Rwanda has decided to suspend its development aid arrangement with Belgium. The Rwandan Government says that Belgium is not neutral in the conflict in eastern Congo and is conducting an aggressive campaign to hinder its access to development aid. Meanwhile, the Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot (Francophone centrist) says that Belgium is reviewing its aid programme to Rwanda anyway.
Rwanda suspends development aid agreement with Belgium, Belgian Foreign Ministers says that it was “under review anyway”
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The Rwandan government accuses Belgium of not being neutral with regard to the conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to Kigali, Belgium is conducting “an aggressive campaign” aimed at blocking access for Rwanda to development aid, including aid from multilateral organisations.
In a reaction posted on social media, the Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said that Belgium had taken note of Rwanda’s decision. “In the light of the violation of Congo’s territorial integratory by Rwanda we are reviewing our cooperation anyway”.
Mr Prévot adds that it is important that the suspension of cooperation is done in a professional manner so that “the benefits of our long-standing cooperation are preserved for the Rwandan people”.
“We are determined to continue our efforts. To raise awareness and mobilise the international community. To find a peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern Congo, based on international law”.
In recent weeks Belgium has called several times to step up sanctions against Rwanda. Rwanda supports the M23 rebels that already control a considerable area in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.