Addis Ababa, February 14, 2025 – Rwandan President Paul Kagame has strongly criticized the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for avoiding responsibility for its internal crises while consistently blaming external actors, particularly Rwanda. Speaking at an African Union Peace and Security Council meeting on the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, Kagame condemned what he described as a culture of deflection, misinformation, and lack of accountability from Kinshasa.
“If the blame game, nice speeches, lies, and shamelessness were the solution to this problem, it would have ended long ago,” Kagame stated. “We wouldn’t have this problem. We have people who tell lies without any reason.”
The presence of the FDLR, a Rwandan genocidal militia operating in eastern DRC, has been a major point of contention between the two countries. Kagame dismissed attempts to trivialize the threat of the FDLR, asserting that doing so disrespects Rwanda’s history.
“When you trivialize that, you trivialize my history, and I am not going to accept it. It doesn’t matter who you are,” he warned.
Kagame also rejected any notion that Rwanda needs permission to exist or defend itself. “I am not seeking any favor from anybody in this room to be given permission for me to live or for my people to live. Absolutely not. I will live by the fact that it is my right. Just that.”
The Rwandan leader challenged the DRC’s narrative that its problems are externally imposed, calling on Kinshasa to take full responsibility for its internal issues rather than outsourcing blame. He emphasized that Rwanda has no interest in interfering in Congo’s affairs.
“When does Congo take responsibility for its own mess? How does Congo think all their problems come from outside, and therefore they outsource solutions for their problems?” Kagame asked. “Rwanda has nothing to do with Congo’s problems. We have our own problems to deal with. Congo is too big for Rwanda to carry on its back.”
Concluding his remarks, Kagame reiterated Rwanda’s sovereignty and firm stance on security. “As I told you, we are a small country, we are a poor country, but when it comes to the right to live, don’t you be mistaken. I am not begging, I will not beg anyone.”
Kagame’s remarks come amid rising tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa, with Congo frequently accusing Rwanda of supporting armed groups in eastern DRC, a claim Rwanda has consistently denied. His speech signals Rwanda’s firm position in regional security discussions and highlights the ongoing diplomatic standoff between the two nations.
