Politics

Kagame Discusses Rwanda’s Path Amid U.S.-China Rivalry At Global Security Forum

Doha, Qatar – At the Global Security Forum in Doha, President Paul Kagame addressed how Rwanda navigates the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China while focusing on national recovery and development, 30 years after the genocide against the Tutsis.

President Kagame said Rwanda’s strategy is to welcome foreign investments from both the U.S. and China without compromising the nation’s sovereignty. “We’ve learned from our history and global politics. We prioritize working within the African continent and setting boundaries for foreign investments to ensure we benefit without compromising our sovereignty,” Kagame said.

Kagame, speaking virtually, criticized the superficial approach often taken by Western countries regarding Africa. “The West often addresses issues superficially, with statements of condemnation rather than addressing root causes. There’s a need for a deeper understanding and consistent, effective action rather than posturing,” he said.

Reflecting on Rwanda’s remarkable recovery, Kagame discussed significant investments, including those from Qatar Airways and the planned new airport in Kigali.

He outlined his roadmap for Rwanda’s future, focusing on investing in human capital, technology, and various industries such as biotech, mining, and hospitality. “Our foundation is unity.”

“We invest in human capital, providing education, health, and food security while also bringing in technology. We aim to develop industries to grow our economy and add value to our resources,” Kagame explained.

The president also spoke about Rwanda’s reconciliation programs, highlighting the success of initiatives that reintegrate former combatants into society.

Despite these efforts, Kagame acknowledged ongoing challenges, such as the recent uncovering of mass graves. “Society has been healing faster than we expected. Our efforts to rebuild unity have been successful, benefiting the younger generation,” he said.

Kagame contrasted Rwanda’s effective military deployments in Mozambique with some UN peacekeeping missions, calling for a reassessment of international approaches to security in Africa. “There’s a lot of evidence showing the limitations of some UN peacekeeping efforts. Rwanda’s approach is different. We focus on effective, sustainable solutions,” he stated.

Addressing the US-Rwanda relationship, Kagame noted significant progress but stressed the importance of maintaining consistent attention and commitment. “The relationship has been evolving, with significant progress made. However, it’s crucial to maintain consistent attention to ensure it continues to develop positively,” he said.

As Rwanda continues to advance, President Kagame’s reflections highlight a nation determined to build a brighter future while navigating complex global dynamics with a clear vision.

Watch the full interview below.

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