On April 7, 2025, Rwanda marked the 31st commemoration of the 1994 genocide, known as Kwibuka 31. The Rwandan government expressed disappointment over what it called “international sabotage,” accusing some countries of distancing themselves from the event due to what it described as unfounded allegations linking Rwanda to the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Tensions have escalated in recent months as the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda according to UN experts, seized control of Goma, Bukavu, and Walikale. Despite mediation efforts in Doha, including a meeting between Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, no ceasefire has been implemented. International calls for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops have been ignored.
Responding to mounting sanctions from the U.S., EU, and others, President Kagame declared: “If someone says, ‘We’re going to sanction you’—go to hell.” Three Rwandan commanders and several M23 leaders are now under international sanctions.
Relations with Belgium have also deteriorated. On March 17, Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Brussels. On April 8, the Ministry of Education announced that the Belgian curriculum at École Belge de Kigali would be terminated by September, following a ban on all cooperation with Belgian institutions.
Despite the growing diplomatic fallout, Rwanda maintains it will defend its sovereignty and work for peace on its own terms.
Therwandan
