Belgium and Rwanda Restore Diplomatic Ties After 18-Month Rupture

The Federal Government of Belgium and the Republic of Rwanda resumed diplomatic relations on September 23, 2026, ending an 18-month rupture. The two nations had severed ties in March 2025 due to disputes over the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where Rwanda has been accused by the UN and Western governments of backing AFC/M23 rebels.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe announced the restoration of ties during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The rapprochement followed several months of dialogue and a breakthrough meeting in Doha in June 2025, facilitated by the Government of Qatar. Both nations now plan to reopen their respective embassies.

While welcoming the move, Prevot stated that restoring relations does not mean abandoning Belgium's position, noting the country will continue to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC. The African Union Commission and the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs both praised the decision as a victory for diplomacy. Qatari spokesperson Majed al-Ansari noted that the parties relied on Qatar's mediation record in the Great Lakes region to address underlying issues and clear up misunderstandings.