Rwanda, Belgium Restore Ties After 18-Month Rift

Belgium and Rwanda have resumed diplomatic relations 18 months after severing ties over disagreements linked to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The decision followed several months of meetings and informal contacts between Foreign Ministers Maxime Prevot and Olivier Nduhungirehe, with Qatar facilitating their first meeting in June 2025. The countries said they would reopen their embassies and base future relations on mutual respect, noninterference, transparency and constructive engagement. Belgium maintains that restoring ties does not change its support for the DRC’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, while Rwanda continues to deny allegations that it supports M23 rebels and says it is responding to threats from a Hutu militia. The African Union welcomed the development, calling it evidence that sustained dialogue and open diplomatic channels can help resolve disputes.