Rwanda, Belgium Restore Ties After 18-Month Rift

Belgium and Rwanda restored diplomatic relations on September 22, 2026, eighteen months after Rwanda cut them over the eastern DR Congo conflict. Foreign ministers Maxime Prevot and Olivier Nduhungirehe issued a joint statement under Article 2 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and said their embassies will reopen in the near future. Qatar facilitated their first meeting in Doha in June 2025. Announcing the step on X from New York, Prevot called it an important signal for multilateralism and the result of frank, respectful discussions. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomed the move, saying sustained dialogue and open channels help address differences. Contested ground remains. Rwanda's March 2025 statement accused Belgium of undermining Rwanda before and during the eastern Congo conflict. Prevot said restoring ties does not mean abandoning Belgium's position and that he will continue to defend the DRC's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Belgium says it will keep urging parties to meet commitments under the Doha and Washington processes. The joint statement reaffirmed open, candid and transparent dialogue while noting remaining disagreement on that conflict.