Rwanda announced Monday that it was severing diplomatic relations with Belgium, accusing the former colonial power of having "sided" with Kinshasa "well before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

"The Government of Rwanda today notified the Government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately," the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. Kigali said the decision was linked to Brussels' "pathetic attempts" to "maintain its neocolonial illusions."

Belgium, for its part, regretted a "disproportionate" decision, which according to its foreign minister, Maxime Prévot, "illustrates that when we disagree with Rwanda, it prefers not to engage in dialogue."

Belgium, the former colonial power of both the DRC (formerly Zaire) and Rwanda, has been one of Kigali's most critical countries since the Kigali-backed M23 rebellion launched an offensive in eastern DRC in December, which saw it seize Goma, the capital of North Kivu, and Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu.

In particular, Brussels had asked the European Union at the end of January to consider sanctions against Rwanda, which it accused of violating the DRC's sovereignty. Belgium did not support the new €20 million in aid granted in November. It abstained from voting in the EU Council.

Rwanda announced in February the suspension of Belgian development aid programs in the country.

"Today, Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in various forums, using lies and manipulation to create an unjustified hostile opinion towards Rwanda, with the aim of destabilizing the country and the region," Kigali accused.

"Today's decision reflects Rwanda's commitment to protecting its national interests and the dignity of Rwandans, as well as upholding the principles of sovereignty, peace and mutual respect," the statement added.

All Belgian diplomats present in Rwanda are required to leave the country within 48 hours, Kigali said.