Standfirst: Belgium and Rwanda have agreed to restore diplomatic relations, severed in March 2025 amid tensions linked to the conflict in eastern DR Congo. The two countries plan to reopen their embassies soon.
Belgium and Rwanda announced on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, that they would restore diplomatic relations after around 18 months of diplomatic rupture. The announcement was made in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly through a joint statement by the two countries.
Embassies to reopen soon
According to the joint statement, the two countries have agreed to reopen their respective embassies in the near future. Initially, each diplomatic mission will be headed by a chargé d’affaires ad interim, supported by a diplomat or consular officer and a small technical team.
The two governments will subsequently begin the process of approving new ambassadors. Rwanda’s ambassador to Belgium will also be accredited to the European Union.
Rapprochement follows months of contacts
The decision follows a series of meetings and informal contacts between Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and his Rwandan counterpart Olivier Nduhungirehe.
The two sides said they discussed several differences and misunderstandings in a constructive spirit. They also thanked Qatar for facilitating their first meeting in Doha in June 2025.
Brussels and Kigali said they intend to maintain an open, frank and transparent dialogue, based on non-interference, mutual respect and constructive engagement.
Diplomatic rupture linked to eastern DR Congo
Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Belgium on March 17, 2025, amid tensions over the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The two countries subsequently expelled each other’s diplomats.
The dispute was linked in particular to Belgium’s position on the security situation in eastern DR Congo. Belgium has said it continues to defend the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Kigali, for its part, rejects accusations that it supports the M23 and maintains its position regarding the security threats it says Rwanda faces.
The restoration of diplomatic relations does not mean that the disagreements over the situation in eastern DR Congo have been resolved. The joint statement indicates that the two countries intend to use renewed diplomatic channels to address their differences.
Belgium maintains its position on DR Congo
Maxime Prévot described the restoration of relations as the outcome of a process of discussions between the two countries. He stressed, however, that restoring diplomatic relations did not mean abandoning Belgium’s position on the conflict in eastern DR Congo.
The Belgian minister reaffirmed his commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of DR Congo, while supporting continued dialogue with Kigali.
A new diplomatic channel
The restoration of relations opens a new official channel between Brussels and Kigali after 18 months of diplomatic rupture. The embassies are expected to resume operations initially with reduced teams, before new ambassadors are appointed.
The move does not resolve the disagreements surrounding eastern DR Congo, but it allows Belgium and Rwanda to resume formal diplomatic dialogue.