Rwandan President Paul Kagame has sharply criticized the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the international community, dismissing diplomatic sanctions on Rwanda as a futile attempt to cover up Kinshasa’s own failures in governance and security.
Speaking at a press briefing in Urugwira Village, Kagame questioned why sanctions against Rwanda are being used as a solution for problems rooted in the DRC itself. “If you sanction Rwanda, how does it solve your problem? How does it solve the mismanagement of your country’s affairs?” he asked.
Kagame challenged claims that Rwanda is responsible for instability in Eastern Congo, arguing that the DRC’s leadership must take responsibility for addressing the crisis. He also criticized international efforts, including the U.S.-mediated Washington Agreement aimed at neutralizing armed groups like the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), saying these efforts are ineffective without genuine commitment from Congolese authorities.
“Peace cannot be achieved unless those directly involved truly commit to stability, security, and lasting peace,” Kagame said.
The President condemned what he described as a deliberate spread of misinformation, intended to protect those responsible for ongoing conflict. He also addressed allegations that Rwanda is involved in the illegal mining of Congo’s resources, pointing out that the FDLR continues to operate in resource-rich areas of Eastern DRC. Kagame questioned why blame is shifted to Rwanda when it is the FDLR that controls much of the mining.
Highlighting inconsistencies in the DRC’s governance, he cited the Goma airport situation as an example of poor planning and contradictory policies.
Kagame emphasized that Rwanda’s security is non-negotiable and cannot depend on outside assistance. “I cannot ask anybody to do me a favour to have Rwanda secure or to have my rights,” he said, underlining the country’s determination to protect its sovereignty.
He also expressed disappointment over Africa’s struggles to manage its own security challenges, despite having the necessary resources. “There is nothing Africa doesn’t have. Why do we keep falling short on everything, including the provision of security for our people?” Kagame noted. He stressed that while theories of governance can be learned, implementing solutions ultimately falls on local leaders.
Ugandan watchdog
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