RWANDA’S decision to sever diplomatic ties with Belgium over criticism of its involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is already having visible and unexpected consequences across several sectors.
Kigali cut relations with its former colonial ruler in March after Belgium emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which has seized large parts of mineral-rich eastern DRC.
Although both governments initially vowed to shield residents and businesses from the fallout, major disruptions are already being felt.
Education and health sectors face fallout
One of the first casualties is the prestigious Ecole Belge in Kigali, a prominent international school funded by the Belgian embassy. The Rwandan government ordered the school to suspend its Belgian curriculum earlier this month.
An education ministry official, speaking anonymously to AFP, said the move was tantamount to closing the school. ‘It is unfathomable that such a reputable and historical international school will adopt a Rwandan curriculum,’ the official said.
Healthcare initiatives have also been affected. The Health Development Initiative, a Rwandan NGO specialising in sexual health education and support for vulnerable groups, was forced to return $120,000 to its Belgian donor. The funding was earmarked for a health awareness campaign.
‘Maybe the government has tangible reasons for doing this… but we need to find a sustainable solution to funding,’ said Aflodis Kagaba, the NGO’s executive director.
The timing of the funding cuts is particularly challenging, coming just after the United States slashed its aid programmes, affecting HIV prevention efforts for LGBTQ and sex worker communities.
Economic impact limited but political risks grow
Despite the disruption, analysts believe the overall financial hit from severing ties with Belgium may be limited. Belgian aid to Rwanda totals less than €20 million ($23 million) a year.
‘Cuts to healthcare and education projects will hurt, but Kigali will likely find alternative funding sources,’ Phil Clark, a professor of international politics at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, told AFP.
However, Clark warned that the real damage may be diplomatic. Rwanda stands to lose lobbying power within the European Union, headquartered in Brussels.
‘Paradoxically, the funding gap may incentivise the Rwandan government to rely more heavily on Congo’s mineral wealth,’ Clark added. Rwanda is accused of supporting M23 rebels to exploit the DRC’s natural resources, allegations Kigali denies.
Mixed reaction within Rwanda
The decision to cut ties with Belgium has divided public opinion at home. Lawyer and political analyst Louis Gitinywa told AFP that while Rwanda may not be blameless, the government’s tough stance was justified.
‘Rwanda is a small country, but it is a state and it shouldn’t be bullied,’ he said, accusing Belgium of historically fuelling instability in the region.
Gitinywa also acknowledged Rwanda’s security concerns, citing armed groups operating from Congolese territory linked to the 1994 genocide perpetrators.
Nonetheless, he urged Kigali to adopt a more strategic approach: ‘Rwanda needs to do more than call Belgians names. We need a long-term plan to soften the effects of the sanctions.’
