Weekly News Update – Rwanda and the Great Lakes Region
- Rwanda and Belgium Sever Diplomatic Relations
March 17, 2025 – Rwanda expelled Belgian diplomats, giving them 48 hours to leave the country, accusing Belgium of siding against Kigali in the ongoing conflict in the DRC. This move follows EU sanctions against Rwandan military officials implicated in supporting M23 rebels. In response, Belgium declared Rwandan diplomats persona non grata and ended its development aid to Rwanda.(the times)
All For Rwanda regrets this diplomatic escalation and call for a peaceful resolution of disputes. The Rwandan government must engage in constructive dialogue with its partners to promote peace and stability in the region.
- DRC Calls on NBA to Cut Ties with Rwanda
March 16, 2025 – The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, urged the NBA to sever ties with Rwanda, accusing Kigali of financing M23 rebels destabilizing eastern Congo. The DRC argues that the NBA’s collaboration with Rwanda contradicts the league’s commitment to social justice and human rights.(Financial times )
All For Rwanda understands the DRC’s concerns and urge sports and economic organizations to carefully examine their partnerships with the Rwandan government. Any cooperation should respect human rights and not indirectly contribute to regional conflicts.
- M23 Rebels Withdraw from Peace Talks in the DRC
March 15, 2025 – The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, announced their withdrawal from peace negotiations with the Congolese government. This decision comes after the European Union imposed sanctions on several M23 commanders. The rebels justified their departure by citing the intensified military operations by the DRC against their positions. ( AP News )
All For Rwanda is deeply concerned by this breakdown in negotiations and urge all parties to prioritize dialogue to prevent further violence that primarily affects civilians .
- Germany Suspends Financial Aid to Rwanda
March 14, 2025 – Germany has suspended its development aid to Rwanda due to Kigali’s alleged support for M23 rebels in the DRC. The German Ministry of Development announced a review of bilateral projects and future cooperation restrictions in response to evidence of Rwanda’s involvement in destabilizing eastern Congo.(AP News)
All For Rwanda supports this decision and call on the Rwandan government to cease all support for armed groups. Regional stability depends on respecting borders and international commitments to peace.
Refugee Crisis in the Great Lakes Region
March 12, 2025 – The refugee crisis in the Great Lakes region is worsening, with over 5.1 million refugees and 19.4 million internally displaced persons, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These displacements are primarily due to armed conflicts and political instability in the DRC and Burundi, exacerbated by foreign military interventions in the region. (UNHCR report)
All For Rwanda is deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation and call on regional governments and the international community to step up efforts to protect refugees and promote sustainable solutions to the crisis.
All For Rwanda remains committed to advocating for transparent governance, lasting peace, and respect for human rights in the Great Lakes region.