Belgium is scrambling to reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism following a diplomatic fallout with Rwanda, which recently expelled Belgian diplomats. The rift, sparked by Belgium’s alleged role in perpetuating negative narratives against Rwanda, has reignited long-standing grievances about Belgium’s historical role in fueling ethnic divisions in the Great Lakes region.
For decades, Belgium’s colonial-era policies sowed the seeds of discord among communities in Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). By institutionalizing ethnic classifications and favoring certain groups over others, Belgium set the stage for deep-rooted conflicts that continue to plague the region. Many analysts argue that Belgium has never truly disengaged from its colonial playbook, using diplomacy, aid, and political influence to manipulate regional affairs.
In what appears to be an effort to salvage its global standing, Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot and Prime Minister Bart De Wever met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss the future of multilateral cooperation. The meeting was framed as a reaffirmation of Belgium’s commitment to a stronger, more effective UN.
“In a world where international cooperation is increasingly under pressure, Belgium remains committed to a stronger, more efficient, and more effective UN,” Prévot stated. “By investing in multilateral diplomacy, we can mobilize partners, defend our values, and find concrete solutions to global challenges such as conflict prevention, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development.”
However, critics see this as an attempt to whitewash Belgium’s continued meddling in African affairs. Rwanda’s recent decision to expel Belgian diplomats was not just a reaction to Brussels’ support for EU sanctions against Rwanda but also a broader rejection of Belgium’s neocolonial approach to the region. Rwanda has accused Belgium of using propaganda and manipulation to frame it as a destabilizing force in eastern DRC, despite the Congolese government’s well-documented alliances with armed groups.
In retaliation, Belgium expelled Rwandan diplomats, cut development aid, and suspended cooperation agreements—moves seen as further proof of its coercive tactics. The tit-for-tat escalation highlights the ongoing tensions between Rwanda and its former colonial ruler, which has struggled to accept Rwanda’s growing influence in the region.
Despite these tensions, Belgium continues to position itself as a key player in global governance. Prévot emphasized the necessity of reforms to enhance the UN’s impact but reiterated that global problems require collective action. “One thing is clear: global problems cannot be solved alone. Belgium remains an active and reliable partner in consolidating the international order,” he affirmed.
As the situation unfolds, Belgium’s efforts to navigate its diplomatic crisis with Rwanda while maintaining its grip on regional politics will be closely watched. However, its historical and ongoing role in fueling conflicts in the Great Lakes region cannot be overlooked.
