KINSHASA – April 29, 2025, As the United States intensifies its diplomatic footprint in Central Africa, Belgium is making clear it has no intention of stepping aside. On a three-nation tour that took him to Kampala, Bujumbura and finally Kinshasa, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot reaffirmed his country’s enduring engagement in the Great Lakes region—a space where geopolitical competition, diplomatic realignments and mineral interests are rapidly converging.
In Kinshasa, Prévot was received by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, and civil society leaders. At the center of discussions were the ongoing mediation efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern Congo, including the recently signed Declaration of Principles between the DRC and Rwanda under Qatari facilitation and parallel U.S.-led talks in Doha. While Belgium welcomes these efforts, it has called for caution and realism.
“We must remain vigilant,” Prévot said after his meeting with Tshisekedi. “It is essential to evaluate the actual impact of these diplomatic tracks in the coming days and weeks. A peaceful outcome depends on coordination, but also on long-term commitment—not short-term gestures.”
Without naming the United States directly, Prévot’s remarks hinted at concern over a new wave of high-profile American diplomacy in the region, which some in Brussels see as driven more by mineral security interests than durable peacebuilding.
Belgium, a former colonial power in the region, has historically maintained both influence and access, particularly in the DRC. With companies like Umicore and John Cockerill leading European expertise in mineral processing and renewable technologies, Belgium remains a key stakeholder in the critical minerals conversation.
“We have globally recognized know-how,” said Prévot, citing Belgian firms’ experience in cobalt and germanium processing. “If the opportunity arises to deepen our investment presence in a balanced and mutually respectful way, we won’t shy away from it.”
Belgium’s presence is not merely economic. In Kinshasa’s populous Masina district, Prévot visited youth-led entrepreneurship projects supported by the Belgian development agency Enabel and local NGO CLEJUPS. At the Don Bosco vocational center, he saw firsthand how vulnerable youth are acquiring technical skills for dignified employment, with support from Belgian NGO VIA Don Bosco.
At Silikin Village, the country’s largest innovation hub, young Congolese developers working on solar energy, green packaging and digital tools shared their projects with the minister. These initiatives, also backed by Belgium, illustrate what Prévot called a “clear message”: “Belgium believes in the Congolese youth. By investing in training, entrepreneurship and innovation, we are building a better future together.”
But Belgium’s diplomatic tone is also resolute. In Bujumbura, Prévot publicly supported Burundi’s military cooperation with Kinshasa against the M23 rebellion and contrasted it with the presence of foreign forces—namely Rwandan-backed elements—which he described as sources of instability. “We are not against Rwanda,” he said, “but we strongly support international law and the respect for national sovereignty.”
His criticism comes as Belgium faces a total diplomatic freeze from Kigali, following European sanctions on Rwandan individuals accused of fueling conflict in eastern Congo. “It’s regrettable that the Rwandan government has unilaterally cut ties,” Prévot said. “Even in the case of Russia—where sanctions are far more severe—diplomatic channels remain open. That should also be possible with Rwanda.”
Despite the friction, Belgium is positioning itself as a committed and constructive actor—one that combines development aid, principled diplomacy and long-term regional knowledge in a way few external powers can match.
With Washington’s star rising and Doha emerging as a key facilitator, Brussels is staking out its own space: measured, strategic, and grounded in relationships that span decades. Whether that will be enough to maintain its relevance in an increasingly crowded field remains to be seen—but Belgium’s message is unambiguous: It’s staying in the game.
Therwandan
