Sifiso Mahlangu

Rwanda and Belgium have expelled each other’s diplomats amid growing tensions over the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The diplomatic spat follows accusations and counteraccusations between the two countries regarding their involvement in the DRC crisis, which has seen decades of instability fueled by armed groups, including the M23 rebel movement.

The tension escalated when Rwanda was accused by several Western nations, including Belgium, of supporting the M23 rebels in their offensive in eastern DRC. The M23, a militia group primarily composed of ethnic Tutsi fighters, has been linked to Rwanda, although the Rwandan government has consistently denied any support for the rebels. Belgium, a long-time international partner of Rwanda, became vocal in its criticism, accusing the Rwandan government of exacerbating the violence in the DRC.

The government of Rwanda has vehemently denied the allegations, insisting that it is not involved in the conflict and that the accusations are politically motivated.

In retaliation to Belgium's criticism, Rwanda expelled a senior Belgian diplomat, marking the beginning of a tit-for-tat diplomatic row. Belgium swiftly responded by expelling a Rwandan diplomat, accusing Rwanda of undermining regional stability and international peace efforts. The expulsions reflect a deepening rift between the two countries, once bound by a shared colonial past, and highlight the growing geopolitical stakes surrounding the DRC conflict, which has drawn in various regional players, including Uganda and Angola.

The conflict in eastern DRC has been a persistent issue since the 1990s, with various armed groups fighting for control of the region's rich natural resources.

The M23 rebellion reignited in 2022, displacing thousands of civilians and further destabilizing an already volatile region. Rwanda’s involvement, whether direct or indirect, has become a point of contention, with the international community divided over how to address the situation.

The diplomatic expulsion is a reflection of the broader tensions in the Great Lakes region, where the DRC’s instability has long been a flashpoint for conflict and power struggles. The situation highlights the complexities of regional relations and the challenges of finding a resolution to the ongoing crisis in the DRC.

As Rwanda and Belgium engage in this diplomatic standoff, the international community remains watchful, hoping that this dispute does not further inflame tensions in the region.