Rising Tensions between Brussels and Kigali
Introduction
The already strained relationship between Brussels and Kigali has escalated significantly following the Rwandan government’s decision to suspend Belgian development aid programs worth 120 million euros. This suspension has brought into sharp focus the underlying tensions between the two countries.
Belgian Aid to Rwanda
Rwanda currently receives 1.25 billion euros in international aid, with Belgium, as a former colonial power, contributing a substantial portion. However, Brussels has called for sanctions against Kigali over its alleged involvement in the recent fall of Congolese cities to the M23 rebel group and Rwandan troops.
Rwandan’s Response
Rwanda has denounced Belgium’s "aggressive campaign" in support of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and accused it of attempting to sabotage a mediation process initiated by the African Union (AU). The Rwandan government also expressed its concern that Belgium is hindering its access to development funding, including from multilateral institutions.
Belgian Reaction
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot acknowledged Rwanda’s decision while emphasizing that his government was already reassessing its aid program due to Rwanda’s actions in the DRC. He also called for preserving cooperation for the benefit of the Rwandan people.
Nationalist Sentiment in Belgium
The Rwandan government’s stance has been met with a degree of sympathy within Belgium’s new federal coalition led by nationalist Bart De Wever. Some coalition members advocate for a significant reduction or complete elimination of Belgium’s cooperation budget, which currently stands at around 2.5 billion euros.
Criticisms of Development Aid
The Rwandan crisis has brought to the fore a debate in Belgium about the efficacy of development aid. Some politicians, such as Georges-Louis Bouchez of the liberal MR party, question its value, arguing that recipient countries often remain underdeveloped despite receiving substantial assistance.
Historical Tensions
The current crisis is the culmination of a long-standing rift between Brussels and Kigali. Rwanda has refused to appoint an ambassador to Belgium since 2023, while the Belgian embassy in Rwanda has been vacant since July 2024. Tensions escalated when Belgium refused to accept the Rwandan diplomat Vincent Karega as ambassador, citing his alleged denial of Rwanda’s role in civilian massacres in the DRC.
Espionage and Intimidation
In 2024, an investigation by the media collective Forbidden Stories revealed that Rwanda was conducting espionage and intimidation activities in Belgium. The report alleged that undercover agents were tasked with silencing opposition voices and carrying out targeted assassinations. This revelation further soured relations between the two countries.
Impact on Rwanda
The suspension of Belgian aid is likely to have a significant impact on Rwanda, which heavily relies on international support for its development. The cut in funding will affect projects ranging from healthcare to education.
Diplomatic Implications
Despite the current crisis, both Brussels and Kigali have emphasized their willingness to maintain diplomatic ties. However, the rupture in diplomatic relations and the suspension of aid cast a shadow over the future of their relationship.
Conclusion
The escalating tensions between Brussels and Kigali highlight the challenges of post-colonial relations, the efficacy of development aid, and the complexities of diplomatic alliances. The resolution of the current crisis will require a concerted effort by both parties to address the underlying causes of friction and work towards a more constructive engagement.
