“Any threat to peace and security of Rwandans is unacceptable,” says President Kagame

In his end-of-year message, Kagame said Rwanda remains fully committed to implementing the Washington Accord signed with the DRC on December 4, 2025. The accord, he noted, is a critical step toward addressing the root causes of the conflict in eastern DRC and restoring regional stability.

The peace deal calls for, among other measures, the neutralisation of the FDLR militia group, which is linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Kigali maintains that FDLR continues to pose a security threat due to its entrenched genocidal ideology.

“Rwanda is fully committed to implementing this agreement, but any threat to the peace and security of our people is unacceptable. The threat of state-supported violent extremism is unfortunately still very real,” President Kagame stated.

Rwanda has repeatedly accused the Kinshasa administration of collaborating with the FDLR militia group amid the escalating conflict with the AFC/M23 rebels, threatening Rwanda’s security.

In his end-of-year message, President Kagame also reflected on Rwanda’s economic growth and national achievements in 2025, highlighting several milestones that elevated the country’s profile internationally. These included hosting the International Security Conference on Africa, the matriculation of the first class at the African School of Governance, and the launch of a new annual forum on nuclear power innovation for Africa.

Sports achievements also marked the year. Kigali hosted the UCI World Cycling Championships, the first time the event was held in Africa, which Kagame described as a source of national pride. Preparations are underway for the FIFA Series in 2026, aimed at nurturing Rwandan talent and strengthening the country’s presence in global sports.

Reflecting on Rwanda’s path forward, the President emphasised self-reliance, innovation, and collective responsibility as key to sustaining economic growth and national stability. He encouraged young Rwandans in particular to take ownership of the country’s future, acknowledging that progress may require sacrifices from individuals and the nation as a whole.