Rwanda: Experts Weigh in On Break-Down of Ties Between Rwanda and Belgium

Rwanda: Experts Weigh in On Break-Down of Ties Between Rwanda and Belgium

Rwanda's move to sever diplomatic ties with Belgium has been referred to as a strong message to the European country, which may be interpreted in a number of ways.

The complex history behind Rwanda’s decision to cut ties with Belgium

Belgian colonialists introduced ethnic-based identity cards and political ideology as part of their divide-and-rule policy, even measuring the size of one’s nose and other physical features to determine which ethnicity to ascribe to them. The recent decision by Rwanda to sever diplomatic relations with Belgium has brought to the forefront a complex and contentious history between the two nations. A closer examination of Belgium’s involvement in …