** Title: The rupture of Belgian-Rwandan relations: a geopolitical dance on the background of regional conflicts **
On March 17, 2025, Rwanda made a daring decision by breaking its diplomatic relations with Belgium, an approach which, at first glance, could seem to be a simple reaction to diplomatic tensions. However, this rupture should not be analyzed solely from the angle of bilateral relations, but rather as an event revealing the complex geopolitical dynamics that shape Central Africa. In this context, the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) becomes a focal point which illustrates the broader implications of international relations.
### A regional conflict in the background
The harm of Belgian diplomacies, according to Kigali, is to have adopted a position deemed pro-Kinshasa in the security crisis in the east of the DRC. This territory, rich in natural resources, is the scene of violent clashes between different militias, including the M23 armed group and other local actors, but also involving regional and international issues. Belgium, heir to a heavy colonial past in Africa, has often been perceived as an actor with deep ties with Kinshasa, thus creating biased perceptions on his impartiality.
It is crucial to remember that as an ex-colony, Belgium has a complicated historical role towards the DRC. This complex relationship colors the way the country is perceived internationally. Consequently, Belgium, while affirming its desire to promote peace and security in the region, is sometimes suspected of favoring its economic and diplomatic interests, to the detriment of real neutrality.
### A calculated reaction
The Belgian Minister Maxime Prevot’s response highlights the extent of the diplomatic crisis. By calling the Rwandan decision “disproportionate”, he calls for a dialogue. However, this answer hides a more nuanced reality: Rwanda, by adopting this posture, also seeks to redefine its image on the international scene. By positioning itself as a country that does not tolerate attacks on its sovereignty, it does not only oppose Belgium, but inscribes its reaction in a logic of resistance to what it perceives as external interference.
### The consequences of a diplomatic turnover
The rupture of diplomatic relations has ramifications which go beyond speeches. Under the decision of Rwanda, the name of Belgian diplomats as “Persona Non Grata” adds a strong symbolic dimension, marking a break in a network of cooperation which had already shown signs of tension in recent years. In addition, this rupture could have significant economic impacts, especially for Belgian companies that operate in East Africa.
Statistically speaking, Belgium is one of the largest European investors in the DRC and Rwanda. By breaking these links, Rwanda sends a strong message to other nations: the era of dependence and manipulation by the former colonizers is over. This is a potentially radical change in the way in which African countries conceive their relations with Europe, which could lead to a reassessment of Western diplomacy in this strategically crucial region.
### Damilization of African diplomacy
It is imperative to note that the perception of Rwanda as an aggressor in this context of tensions is often fueled by Western media narrations. The rhetoric of “lie and manipulation” evoked by Rwanda goes beyond the framework of bilateral relations, relating to broader questions of the way in which the media deal with and restore African stories, often in favor of a neocolonial approach.
Paradoxically, this tension between Belgium and Rwanda could push other African nations to rethink their relations with the West. African countries, which formerly considered European nations as natural partners, could seek to establish more balanced dynamics, promoting inter-African alliances and reducing their dependence on the former colonial power.
### Conclusions: A new horizons of the future?
The rupture of relations between Belgium and Rwanda, although worrying, could be revealing of a more general trend towards a decolonization of international relations. The weight of colonial stories, coupled with the will of the African nations to redefine their role on the world scene, requires a deep re -evaluation of existing power dynamics.
Thus, while Rwanda and Belgium engage in this complex game of diplomatic rupture, informed observers can only wonder if this dynamic is the prelude to rebalancing relations in Central Africa, where African voices take an increasingly central place in international dialogue. In today’s interconnected world, these ruptures are not only isolated events, but movements that could shape the future of international relations, while redefining the standards of modern diplomacy.