Rwanda suspends development cooperation with Belgium

In a statement on Tuesday, Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Belgium of siding with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the ongoing DRC conflict, adding that the European nation is politicizing the matter and stifling development grants.

"No country in the region should have its development finance jeopardized as a tool of leverage. Punitive, one-sided measures can only be construed as unwarranted external interference that undermines the African-led mediation process, and thereby risks delaying the peaceful resolution of the conflict," read the statement in part.

The Ministry therefore noted that there is no longer a basis for development cooperation with Belgium and Rwanda is suspending the remainder of the 2024-2029 bilateral aid program with Belgium. 

"Rwanda will not be bullied or blackmailed into compromising national security. Our only aim is a secure border, and an irreversible end to the politics of violent ethnic extremism in our region," the Ministry stated.

Rwanda asserted that it will remain committed to end peace and achieve durable solutions, adding that "no one should continue to tolerate the cycles of conflict which continually recur because of the failure of the DRC Government".

It also maintained that development partnerships must be based on mutual respect, the nation will continue to ensure maximum accountability for all the funding it receives.

"Maintaining mutual respect, and fully supporting the AU/EAC/SADC mediation, is essential during these difficult moments for our region."

This comes a few days after the European Parliament urged the European Union to freeze direct budget support for Rwanda until it breaks links with the Tutsi-led M23 rebels and allows humanitarian access to rebel-controlled areas in Eastern DRC.