June 1, 2025, marked a historic day in regional and global diplomacy, following separate visits to Doha by the Foreign Ministers of Rwanda and Belgium, both received by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Many observers have interpreted these encounters as a potential sign of reconciliation and renewed dialogue between two nations that have long been at odds.
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Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Sheikh Mohammed received Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as Maxime Prevot, Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, each during separate diplomatic visits to Doha.
According to Qatar’s official statement, discussions between Sheikh Mohammed and Minister Nduhungirehe focused on strengthening the existing relations between Rwanda and Qatar, including addressing issues related to Rwanda’s strained relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and broader areas of mutual interest.
In parallel, talks with Minister Prevot reportedly centered on Qatar-Belgium cooperation and major challenges in the Middle East, such as the war in Gaza and the ongoing crisis in Syria.
While no official statement confirmed a direct meeting between the Rwandan and Belgian ministers, the fact that both were hosted by Qatar’s top diplomat on the same day has sparked speculation and intrigue.
Analysts suggest that Qatar may be positioning itself as a mediator between the two nations, especially following its successful facilitation of a meeting between Presidents Kagame and Tshisekedi in March 2025, a move widely seen as a significant step toward peace in eastern DRC.
Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium in March 2025, accusing it of backing international sanctions efforts based on allegations made by the DRC regarding Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict in eastern Congo. Rwanda strongly rejected these claims, labeling them as fabricated and aimed at undermining its sovereignty.
Although no formal declaration has been made signaling a reconciliation process, the simultaneous visits by both foreign ministers have prompted questions about the possibility of renewed diplomatic relations.
Qatar continues to assert itself as a capable intermediary in complex conflicts. The reception of high-level representatives from countries with broken ties, based on historical tensions, may be an indication of Qatar’s efforts to facilitate behind-the-scenes diplomacy.
Though much remains undisclosed, this development is a clear sign that high-level groundwork may be underway to restore relations between Rwanda and Belgium, two countries that once shared strong historical ties but are now estranged.
Diplomatic history has shown that small gestures can pave the way for significant breakthroughs. While no direct talks between Rwanda and Belgium have been publicly confirmed, the fact that both delegations were in Doha on the same day, under Qatar’s invitation, could signal the dawn of a new chapter in their bilateral relations.
