He made the remarks in an interview with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) after the Paris Criminal Court in France upheld Dr. Eugène Rwamucyo’s conviction for genocide and crimes against humanity, affirming the 27-year prison sentence imposed at his initial trial.
Dr. Gakwenzire, who heads the umbrella association of Genocide survivors in Rwanda, described the judgment as a significant step toward accountability but said it represents only limited progress given the number of genocide suspects who continue to evade justice while living abroad.
His comments come as figures released by Rwanda’s Ministry of Justice in June 2026 show that, of the 1,199 arrest requests Rwanda has submitted to foreign jurisdictions for individuals suspected of participating in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, only 63 have so far been brought before the courts.
He said the continued delays in prosecuting genocide suspects are particularly painful as witnesses, survivors, and suspects themselves continue to die.
“Witnesses are dying, genocide survivors who have waited for justice are dying, and those who committed these crimes are also dying, often without ever being held accountable. They pass away while still being regarded as people who committed no crime,” he said.
“There remains a huge gap. Judicial institutions at both the national and international levels must work together to find ways of closing it.”
Dr. Gakwenzire further noted that several known genocide fugitives remain active in the Great Lakes region, with some having entered politics while others have been integrated into national armed forces, allowing them to continue posing a security threat to Rwanda.
He called on the African Union to take a more proactive role in addressing the issue through African-led solutions, while urging continued diplomatic engagement with countries beyond the continent that continue to host genocide suspects.
“We need African institutions to play their part in finding African solutions. At the same time, advocacy should continue with countries farther away, but action is especially needed in our own region where these suspects remain,” he said.
Dr. Gakwenzire also called for the establishment of additional international judicial mechanisms to accelerate accountability, arguing that the pace of delivering justice for victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi remains too slow.
“What we ask of the international community is to establish dedicated mechanisms, including special courts, to prosecute those responsible for genocide. We must find a way to recover the time that has already been lost,” he added.
IBUKA President Dr. Philbert Gakwenzire has urged countries still sheltering persons wanted for perpetrating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi to expedite their prosecution or extradition, warning that justice delayed is increasingly becoming justice denied as both perpetrators and victims die before cases are concluded.
He made the remarks in a message to the Iranian people carried by Iranian media, in which he addressed the country’s important issues.
Khamenei said the frequent U.S. violations of the MoU, which was signed by Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and Trump on June 18, “once again proved to everyone the fact that how worthless and invalid the U.S. president’s signature is.”
The United States had “once again revealed its true and unmasked face,” he said, noting that “this dark experience of crime and breach of promises is another solid proof of the U.S. lying and its illogical, unreliable, and evil nature.”
Khamenei warned that if the United States continued what he described as warmongering and sought to impose heavier costs, it should expect “unforgettable lessons” from Iran and the resistance front.
The remarks came amid heightened regional tensions despite the MoU, under which the United States and Iran were expected to hold negotiations within 60 days toward a final agreement.
The United States has conducted multiple rounds of strikes against Iran in recent days, while Iran has responded by launching retaliatory attacks on U.S. bases and facilities in the region.
Earlier on Saturday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said Iran has ceased fulfilling its obligations under the MoU with the United States, accusing Washington of violating its commitments under the deal.
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said the United States (US) violation of a recently signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran once again proved that US President Donald Trump’s signature is worthless and invalid.
Bukayo Saka starred with a hat-trick as Thomas Tuchel’s side stormed into a 4-0 first-half lead before surviving a spirited French fightback to seal victory.
England took control from the outset, with Declan Rice opening the scoring in the third minute before Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage from a corner. Saka then struck twice before the break as England capitalised on a disjointed French performance to head into halftime with a commanding four-goal cushion.
France emerged a transformed side after the restart.
Kylian Mbappé pulled one back before Bradley Barcola added another six minutes later, and Mbappé struck again to cut England’s lead to 4-3 while also becoming the men’s World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.
England regained breathing room when Saka converted a penalty in the 87th minute to complete his hat-trick after Djed Spence was fouled by Malo Gusto. Ousmane Dembélé made it 5-4 deep into stoppage time, but Jude Bellingham produced a brilliant solo effort in the 98th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
Reflecting on the victory, Saka said England were determined to finish the tournament on a positive note despite the disappointment of missing out on the final.
“It was a crazy, crazy game. We’re both still quite disappointed to not be in the final but it was about finishing strong and for us giving the country the best finish in the World Cup in 60 years, so we’re happy with the final result.”
The Arsenal winger acknowledged the dramatic swings in momentum during the match.
