Rwanda is “unwilling” to welcome Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders to participate in activities to mark 20 years after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

Earlier reports in leading Belgian press suggested that Rwanda is likely to be reluctant to give a warm welcome to the outspoken Belgian official. Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium deteriorated since 2012 after the latter backed the United Nations Group of Experts Report on Congo.

Mr Reynders, who last visited Rwanda in 2012, angered Kigali further after he backed the suggestion of Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete that Kigali talks to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) — the Hutu rebels based in eastern DR Congo accused of carrying out 1994 genocide atrocities in Rwanda.

The Belgian official, according to Belgian press, was expected to travel to Rwanda to attend the events to mark 20 years since the mass killings broke out but has expressed concern that he is yet to receive an invite from Kigali.

Rwanda has extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Belgium Elio de Rupo to be part of the official commemoration ceremony but it is believed that Mr Reynders is likely to be part of the delegation.

According to sources, Rwanda still holds a grudge against Mr Reynders who worked hard to see Rwanda punished for its alleged role in the conflict in Eastern DRC and purported links to M23 rebels.

“The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, has expressed his wish to make the trip, since it is his responsibility to normally represent Belgium in such circumstances, but he still has not received invitation,” Belgian news agencies La Libre and Belga reported.