Belgium, Rwanda Restore Diplomatic Ties

Belgium and Rwanda agreed on Tuesday to restore diplomatic relations, ending a severe rift that caused Kigali to sever ties with its former colonial ruler last year.

Following months of constructive, informal talks between their foreign ministers, the two nations issued a joint statement announcing plans to reopen their respective bilateral embassies in the near future.

The diplomatic fallout occurred in March 2025 when Rwanda expelled Belgian diplomats after Brussels criticised Kigali for supporting the M23 armed group during an offensive in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Belgium and Rwanda restore diplomatic ties (News Central TV) — Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe arrives to attend the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City, New York, U.S., September 23, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Kylie Cooper/

Following a meeting outside the UN headquarters in New York between Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and Belgian counterpart Maxime Prévot, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining an open, transparent dialogue to resolve remaining international differences.

🇧🇪🇷🇼 (EN/FR/NL) Pleased to announce today the resumption of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Rwanda.
In a world marked by growing tensions, this is an important signal here in New York, the UN’s host city, which embodies multilateralism and dialogue beyond our… pic.twitter.com/pc18cL3CR7

— Maxime PREVOT (@prevotmaxime) September 22, 2026

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.