Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Rwandan President Paul Kagame has issued a strong rebuke against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for deflecting blame onto Rwanda instead of addressing its own security failures. Speaking at the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council Meeting, Kagame dismissed allegations that Rwanda is fueling the ongoing violence in eastern DRC, insisting that the conflict is Congo’s responsibility to resolve.
‘Blame Games Won’t Solve DRC’s Problems’
Kagame criticized DRC’s leadership for repeatedly shifting blame rather than tackling the root causes of the crisis.
“If the blame game, nice speeches, lies, and being shameless 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.”
For years, Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels, a group that has recently escalated attacks in North Kivu province. Kagame, however, rejected these claims, asserting that Congo’s governance failures—not external interference—are to blame for its instability.
FDLR: The Ignored Security Threat
Kagame also condemned attempts to downplay the role of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group composed of remnants of the 1994 Rwandan genocide perpetrators operating in eastern DRC.
“How can FDLR not exist in the minds of some people? Or why is it something that is supposed to be trivialized? When you trivialize that, you trivialize my history, and I am not going to accept it. It doesn’t matter who you are,” Kagame asserted.
This statement underscores Rwanda’s longstanding concern that the DRC has failed to dismantle the FDLR, allowing the group to pose a persistent security threat.
Kagame: ‘DRC Must Take Responsibility’
The Rwandan leader questioned why Congo continuously externalizes its crises rather than focusing on internal solutions.
“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?”
Despite international peace efforts, President Félix Tshisekedi’s government continues to struggle with armed groups in the east. Kagame reaffirmed that Rwanda has no role in DRC’s instability and will not be used as a scapegoat.
“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.”
‘We Are Not Begging to Exist’
Kagame delivered a powerful defense of Rwanda’s sovereignty, making it clear that his country will not seek 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,” Kagame declared.
Despite being a small and resource-limited country, Rwanda will not tolerate external interference or security threats.
“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.”
Regional & International Reactions
Kagame’s bold remarks come at a critical time, as tensions between Rwanda and DRC continue to escalate. The United Nations, the African Union, and regional leaders have urged diplomatic solutions, but peace talks have stalled amid distrust and political divisions.
The AU has previously called for a ceasefire and regional cooperation, but with both Rwanda and DRC holding firm positions, a lasting resolution remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Western powers, including the U.S. and EU, have warned against escalating violence and urged both nations to commit to diplomatic engagement.
What Next for Peace in Eastern DRC?
With the conflict still unfolding, the question remains: can diplomatic efforts succeed, or will tensions lead to further instability in the Great Lakes region?
