President Kagame orders European diplomats out of Rwanda in 48 hrs

President Kagame has ordered all European diplomats to pack their bags and leave Rwanda within 48 hours. The fiery ultimatum, issued on Monday, comes amid a growing feud over claims that Rwanda is fueling the war in eastern Congo.

President Kagame didn’t mince words, slamming Belgium and other European nations for what he calls “shameless” meddling and pushing for sanctions against his country.

This bold step has sparked a diplomatic storm, putting Rwanda’s leader front and center on the global stage.

President Kagame fires back at Europe

The drama kicked off with a statement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announcing an immediate end to diplomatic ties with Belgium. “The government of Rwanda today notified the government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately,” the ministry declared.

This came just a day after President Kagame took aim at European nations, accusing them of constantly attacking Rwanda with insults and false claims. He zeroed in on Belgium, calling them out for trying to rally the world against his small nation.

“They talk about the war in Congo, first making it Rwanda’s war, and then claiming that Rwanda supports it,” President Kagame said in a heated speech. “Belgians go to Kinshasa, point a finger at us, and say they’ll impose sanctions. They’re shameless. Mobilizing the world against Rwanda, with our small size? They should leave us alone.” His words reflect deep frustration with what he sees as unfair blame for the chaos in Congo, a conflict that’s drawn international scrutiny.

The tension isn’t new. Earlier this month, Germany cut off financial aid to Rwanda after a UN report claimed Rwandan troops were fighting alongside M23 rebels in Congo. The U.S. and UK had already pulled their support, too. President Kagame and his team have fiercely denied these accusations, insisting Rwanda has no hand in the unrest. But Europe isn’t buying it, and now the gloves are off.

A Diplomatic Clash Heats Up

Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot, didn’t take the expulsion lightly. “Belgium regrets Rwanda’s decision to cut off diplomatic relations and declare our diplomats persona non grata,” he posted on X. “This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda, they prefer not to engage in dialogue.”

His response highlights a growing rift, with President Kagame choosing confrontation over conversation.

The 48-hour deadline means European diplomats are scrambling to leave Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. For President Kagame, this is a power move—a loud message that he won’t bow to outside pressure. He’s betting that kicking out these diplomats will show the world Rwanda won’t be pushed around, especially by bigger nations like Belgium with their colonial past in the region.

What’s Next for Rwanda?

This showdown is more than just a spat—it’s a test of President Kagame’s leadership and Rwanda’s place in global politics. The war in eastern Congo has long been a messy issue, with fingers pointing in all directions. By cutting ties and sending diplomats packing, Kagame is doubling down on his stance: Rwanda isn’t the villain here. But with aid drying up and tensions rising, the road ahead looks bumpy.

For now, the world is watching. Will President Kagame’s gamble pay off, or will it backfire? One thing’s clear—Rwanda’s leader isn’t afraid to stir the pot, and this latest clash with Europe is proof of that.

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