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Belgium, Rwanda resume diplomatic relations after DRC conflict dispute
The two governments said they held constructive talks and plan to reopen their embassies soon after Qatar helped arrange earlier contact.
On Tuesday, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe announced the restoration of diplomatic ties in New York, ending an 18-month break over disagreements linked to conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Relations deteriorated in March 2025 when the two countries expelled each other's diplomats over disagreements regarding conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Rwanda alleges it faces threats from Hutu militias fighting alongside Congolese forces.
Western governments and the United Nations allege Rwanda backs the M23 rebel group, which controls parts of North and South Kivu provinces after capturing Goma and Bukavu in early 2025. Kigali denies the allegations.
In a joint statement, both nations said they addressed differences "in a constructive spirit" following meetings and informal contacts over recent months. They thanked Qatar for facilitating their first meeting in June 2025 and plan to reopen embassies soon.
Belgian Foreign Minister Prevot stated that restoring relations is crucial "in a world marked by growing tensions," emphasizing this does not mean abandoning Belgium's position on defending "the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC.