Rwanda Closes Brussels Embassy as Diplomatic Ties Snap Shutdown

The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has declared the shutdown of its embassy in Brussels, Belgium.

This comes after Rwanda decided to sever diplomatic relations with Belgium.

The statement indicated that the embassy will cease providing consular services within Belgian territory, unlike what was done before.

After terminating diplomatic ties with Belgium on March 17, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation aims to highlight several key points for the public’s consideration. "The Rwandan Embassy in Brussels has shut down operations and will cease providing consular services within Belgium," stated the ministry.

Rwanda has declared that starting now, its consular services will be handled through their embassy in The Hague, Netherlands.

Consular services will be handled by the Rwandan Embassy located in The Hague, Netherlands. [email protected] | (+31 70 392 65 71).

The ministry stated that even though diplomatic relations have been severed, this decision will not impact Belgian citizens residing in Rwanda or those who intend to travel there.

It was mentioned that they will keep offering visas upon arrival and at no cost.

Travelers and professionals can move around freely just like before. Belgians will still receive a complimentary visa upon arrival valid for 30 days, consistent with the present visa regulations.

On March 17, Rwanda severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, stating that it had consistently faced undermining from the European country amid the continuing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kigali ordered Belgian diplomats to depart within 48 hours.

Brussels has taken the lead in urging European countries to impose sanctions on Rwanda due to its backing of the M23, which is a key player in the ongoing crisis in DR Congo.

Belgium, as the previous colonial authority, stated that it would react to these measures and described Rwanda's choice as "excessive."

Even though both the UN and the US have claimed otherwise, Rwanda has refuted supporting the M23.

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