Rwanda Suspends Development Cooperation with Belgium Amid Rising Tensions

Rwanda has suspended its development cooperation with Belgium, attributing the decision to Belgium's alleged interference in the ongoing crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its politicization of aid. The Rwandan government accused Belgium of aligning with DRC to undermine Rwanda's access to multilateral financing, which they argue disrupts African-led mediation efforts supported by regional organizations. In a statement, Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that using development aid as leverage against a country is unacceptable and risks prolonging instability in the region. The suspension, affecting the 2024-2029 bilateral aid program, highlights the escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Rwanda remains firm on its stance regarding national security, insisting it will not be coerced into compromising its interests. The situation underscores broader frustrations with international responses to the conflict in eastern DRC, particularly concerning the disarmament of armed groups linked to Rwanda's past.