The Rwanda-Belgium Diplomatic Clash: Lessons in Geopolitics and International Diplomacy for African Youths

In March 2025, we watched as a decades-old relationship between Rwanda and Belgium deteriorated rapidly in a matter of hours. According to news sources, Rwandan officials ordered Belgian diplomats to leave the country within forty-eight hours. Belgium, in retaliation, declared Rwandan diplomats’ persona non grata and swiftly cut development aid. This dramatic sequence of events was not another diplomatic dispute but a masterclass in geopolitics and international diplomacy for all students of politics and governance, and one that African youths must pay close attention to. Here, I examine the context of this crisis and its significance to African youths. I also identify five key lessons from the crisis for young people in Africa within the context of geopolitics and international diplomacy.

To understand this recent crisis, we need to first acknowledge the deep historical and political ties between Rwanda and Belgium. Belgium, Rwanda’s former colonial ruler, played a significant role in shaping the political structure of the country. Over the years, relations between the two nations have fluctuated, often influenced by global power struggles and regional conflicts. In recent times, Belgium has taken a strong stance against Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). European sanctions, driven in part by Belgian influence, accused Rwanda of supporting armed rebel groups, which further strained their already-permeable relations. Accusations like this are among the most serious charges any country can face in international relations because they call a nation’s intentions, integrity, and credibility into question. They cast a long shadow over years of diplomatic progress, damage trust, and can quickly escalate into sanctions, aid suspensions, or even isolation from international partnerships. For Rwanda, which has worked hard to rebuild its global image and strengthen its position as a regional influencer, such accusations have significant consequences, both politically and economically.

But beyond the headlines and political statements, there is something even more troubling. These kinds of claims shape how the world sees a country. They influence donor decisions, foreign investment, and the willingness of other nations to collaborate. Once a narrative like this takes root, even if it is challenged or corrected, it can take years to undo the reputational damage.

This is why young Africans must take these developments seriously. Understanding how fragile international perceptions are, and how easily they can be influenced by strategic narratives is essential for anyone who hopes to engage in diplomacy or policy work. For young Africans who are students of politics and governance, this diplomatic fallout provides very crucial and important lessons on power dynamics, national sovereignty, and the role of international diplomacy.

Lesson 1: The Fragility of Diplomatic Alliances

The uncomfortable reality before us is that diplomatic relationships are built on shared interests and not emotions. When those interests shift, alliances can crumble overnight. Rwanda and Belgium enjoyed years of development cooperation, but when geopolitical tensions escalated, the partnership quickly turned into hostility. This is yet another proof that nations operate based on strategic calculations rather than past long-term friendships. For young African leaders, this situation before us highlights the need to engage in diplomacy with a clear understanding of shifting global priorities. The world stage is unpredictable, and leaders must be prepared for rapid changes in alliances.

Lesson 2: The Power of Sovereignty and National Interest

Rwanda’s firm response to the actions of Belgium reflects a broader African movement towards asserting national sovereignty. President Paul Kagame’s administration refused to bow to international pressure. He chose instead to defend what he saw as Rwanda’s national interests. This situation provides young Africans with a crucial lesson: the importance of self-reliance and strategic independence in governance. While global partnerships are incredibly valuable, African nations must ensure they are not overly dependent on external forces that may attempt to dictate their policies.

Lesson 3: The Role of Economic Leverage in Diplomacy

The decision of Belgium to cut aid is a classic example of how economic power is used as a diplomatic tool. International relations often involve economic pressure, where powerful nations use trade, development aid, and sanctions to influence the policies of other countries that they support. Young Africans must recognise that economic self-sufficiency is a fundamental pillar of strong governance. Nations that depend heavily on foreign aid remain vulnerable to external political pressures. This calls for a renewed focus on economic policies that prioritise domestic growth and resilience.

Lesson 4: The Influence of Global Perceptions and Media Narratives

In international diplomacy, perception is just as powerful as reality. News sources posit that the European Union, with Belgium at the forefront, framed Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC conflict in a manner that justified sanctions. Rwanda, on the other hand, countered this with a narrative of self-defense and national sovereignty. For young African political enthusiasts, we can see how the media is used as a tool to control the narratives. Media, both local and international, does shape global perspectives. Future African leaders must learn how to communicate their policies effectively, so that their countries are not misrepresented in global discussions.

Lesson 5: Youths as the Future of Diplomatic Engagement

Although young people may not have been visibly at the center of the Rwanda-Belgium diplomatic standoff, the crisis underscores why their engagement in international affairs can no longer be passive or delayed. The crisis still offers a compelling lesson for young Africans because it serves as a reminder that foreign policy decisions, though often made by high-level officials, have ripple effects that touch every layer of society, including the youths. In this case, young people may not have influenced the decisions that led to the expulsion of diplomats or the withdrawal of aid, but they are among those most affected by such ruptures, especially in terms of education, economic opportunity, and international mobility. The absence of young voices in such critical conversations raises an important question: What would diplomatic engagement look like if more young Africans were trained, equipped, and empowered to participate in foreign policy discussions? 

This lesson, therefore, is not drawn from the actions of youths during the crisis, but from their relative absence. It calls for a shift. Rather than waiting for inclusion, we, African youths, must see ourselves as stakeholders in diplomacy. This would mean studying diplomacy, participating in youth forums, building networks, and contributing to national and international conversations. If the next generation is to shape Africa’s place in global politics, then that work must begin now. The Rwanda-Belgium clash may not have been driven or shaped by the actions of the youths, but it provides an incentive to acknowledge that diplomacy is evolving, and the next phase of African foreign policy will require young thinkers, negotiators, and advocates who are ready to navigate complex global systems with clarity and confidence.

Final Thoughts: The Reality of Africa’s Diplomatic Future and the Role of Young People

Diplomacy shapes the future of a country through decisions made behind closed doors and negotiations that influence whether nations stand firm or adapt under pressure. It determines how power is distributed, how resources are accessed, and how international relationships evolve. For young Africans, the Rwanda-Belgium dispute offers a glimpse into the complexities of global diplomacy, particularly in navigating historical ties, shifting alliances, and national interests. Rwanda’s position is one of several recent examples on the continent. In Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, transitions in leadership brought with them a re-evaluation of international partnerships and a stronger emphasis on sovereignty. Ethiopia, during the Tigray conflict, took a firm stance in the face of international scrutiny, choosing to manage its internal affairs while facing external pressures. South Africa, during the ICC-Putin situation, carefully balanced legal obligations with diplomatic strategy, showing how nuanced and multifaceted foreign policy decisions can be.

These cases do not always end in clear victories or losses. Instead, they reveal the delicate trade-offs that less powerful nations often face when asserting their positions in a global system dominated by stronger actors. They also highlight the growing importance of strategic thinking, national interest, and effective communication in foreign policy. For young Africans preparing to lead in this space, these events present valuable case studies. They raise important questions: How should African countries engage when their sovereignty is tested? What balance should be struck between cooperation and independence? And how can the next generation position Africa to participate more confidently in global affairs?

These are not questions for policymakers alone. They matter to every student studying politics, every youth interested in international affairs, and every aspiring diplomat, analyst, or leader. Africa’s future on the world stage will be shaped by those who understand the past, engage with the present, and prepare thoughtfully for what lies ahead. The time to learn, question, and participate is now.


Melody Okereke is a youth leader and advocate for youth involvement in policy, governance, politics, and international relations. He is currently the Policy Analyst and Knowledge Specialist at SAYDi.