Belgium and Rwanda have re-established diplomatic relations 18 months after Kigali severed them over disagreements on the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The two governments said their embassies would reopen and pledged continued dialogue, including on their remaining differences over the DRC. Qatar, which hosted the first reconciliation talks in 2025, was credited with facilitating the breakthrough. The rupture stemmed from Rwanda’s objection to European condemnation of its alleged backing for the M23 rebel group. Belgium was among the European governments pressing Rwanda over the conflict, prompting Kigali to accuse Brussels of taking sides. While the thaw restores a relationship that dates back to Belgium’s colonial rule over Rwanda, the underlying dispute over Congo remains unresolved. This means renewed friction is still possible if the conflict escalates further.