Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot, has condemned Rwanda’s support for the M23 armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), asserting that Rwanda’s security concerns do not justify its backing of the group. In an interview with AFP, Prevot emphasized the need for dialogue between all parties to resolve the ongoing conflict, which has seen the M23 seize significant territory in the DRC’s mineral-rich east.
Since the beginning of 2025, the M23 has intensified its offensive, displacing hundreds of thousands and worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region. The UN and several Western countries have accused Rwanda of backing the M23, a claim Rwanda denies, insisting that its military actions are motivated by security threats from armed groups linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Prevot acknowledged Rwanda’s legitimate concerns over security but strongly disagreed with its methods. “Rwanda is looking for security, but I fully disagree with the way it is acting in the east of Congo,” he said. He also warned against a military solution, stating, “There will be no military solution in the east of the Congo. We need dialogue.”
Despite tensions, Prevot made it clear that Belgium’s position was not rooted in its colonial history. Belgium ruled Rwanda from 1916 to 1962, but the foreign minister dismissed suggestions of colonial guilt. “We do not have any feeling of past colonialism regrets,” he asserted.
Prevot also expressed cautious optimism about mediation efforts led by Qatar and the United States, though he remained wary of false hope. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all parties involved in the peace talks were sincere and not merely using the ceasefire as a smokescreen.
While Belgium’s influence in the region is limited due to diplomatic tensions with Rwanda, Prevot called for continued efforts to promote peace, emphasizing the importance of defending international law and sovereignty. His visit to Uganda was part of a broader tour that will include Burundi and the DRC, highlighting Belgium’s ongoing involvement in seeking a resolution to the crisis.
