Rwandan authorities have ordered all international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and agencies operating in the country to immediately cease any form of collaboration with the Belgian government and its affiliated institutions.
The directive, issued on Thursday, follows Kigali’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with Belgium on March 17, accusing the former colonial power of siding with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
“Effective immediately, all collaboration, partnerships, and engagement with the government of Belgium and its affiliated institutions, non-governmental actors, agencies, and programs are prohibited,” the Rwandan government announced in a statement. It further instructed that any ongoing projects or agreements involving Belgian entities must be terminated without delay and reported accordingly.
The ban also applies to financial transactions, prohibiting NGOs and agencies from receiving or disbursing any funding, grants, or donations from Belgian sources. This includes budget support, project financing, technical assistance grants, and payments processed through third-party intermediaries.
Authorities warned that non-compliance with the directive would result in punitive measures.
Rwanda formally severed ties with Belgium earlier this month, expelling Belgian diplomats within 48 hours. President Paul Kagame accused Brussels of advocating for international sanctions against Rwanda over its alleged involvement in the eastern DRC conflict.