Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot, is undertaking a diplomatic mission to Central Africa from 25 to 29 April 2025, amid escalating tensions in the Great Lakes region and a serious deterioration in Belgium’s bilateral relations with Rwanda. The visit will take him to Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where he will meet with government officials, civil society representatives, and development partners. The aim of the mission is to reaffirm Belgium’s commitment to peace, stability, and humanitarian support in the region, particularly in light of the protracted conflict in eastern DRC.
The timing of the visit is particularly significant, following Rwanda’s abrupt decision in mid-March to sever diplomatic ties with Belgium and expel all Belgian diplomats from Kigali within 48 hours. This move, which came shortly after the European Union adopted sanctions against Rwandan officials for their alleged involvement in supporting the M23/AFC rebellion in eastern Congo, marks one of the lowest points in Belgium–Rwanda relations in recent years. Prior to this, Rwanda had already suspended all development cooperation with Belgium in February, accusing Brussels of politicising aid and siding with Kinshasa in the conflict.
Belgium has rejected these accusations, describing Rwanda’s reaction as disproportionate and politically motivated. Minister Prévot publicly expressed his regret over Kigali’s decision, pointing out that an offer to meet with Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe during a recent visit to Brussels had been declined. “Cutting off channels of discussion never facilitates the resolution of disputes,” Prévot said. Belgium maintains that its diplomatic positions are based on principles of international law, human rights, and respect for state sovereignty, and are in alignment with those of the European Union and other international partners, including the G7.
During his visit to Central Africa, Prévot will convey Belgium’s support for ongoing regional mediation efforts, particularly the agreement recently brokered in Doha between the DRC government and the AFC/M23, aimed at achieving a ceasefire. He will also take stock of Belgian-funded projects in the region and reaffirm Belgium’s solidarity with populations affected by armed conflict and displacement. The trip is an opportunity to listen to local actors, understand their perspectives, and coordinate future cooperation based on shared goals.
Belgium’s diplomatic approach emphasises the need to tackle the root causes of the violence in eastern Congo. These include the presence and financing of armed groups, the exploitation and smuggling of natural resources, the weakness of state institutions, and ongoing cycles of impunity. Belgium is calling for the implementation of a credible process for the disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration of fighters, a professional and accountable Congolese army, and an end to all forms of hate speech targeting vulnerable communities, including Tutsis. Moreover, Brussels is urging both Kinshasa and Kigali to end all collaboration with groups such as the FDLR and M23.
Belgium has repeatedly affirmed its historical responsibility regarding its colonial past and the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Successive Belgian governments have acknowledged past failings and issued formal apologies. However, Minister Prévot has made clear that this does not exempt any state from present-day scrutiny or accountability. He has also stressed that criticism of Rwandan military actions in eastern Congo must not be equated with genocide denial, a claim frequently made by Kigali to discredit its international critics.
Despite the absence of Rwanda from this mission, Belgium insists that it remains committed to fostering dialogue across the region. It has no intention of isolating Rwanda but believes that sustainable peace requires transparency, mutual respect, and adherence to international norms. The presence of a delegation of Belgian journalists, both French-speaking and Dutch-speaking, underscores the government’s intent to maintain transparency and public accountability throughout the visit.
As the international community increasingly turns its attention to eastern Congo, Belgium’s diplomatic posture appears determined to combine pressure with principled engagement. Whether this will help to de-escalate tensions and bring about a more constructive regional dialogue remains to be seen.
