In an exclusive interview with Jeune Afrique, Kagame criticized the hypocrisy by international actors calling for lifting of defensive measures without taking Rwanda’s security concerns into consideration.
“We refuse to remove defensive measures, whether it means troops or whatever else. We call it defensive measures. And in your logic, why would a threat be against me and you are asking me to remove my defensive measures but you’re not dealing with a threat? What is the logic?” he said.
Kagame stressed that the defensive measures are intended solely to secure Rwanda’s borders and prevent any hostile force from crossing into the country.
He emphasized that the FDLR terrorist group remains a persistent threat, making the continuation of measures put in place essential.
Since January 2025, when AFC/M23 forces captured Goma, Kagame highlighted that the security situation in Eastern Congo has improved. He highlighted that the presence of M23 on the border guarantees better border security with the DRC.
“The situation today is better than it was before. Anybody can make their own assessment. It is better there in Goma and better in Bukavu than it was before. There is no question about it. The whole border now is secure.”
Despite criticism from some international actors, Kagame maintained that Rwanda’s defensive posture is necessary to ensure no threat crosses into Rwanda.
“The easiest thing to do here is to blame Rwanda and keep all the penalties and whatever on Rwanda because it is easy. They are doing what is easy for them to do. […] But can it give a solution when you are keeping quiet about the root cause?” he wondered.
He also hinted at the possibility of compromise but warned that previous agreements with the DRC had not been fully respected.
“A compromise solution has been indicated in many of these agreements we have had, including the one in Washington, D.C., but previous agreements have never been respected by DRC.”
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