Belgium’s newly sworn-in government has expressed its intention to mend relations with Rwanda following years of diplomatic tensions under the previous administration. The new leadership aims to restore cooperation, addressing past frictions that led to the recalling of diplomats and strained engagements between the two nations.
Maxime Prévot, Belgium’s new Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister from the Francophone centrist party Les Engagés, is expected to play a key role in this diplomatic reset. Prévot, who has previously engaged with Rwanda, notably spoke at the Kwibuka 28 commemoration with a strong message of remembrance and reconciliation.
Under the previous Belgian government, relations with Rwanda deteriorated due to what Kigali perceived as interference in its internal affairs and support for hostile elements. The diplomatic rift resulted in heightened tensions, affecting bilateral cooperation.
With Belgium’s political shift, there is cautious optimism that a new chapter of engagement can begin, focused on mutual interests and strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this renewed commitment will translate into tangible improvements in Rwanda-Belgium relations.
On Monday morning the ministers that make up Belgium’s new Federal Government swore their oaths to the King at the Royal Palace. In addition to Prime Minister Bart De Wever (Flemish nationalist), the new federal government consists of 14 ministers, 7 Flemings and 7 Francophones.
