Rwanda has suspended its remaining development cooperation with Belgium for the 2024-2029 period after Belgium, alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), led efforts to restrict Rwanda’s access to development funding.
The suspension follows Belgium’s political stance in the ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC, which Rwanda claims undermines the African-led mediation process. Rwanda criticized Belgium for using development assistance as a political tool, saying no country should have its development finance jeopardized in this way.
Rwanda also condemned the actions as external interference, stating that such measures delay peace efforts in the region. Rwanda’s government reiterated its commitment to national security and peace, with a particular focus on securing its borders and ending violent extremism in the region.
The statement further accused the DRC government and the international community of failing to dismantle the FDLR militia and protect minority rights, despite long-standing commitments to do so.
LE RWANDA SUSPEND LA COOPÉRATION AU DÉVELOPPEMENT AVEC LA BELGIQUE
Il n’existe plus de base solide pour une coopération au développement avec la Belgique. En conséquence, le Rwanda suspend le reste du programme d’aide bilatérale 2024-2029 avec la Belgique.
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Int'l Cooperation (@RwandaMFA) February 18, 2025
