Rwanda and Belgium are set to reopen their respective embassies following the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, said the embassies will initially be headed by Chargés d’Affaires, who will work alongside diplomats and a small team of technical staff. The arrangement is in line with the joint decision announced by the two countries on September 22, 2026, to restore diplomatic relations.
According to Ukweli Times, Nduhungirehe said the arrangement is part of preparations to restore normal diplomatic operations between Rwanda and Belgium after a period of strained relations. The two countries have also agreed to continue discussions on security issues affecting the Great Lakes Region, particularly insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
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Rwanda Raises Concerns Over DRC Commitments
Nduhungirehe said Rwanda continues to criticize the manner in which the DRC Government is implementing the Washington Peace Agreement, particularly regarding the dismantling of the FDLR armed group.
The Minister said that, from Rwanda’s perspective, the DRC Government has not fulfilled its commitments under the agreement.
He said: “Instead of implementing the agreement, Congo has continued to strengthen that group by providing it with equipment such as weapons and receiving some politicians in Kinshasa as part of efforts to support and better organize the group.”
These are allegations made by Minister Nduhungirehe against the DRC Government. Authorities in Kinshasa have their own position regarding the causes of insecurity in eastern DRC.
Regarding arguments that the FDLR still exists but no longer has the capacity to pose a significant threat to Rwanda, Nduhungirehe said such views should not be used to downplay the seriousness of the issue.
He said the locations where the group operates are well known and that Rwanda maintains that it continues to collaborate with institutions of the DRC.
He said: “These statements are intended to minimize the seriousness of the problem. What we ask for and want is for the Congolese Government to support and implement the provisions of the agreement so that the group threatening the security of Rwanda and the region is dismantled.”
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Rwanda-Burundi Relations Remain Strained
Nduhungirehe also spoke about Rwanda’s relations with Burundi, saying Rwanda has repeatedly attempted to maintain dialogue between the two countries, but that such efforts become difficult when the other side does not demonstrate sufficient willingness.
He further stated that Rwanda accuses Burundi of cooperating with armed groups operating in eastern DRC, including the FDLR, which he said negatively affects regional security.
Relations between Rwanda and Burundi have been strained for some time, and the land borders between the two countries remain closed.
Embassies to Resume Operations
Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Belgium in March 2025 and requested Belgian diplomats to leave the country. The two countries subsequently held discussions that led to the restoration of diplomatic relations on September 22, 2026.
Under the renewed diplomatic framework, the embassies in Kigali and Brussels will reopen in the near future. Initially, each mission will be headed by a Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, supported by a diplomat or consular officer and a small technical team. The two countries will later submit requests for ambassadorial approval.
The restoration of diplomatic relations provides Rwanda and Belgium with formal channels to continue discussions and exchange information on bilateral matters, as well as their differing positions on regional and international issues. Belgium has also said that dialogue will continue on disagreements, including the conflict in eastern DRC.
