The tensions had been building for weeks. But on Monday, the EU Council finally decided to impose sanctions on Rwandan military and government officials for their actions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The EU accuses Rwanda of fueling conflict by stationing troops in Eastern Congo and exploiting the region's mineral wealth.

Rwanda's reaction was swift and notably harsh. The country severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, its former colonial ruler, and gave Belgian diplomats just 48 hours to leave.

In a statement, the Rwandan Foreign Ministry said: "Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and continues to systematically mobilize against Rwanda in different forums […] in an attempt to destabilize both Rwanda and the region."

The EU's decision followed weeks of internal discussions, with member states divided over how to respond to Rwanda's actions. Belgium emerged as the most vocal advocate for sanctions.

"There were discussions on various sanctions and which form these could take, and Belgium was clearly the lead in this," said Kristof Titeca, a professor of international development at the University of Antwerp, in an interview with........

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