described the move as important in a world of growing tensions, emphasizing that restoring relations does not mean abandoning positions but establishing structured channels for dialogue to defend the DRC's territorial integrity and sovereignty.