President Paul Kagame has reaffirmed Rwanda’s determination to safeguard its national security, stressing that every country has both the right and responsibility to protect its borders and citizens.
Speaking during a diplomatic dinner attended by foreign envoys and international partners, Kagame said that in today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical environment, no nation can afford to ignore global trends and security challenges.
“Nowadays, none of us can afford to be indifferent to geopolitical trends,” Kagame said, noting that while debates continue about the existence of a rules-based international order, it is clear that major global shifts are underway that will affect countries around the world.
The President emphasized that despite changing global dynamics, one principle remains constant: the duty of governments to ensure the safety of their people and territorial integrity. He said Rwanda should not be expected to ignore threats to its security or compromise its national defense.
Addressing the long-running instability in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kagame said the conflict is not new and has persisted for decades due to neglect and a lack of sustained international commitment to resolving its root causes.
He highlighted Rwanda’s security concerns about the continued presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group founded by individuals linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. According to Kagame, the group continues to promote violent extremist ideology and poses a direct threat to Rwanda’s stability.
Kagame also suggested that the persistence of such groups has been enabled by regional and international actors who have failed to take decisive action, sometimes providing indirect support under various political or diplomatic pretexts.
Given Rwanda’s history and geographical position, the President said the country must maintain strong and defensible borders. He stressed that Rwanda’s defensive measures are designed solely to protect its territory and citizens from cross-border threats.
Kagame further called for greater honesty and responsibility from regional and international stakeholders in addressing the conflict in eastern Congo, urging partners to confront the underlying security challenges rather than overlooking them.
The remarks come amid ongoing regional diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability in eastern DRC and strengthening security cooperation among countries in the **East African Community and the **African Union.
Kagame concluded by emphasizing that Rwanda remains committed to regional peace and cooperation, but will continue to prioritize the protection of its people and national sovereignty.
