Rwanda, Belgium Restore Diplomatic Ties as Nduhungirehe Credits Qatar for Bridging Divide
Rwanda and Belgium have agreed to restore diplomatic relations, ending an 18-month diplomatic rupture that followed a dispute over Belgium’s position on the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The decision, announced on September 22, 2026, provides for the reopening of the two countries’ embassies, initially under chargés d’affaires, before ambassadors are appointed through the normal accreditation process.
The two sides also committed to renewed principles of non-interference, mutual respect and constructive engagement.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe thanked the State of Qatar for helping create the conditions that eventually brought Kigali and Brussels back to direct dialogue.
The Rwandan and Belgian foreign ministers specifically expressed their gratitude to Qatar for facilitating their first meeting in Doha in June 2025.
That meeting, facilitated by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, became an important opening for the two countries to begin addressing their differences after relations had deteriorated sharply.
The diplomatic crisis dates back to March 2025, when Rwanda announced that it was severing diplomatic relations with Belgium and ordered Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours.
Kigali accused Brussels of taking a hostile position against Rwanda in relation to the conflict in eastern DRC and of attempting to mobilise international pressure against the country.
Belgium rejected Rwanda’s decision and subsequently announced reciprocal measures, including declaring Rwandan diplomats persona non grata and terminating bilateral governmental cooperation agreements.
Belgium said the dispute was linked to disagreements over the situation in eastern DRC and maintained that diplomatic dialogue remained necessary.
The breakdown came amid growing international concern over the conflict in eastern DRC, where Rwanda has faced accusations of supporting the M23 armed group.
Kigali has consistently rejected those allegations and criticised what it considers to be biased international positions on the regional conflict.
Against this background, Qatar’s facilitation provided an avenue for the two foreign ministers to establish direct contact.
Their subsequent meetings and informal exchanges helped address a number of differences and misunderstandings in what the two countries described as a constructive spirit.
Qatar welcomed the restoration of relations, describing the development as an example of the value of dialogue and understanding in resolving differences.
Doha said it was proud to have hosted the first direct meeting between the two foreign ministers and reaffirmed its belief that diplomacy and sincere dialogue remain the most appropriate means of addressing disputes and strengthening stability.
The restoration marks a new phase in Rwanda-Belgium relations, with both governments now committing to maintain open, candid and transparent dialogue even where disagreements persist.
The two countries said their renewed engagement would be guided by mutual respect, non-interference and constructive cooperation, with their embassies expected to reopen in the near future.
