Against a backdrop of diplomatic tensions, Rwanda decided to suspend development cooperation with Belgium on Tuesday, in a context of growing tensions in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rwanda has decided to suspend development cooperation with Belgium. This decision was announced on Tuesday in an official statement by the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kigali.

The Rwandan government accuses Belgium of taking sides in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. According to Rwanda, Belgium is leading an "aggressive campaign" to obstruct access to development finance, including from multilateral institutions.

The 2024-2029 bilateral aid programme between the two countries will now be interrupted. Rwanda describes the Belgian position as "fundamentally unacceptable" and considers the unilateral measures as unjustified interference in regional affairs.

M23 is advancing rapidly

In eastern Congo, the M23 rebels are advancing at lightning speed. They have just taken over the large city of Bukavu. The rebels are receiving support from the Rwandan army. In the meantime, the African Union and the regional organisations EAC and SADC are attempting mediation. Rwanda believes that the Belgian position is compromising this mediation process.

In its statement, Rwanda stressed that development partnerships must be based on mutual respect. The country stressed that it has always managed the development funds received responsibly, which, according to the statement, is not disputed by any partner.