Kagame Accuses Belgium of Pushing for Sanctions Against Rwanda

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has accused Belgium of lobbying for international sanctions against Rwanda due to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking at a rally in Kigali, Kagame criticized Belgium, Rwanda’s former colonial power, for persistently undermining his country.

Kagame called the Belgian actions “shameless,” referring to their accusations regarding Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC conflict.

He stated, “They talk about the war in Congo, first making it Rwanda’s war, and then claiming that Rwanda supports it.” He added that Belgium has been accusing Rwanda unfairly while trying to mobilize the world against his nation.

The tension between the two countries has worsened, with Belgium recently refusing to accept Rwanda’s ambassador-designate, Vincent Karega.

This comes amid accusations from Congo and Western nations, including the US, UK, and Germany, that Rwanda is backing the M23 rebels in eastern Congo—accusations that Rwanda has consistently denied.

Kagame also recalled Belgium’s role in shaping Rwanda’s borders during colonial times, stating that the country had intentionally cut off significant parts of Rwanda’s territory, making it appear as small as Belgium.