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Rwanda terminates five-year collaboration with EU state
(MENAFN) Rwanda has announced the suspension of its five-year cooperation agreement with Belgium, accusing the European nation of taking sides in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and politicizing development efforts. The Rwandan Foreign Ministry issued the statement after Belgium accused Kigali of supporting the M23 rebels, who have captured two major cities in North and South Kivu provinces during renewed attacks against Congolese forces and peacekeepers. These attacks have resulted in thousands of casualties, including many children, according to the UN.
The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Belgium for leading a campaign, alongside the DRC, to undermine Rwanda’s access to development funding, particularly from multilateral institutions. It stated that these actions had eliminated the foundation for development cooperation, leading Rwanda to suspend the remainder of its 2024-2029 bilateral aid program with Belgium. Belgium had committed €95 million ($99 million) for this aid.
The long-standing conflict in the DRC has strained relations between Rwanda and the Congolese government, which has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, one of several militias vying for control of the region’s valuable mineral resources. Despite Rwanda's consistent denials, international criticism has increased since the return of hostilities earlier this year, with a UN report claiming that Rwandan troops had been fighting alongside M23 militants.
Rwanda responded to Belgium’s decision by condemning it as “unwarranted external interference” that undermines African-led mediation efforts to resolve the conflict. Rwanda emphasized its commitment to national security and peace in the region, stating that it will not be coerced into compromising its interests.
In response, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot expressed that Belgium was reconsidering its entire bilateral program with Rwanda due to the country's alleged violation of the DRC’s territorial integrity. This comes after the US also criticized Rwanda last year for its supposed support of M23, demanding the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the DRC.
The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Belgium for leading a campaign, alongside the DRC, to undermine Rwanda’s access to development funding, particularly from multilateral institutions. It stated that these actions had eliminated the foundation for development cooperation, leading Rwanda to suspend the remainder of its 2024-2029 bilateral aid program with Belgium. Belgium had committed €95 million ($99 million) for this aid.
The long-standing conflict in the DRC has strained relations between Rwanda and the Congolese government, which has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, one of several militias vying for control of the region’s valuable mineral resources. Despite Rwanda's consistent denials, international criticism has increased since the return of hostilities earlier this year, with a UN report claiming that Rwandan troops had been fighting alongside M23 militants.
Rwanda responded to Belgium’s decision by condemning it as “unwarranted external interference” that undermines African-led mediation efforts to resolve the conflict. Rwanda emphasized its commitment to national security and peace in the region, stating that it will not be coerced into compromising its interests.
In response, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot expressed that Belgium was reconsidering its entire bilateral program with Rwanda due to the country's alleged violation of the DRC’s territorial integrity. This comes after the US also criticized Rwanda last year for its supposed support of M23, demanding the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the DRC.
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