Citizens feel the impact of cutting ties with Belgium

Rwanda last month severed relations with Belgium following criticism of its actions in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) —a move that is already having unexpected consequences.

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Rwanda‘s support for the M23 armed group, which has seized large areas of the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo, has attracted international condemnation and sanctions.

In March, Kigali cut diplomatic ties with its former colonial ruler Belgium, which has been among the most vocal critics of the African Great Lake nation’s involvement in the DR Congo.

It later issued a directive banning all organisations in Rwanda from having ties with Belgian institutions.

One group affected was the Health Development Initiative, a Rwandan NGO working on sensitive sexual issues, including the distribution of condoms in schools and support for sex workers.

It had to return the equivalent of US$120,000 (4 million baht) earmarked for a health awareness programme to its Belgian donor.

“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.