Belgium and Rwanda restored diplomatic relations on September 22 in New York. The rapprochement does not end differences between the two countries over the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Diplomatic relations restored
Belgium and Rwanda announced the restoration of diplomatic relations on September 22, 2026, 18 months after the two countries broke ties amid disagreements over the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The agreement was announced in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly by Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and his Rwandan counterpart, Olivier Nduhungirehe.
The two countries said their embassies would reopen in the near future. Initially, they will be headed by chargé d’affaires before ambassadors are appointed.
Brussels and Kigali said the decision followed several meetings and informal contacts between their foreign ministers in recent months. Both governments also thanked Qatar for facilitating their first meeting in Doha in June 2025.
Belgium maintains its position on DRC
The restoration of diplomatic relations does not represent a change in Belgium’s position on the conflict in eastern DRC.
Following the announcement, Maxime Prévot said the resumption of diplomatic relations did not mean abandoning Belgium’s positions. He reaffirmed Belgium’s support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC.
The Belgian minister also said Brussels would continue to support commitments made through the Doha and Washington peace processes.
The joint statement, meanwhile, expressed the two countries’ intention to maintain an “open, frank and transparent” dialogue while acknowledging continuing disagreements on certain international issues.
Kigali highlights regional security concerns
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe also welcomed the restoration of relations and called for a new period of dialogue between the two countries.
On eastern DRC, Rwanda has highlighted respect for the territorial integrity of all countries in the region, the neutralisation of the FDLR and a resolution of the conflict between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 that addresses its underlying causes.
These positions show that the restoration of diplomatic relations does not amount to an agreement on all issues surrounding the conflict in eastern DRC.
Diplomatic rapprochement without a settlement of the conflict
Belgium and Rwanda have therefore restored their diplomatic channels while maintaining different positions on several aspects of the crisis in eastern DRC.
In eastern DRC, the AFC/M23 continues to control large areas of North Kivu and South Kivu, according to Reuters. The Congolese government and Rwanda continue to present different views on the causes and responsibilities surrounding the conflict.
The restoration of relations between Brussels and Kigali opens a new channel for bilateral dialogue. It does not, by itself, resolve the political and security disagreements surrounding the situation in eastern DRC.