Rwanda has announced the suspension of its bilateral development cooperation with Belgium, citing what it describes as Belgium’s politicization of aid and interference in the ongoing crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The move, revealed in a statement by Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscores deepening diplomatic tensions as regional and international actors navigate the complex conflict in the region.

Belgium Accused of Undermining Mediation Efforts

At the heart of Rwanda’s decision is what it sees as an “aggressive campaign” led by Belgium, allegedly working alongside Kinshasa to block Rwanda’s access to development financing from multilateral institutions. According to Kigali, this pressure undermines the African Union (AU)-mandated mediation process, which is backed by both the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

“Belgium has made a political decision to choose a side in this conflict, which is its right, but politicizing development is plainly wrong,” Rwanda’s foreign ministry stated.

Rwanda argues that using development aid as a tool of leverage against a country in the region sets a dangerous precedent, one that risks derailing African-led peace efforts and prolonging instability.

Security and Sovereignty at the Forefront

Beyond concerns about aid conditionality, Rwanda’s move signals its broader frustration with what it sees as international reluctance to address the root causes of instability in Eastern DRC. Kigali has long insisted that the conflict stems from Kinshasa’s failure to disarm the FDLR, a UN-sanctioned rebel group with links to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

“Rwanda will not be bullied or blackmailed into compromising national security,” the statement read. “Our only aim is a secure border, and an irreversible end to the politics of violent ethnic extremism in our region.”

A Diplomatic Shift?

The suspension of the 2024-2029 bilateral aid program with Belgium marks a significant shift in Rwanda’s diplomatic posture. Traditionally, Rwanda has maintained strong development partnerships, ensuring accountability in the use of foreign aid. The decision suggests that Kigali is willing to forgo financial assistance if it believes its national security is being compromised.

“Development partnerships must be based on mutual respect,” the statement emphasized, warning that selective pressure on Rwanda while ignoring the deeper issues fueling the conflict would not lead to a lasting solution.

Regional and Global Implications

Rwanda’s move comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with M23 rebels—who claim to represent the interests of Congolese Tutsis—gaining ground in Eastern DRC. While Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing the group, Kigali has consistently denied involvement, arguing that the focus should be on addressing long-standing ethnic tensions and disarming groups like the FDLR.

The suspension of cooperation with Belgium could set a precedent for how Rwanda engages with other international actors moving forward. It also raises questions about the broader effectiveness of external interventions in the region’s protracted conflicts.

With diplomatic fault lines hardening and the crisis in Eastern DRC showing no signs of abating, the next steps by regional and international stakeholders will be closely watched. For Rwanda, the message is clear: security and sovereignty come first, even at the cost of longstanding partnerships.

President John Mahama has sworn in the newly appointed and elected members-designate of the Council of State.

The event took place at Jubilee House on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

This follows their successful election as representatives of the 16 regions during the Council of State elections.

The swearing-in ceremony marks the official start of their roles as a council of elders, offering wisdom and oversight to the presidency.

The institutional nominees include the former Speaker of Parliament, Edward Korbly Doe Adjaho, who takes charge as the Chairman of the Council of State.

Former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo; the former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan; the former Chief of Defence Staff, Michael Samson-Oje and the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II.

Other nominees include the Chief of Akyem Kukuratumi, Daasebre Boamah Darko; the Paramount Chief of Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II; former Supreme Court Justice, Vida Amankwah Akoto-Bamfo; the Paramount Chief of Mankpan Traditional Area, Mankpanwura Jakpa Achor-Ade Borenyi I; former Zebila MP, Cletus Avoka; former Health Minister Dr Eunice Brookman-Amissah; former Attorney General Betty Mould Iddrisu, Cynthia Komley Adjetey; former Ambassador Molly Anim Addo and the Queen Mother of Ayima Traditional Area, Nana Saa Gyamfuaa II.

The 16 regional representatives bring expertise from diverse professional fields, including education, business, law, and agriculture.

The newly appointed members will serve for the duration of President Mahama’s tenure unless they resign, become incapacitated, or are removed from office by the President with parliamentary approval.

They include Maxwell Boakye representing the Western region, Hakeem Addae – Central region, Nene Drolor Bosso Adamtey I – Greater Accra; Gabriel Adovoe Kwabla Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple – Volta region;

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File photo of a mining site

It goes without saying that the mining sector is essential to the country’s economy, contributing significantly to government revenue through corporate and employee taxes, royalties and dividends.

In 2022, the sector generated approximately GH¢6.4billion in direct domestic tax receipts – making up about 16.6 percent of the country’s total tax revenue.

In addition, mining operations generate significant expenses, creating a market for mining support services which offer specialised goods and services at various stages of operations.

According to Dr. Charles Ofori, Policy Lead for Climate Change and Energy Transition at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Ghana must implement a robust industrial policy to establish itself as a hub for mining support services within the West Africa sub-region.

He emphasised that an effective industrial policy would provide stakeholders with a framework to drive development and ensure sustained growth in the mining support services sector.

Dr. Ofori maintains that industrial policy is critical for transforming Ghana into a leading provider of mining support services in Africa. Mining companies in the country spend a substantial portion of their budgets on procurement, primarily for goods and services which account for 31 percent to 64 percent of their mineral export revenue.

Gold production, in particular, is vital for foreign exchange earnings; accounting for around 39% of Ghana’s merchandise exports between 2011 and 2022. In 2022, gold generated around US$6.6billion, outpacing crude oil and cocoa exports.

These expenditures, estimated between US$995 million and US$3.2 billion annually, are categorised into local spending, energy costs and imported consumables.

Over the past decade, it is estimated that about US$1.4 billion has gone to local suppliers, US$658 million to energy costs and US$278 million to imports, with local transactions representing around 87 percent of total spending.

According to ACEP, it creates a market worth US$2 billion for mining support service companies. It is on the back of this value that Dr. Ofori stresses the need for strong collaboration among all stakeholders, including linking the manufacturing and industrial sectors to the mining sector to make what has been envisaged a reality.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry will have to lead industrial policy efforts and the Energy Ministry must provide manufacturers competitive pricing regarding tariffs, working closely with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and its key agencies.

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