In a move that has caught many by surprise, the Kingdom of Belgium has taken the extraordinary step of refusing to accredit Vincent Karega as Rwanda’s new ambassador to Belgium. The appointment of Mr Karega was announced in March 2023, with expectations that he would lead Rwanda’s most significant diplomatic mission in Europe, replacing the departing Dieudonné Sebashongore. However, after nearly four months of suspense, Belgium has made its decision known, signaling a turning point in diplomatic relations between the two nations and giving rise to numerous questions regarding the underlying reasons.
The rejection of Vincent Karega’s accreditation can be attributed to a combination of factors: mounting pressure from Rwandan and Congolese communities in Belgium. Various organizations advocating for human rights and democracy in Belgium expressed deep concerns over Karega’s controversial past as an ambassador to South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He faced allegations of tracking down political opponents and Rwandan refugees during his tenure, leading to his expulsion from the Democratic Republic of Congo in November 2022.
One critical incident that fueled public pressure against Karega was his response to accusations of Rwanda’s involvement in a 1998 massacre of civilians in eastern DRC. His now-deleted tweet dismissing the accusations as a “simplistic narrative” and labeling the denouncers as slanderers drew strong criticism from Congolese civil society movements, who demanded acknowledgment of the crimes and justice for the victims. Such actions garnered disapproval from Rwandan and Congolese communities in Belgium, significantly influencing the Belgian government’s decision.
Furthermore, Belgium’s rejection of Karega’s appointment can be attributed to Rwanda’s diplomatic arrogance. Rwanda publicly announced Karega’s appointment as the new ambassador to Belgium without prior consultation with the host country, presenting Belgium with a fait accompli. This perceived diplomatic arrogance likely contributed to Belgium’s reluctance to accept the appointment, undermining diplomatic customs and norms. Belgium’s refusal was a clear signal of its commitment to maintaining the integrity of diplomatic relations and adhering to established diplomatic principles.
The timing of Karega’s appointment, coming shortly after his expulsion from the Democratic Republic of Congo, may have been seen as a display of arrogance on Rwanda’s part. When they appointed Karega, it raised suspicions that Rwanda made an intentional strategic move to challenge Belgian diplomacy and provoke tensions between the two countries, potentially affecting their relationship with the DRC.
Moreover, Belgium’s assertive support for the Democratic Republic of Congo played a significant role in rejecting Karega’s accreditation. In light of persistent tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, Belgium has been keen on strengthening its ties with the DRC. The Belgian government initiated European sanctions against certain Rwandan officers. It allocated European funds to bolster the capabilities of the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade in the DRC through the European Peace Fund. These actions further solidified Belgium’s position in the conflict and demonstrated its commitment to supporting the DRC’s territorial integrity.
In conclusion, Belgium’s refusal to accredit Vincent Karega as Rwanda’s new ambassador results from multiple factors, including pressure from Rwandan and Congolese communities, Rwanda’s perceived diplomatic arrogance, and Belgium’s strategic support for the DRC. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the diplomatic relations between Belgium and Rwanda, prompting questions about the future of their cooperation and engagement on regional issues.