The Belgian embassy in Kigali is facing severe criticism following allegations of gross mistreatment of a Rwandan national, Kevin Rukundo, upon his arrival in Brussels, Belgium.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from the Rwandan community.
The ordeal began when Rukundo’s family eagerly awaited his arrival at the airport, only to be met with shocking news.
His visa had been abruptly canceled without prior notice, leading to his detention and subsequent deportation upon arrival in Belgium. The family was left bewildered and distressed, seeking answers from the embassy.
“Our joy quickly turned into a nightmare when we learned that his visa had been canceled without any prior notice,” the family stated. “The shock and confusion we felt at the airport were indescribable. We had no idea what had happened or why he was being detained.”
Rukundo, who previously worked in the consular department of the Belgian Embassy, told Taarifa that his visa was approved after meeting all the necessary requirements. Notably, he previously acquired a bona-fide visa, which is only given to individuals who have been thoroughly cleared by the state.
He explained that the embassy was aware of his travel itinerary and that he was traveling to attend a family wedding. “The embassy has been taunting me ever since my contract was terminated,” Rukundo said. “I was not informed about my visa cancellation until I arrived at the airport, was arrested, and deported.”
Despite numerous follow-up attempts, the embassy refused to address the issue or take any action to rectify the situation. The family described the experience as a “traumatic ordeal” characterized by a lack of transparency, conflicting information, and disregard for their brother’s rights. “Instead of helping us, they told us that there was nothing they could do about it,” the family added.
While at the airport, Rukundo was starved, dehydrated, mishandled and denied right to speak to his family until he was deported back to Kigali.

In response to the allegations, the consular department of the Belgian Embassy told us that, “These charges are driven by a disgruntled former employee of the embassy. We do not comment on individual visa cases.” The embassy also informed Taarifa that Rukundo was fired for a serious professional mistake. Asked whether the visa cancellation has anything to do with Rukundo’s contractual termination, the embassy remained noncommittal, saying, “we do not comment on individual files.”
Meanwhile, despite these assertions, the general public and the Rwandan community have previously voiced their concerns over what they describe as abusive behavior and racist tendencies among embassy staff, and the attitude of the Embassy towards Rwandans.
The embassy is known for its mean attitude and frequent refusal of visas to Rwandans, which has further strained relations.
This incident is not isolated.
The Belgian government has had friction with Rwanda, often accused of maintaining a condescending attitude toward Rwanda. Recently, Belgium refused to accredit the Rwandan ambassador, adding to the diplomatic tensions.
Taarifa can confirm that the ambassador was informed about the incident and kept a deaf ear to the family’s pleas, further confirming the nature of Belgium’s behavior.
The lack of transparency and communication from the embassy has only exacerbated the distress and frustration of the family. The family demands a thorough investigation into the matter and explanations for the cancellation of the visa, the justification for the detention and deportation, and the embassy’s refusal to address the issue.

The family seeks a formal apology from the embassy and assurances that such incidents will not occur again. They also demand compensation for the emotional and financial distress caused by the ordeal.
It is said that Rwandan authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to get to the depth of the matter.