President Paul Kagame has issued a stern warning to Belgium, accusing it of blaming Rwanda for the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and mobilizing the international community to impose sanctions against Kigali. He made these remarks on March 16, 2025, at BK Arena in Kigali, during a citizen outreach event attended by over 8,000 people from across the country.
Addressing the gathering, Kagame accused Belgium of distorting history and unfairly targeting Rwanda. He argued that the current instability in eastern Congo is deeply rooted in the region’s colonial past rather than any actions by Rwanda.
President Kagame strongly condemned Belgium’s stance on the conflict between the DRC and the M23 rebel group, highlighting Belgium’s colonial role as the root cause of the region’s long-standing instability.
“I am going to warn Belgium. Belgium killed Rwanda, killed Rwandans over the past 30 years and beyond, and now seeks to finish off the survivors. We warned them before, and we are doing so again,” Kagame stated.
He emphasized that the conflict involving the M23 rebel group stems from unresolved issues dating back to colonial times, particularly the displacement of Rwandans into neighboring countries.
“This war in Congo, people have tried to make it Rwanda’s war, but it is not Rwanda’s war. Rwanda did not start this war; rather, what those who started it wanted, is what we are fighting against,” he asserted.
Kagame dismissed accusations that Rwanda is responsible for unrest in eastern Congo, stating that the Rwandophone communities in the region including Kisoro in Uganda, Masisi, and Rutshuru in DRC, were not placed there by Rwanda.
“It was not Rwanda that took them there. If those countries wish to expel these people, they should also give them the land they live on,” he argued.
The President also warned that denying people their rights to live peacefully in their communities would inevitably lead to resistance.
Tensions Between Rwanda and Belgium
Relations between Rwanda and Belgium have been deteriorating, especially after Belgium led European efforts to sanction Rwanda, accusing it of supporting M23 rebels. Kagame described these actions as unjustified and hypocritical.
President Kagame questioned Belgium’s morality in mobilizing the world against a small country like Rwanda.
“But honestly, don’t you have any shame? Calling on the entire world to sanction Rwanda-a small country? Isn’t that disgraceful? Why don’t they leave us alone so we can take care of ourselves and live in peace?” he challenged.
He also recalled Belgium’s decision in July 2023 to reject Rwanda’s appointed ambassador, Vincent Karega, without prior explanation, suggesting that Belgium had been targeting Rwanda long before the recent escalation of the Congo conflict.
Kagame reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to self-reliance and protecting its sovereignty. In February 2025, Rwanda suspended its development cooperation with Belgium, accusing it of working with the DRC to block Rwanda’s access to international aid.
“We want to be Rwandans. We do not want to be Belgians,” Kagame said, emphasizing that Rwanda will continue defending its interests, regardless of external pressures.
President Kagame emphasized that Rwanda has chosen the path of dignity and will continue to defend its territorial integrity while seeking peaceful relations with others.The diplomatic rift deepened after M23 rebels seized control of key cities in eastern Congo, further fueling tensions between Rwanda and Belgium. However, Rwanda remains firm in demanding respect and fair treatment from the international community.
