The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has welcomed the decision by the Belgian Cycling Federation confirming its participation in the 2025 UCI Road World Championships to be held in Kigali from September 21 to 28, 2025.
This decision comes at a time when diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium have been strained, especially after Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium in March 2025 and ordered its diplomats to leave Rwandan territory.
Despite the tension, Belgium confirmed it will participate in this prestigious global cycling competition, which will be hosted in Africa for the very first time. This could offer a renewed opportunity for sports cooperation between the two countries.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe stated:
“A good and well-directed decision. The Belgian cycling team is welcome in Rwanda, just like all the other cycling teams.”
He added:
“The World Road Cycling Championship will take place in Rwanda from September 21 to 28, 2025 — the first time it will be held on African soil. It must be a celebration of sport and joy shared with the people.”
The ambassador made these remarks after reading a report by Sporza, a Belgian sports news outlet, which indicated that the Belgian Cycling Federation (Belgian Cycling) had decided to attend the World Championships in Rwanda as confirmed by its director, Nathalie.
Rwanda continues its preparations for this major international cycling event, which will bring together the world’s top cyclists and is expected to boost tourism and Rwanda’s international image.