“I think the first half went for us. We won the first half, they won the second half and in the end we got the two goals to win the game, so I’d say that’s how the game went.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his players’ resilience after they withstood France’s second-half surge.
“It was like four matches – what happened here. Crazy first half and a turbulent second half… Massive compliment and respect for the mentality we showed with all the adversity. Absolutely brilliant.”
He added that fatigue had played a role in England’s second-half struggles but credited the squad’s character.
“I was worried physically… You could see it in the second half, all the cramps and tiredness. But I was never worried about the mentality. This team has created something special. They showed it again.”
The victory also provided some consolation after England’s semifinal exit, with Tuchel highlighting the significance of securing a medal.
“It is the first medal in 60 years, the best World Cup on foreign soil, so I hope the players can be proud of that in some time.”
For France, the defeat marked the end of Didier Deschamps’ tenure as head coach. Despite the loss, Mbappé’s brace saw him overtake Lionel Messi to become the men’s World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals. However, the record could change hands again as Messi, who has 21 World Cup goals, has the opportunity to reclaim the top spot when Argentina face Spain in Sunday’s final.
England’s Jude Bellingham slots home after a jinky run. Jude Bellingham celebrates after the goal. Ousmane Dembele shoots and scores for France.Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring England’s fifth goal and complete his hat-trick.Mbappe shoots and scores for France. Mbappe celebrates after his goal. He became the men’s World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.England manager Thomas Tuchel and Didier Deschamps, head coach of France, hug after the final whistle. England players pose for a photograph after receiving their third-place medals.
The stadium, which was previously an international football venue and the only stadium in Rwanda approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) during the 2022/23 season, has remained closed to competitive matches for the past 14 months after the old playing surface was removed.
The project to install a new artificial turf began in June 2025 after the previous pitch had become outdated. The old field also had drainage challenges, making it difficult for rainwater to drain effectively during heavy rains.
The works were initially scheduled to begin in February 2025 and be completed by July of the same year. However, delays in the arrival of imported materials affected the timeline, forcing the stadium to continue hosting league matches until May 28, 2025.
After being awarded the contract, Real Contractors Ltd, in partnership with Greenfields from Benin, removed the old playing surface and discovered that additional drainage works were required before installing the new turf. The contractor later requested an amendment to the agreement with the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) to include the additional works.
The need for extra drainage infrastructure, combined with delays in the delivery of artificial turf materials, slowed down the project. RHA officials told members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament on June 25, 2026, that the delivery of materials had also been affected by unrest in Tanzania during the election period.
Construction resumes with major progress
Appearing before PAC, RHA Director General Alphonse Rukaburandekwe said the contractor had committed to completing the renovation works by August 15, 2026.
A month before the expected completion date, IGIHE visited Huye Stadium and found that significant progress had been made, with workers confirming that the project had reached 80% completion after activities resumed.
Inside the 7,900-seat stadium, the former pitch has been transformed into a major construction site. The area is currently covered with layers of crushed gravel in different sizes, while workers continue installing a modern drainage system around the field.
The ongoing works include improvements that were not part of the original Rwf1.5 billion contract signed in 2025. The additional activities were introduced to ensure the stadium meets the required standards and provides a durable playing surface.
As part of the drainage upgrade, workers have installed a waterproof layer across the entire pitch to prevent underground water from affecting the soil. This has been followed by three layers of gravel designed to filter and channel rainwater away from the field.
Special perforated pipes are also being installed beneath the pitch. These pipes are covered with protective materials that allow water to pass through while preventing sand and other debris from entering the drainage system.
The underground pipes will direct water into a 40-centimetre drainage channel surrounding the pitch, which connects to larger pipes leading to an 80-centimetre main drainage system inside the stadium. The system will carry excess water away from the field and prevent flooding.
Contractors said they expect to complete the second layer of gravel by the third week of July before installing the final layer, after which the artificial turf will be laid.
The new drainage system is expected to solve the long-standing flooding problems that affected Huye Stadium. In the past, the existing drainage channels and pipes frequently became blocked, causing rainwater to accumulate on the pitch and turning the field into what spectators described as a “swimming pool” during rainy periods.
Huye Stadium previously hosted matches involving Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, while Amahoro Stadium was undergoing renovation. It is also the home venue for Mukura Victory Sports and Amagaju FC, clubs competing in Rwanda’s top division, the BK Pro League.
During the 2025/26 season, both clubs were forced to use Kamena Stadium and Muhanga Stadium as their home grounds due to the ongoing renovation works at Huye Stadium.
Huye Stadium has not hosted matches for 14 months after the old playing surface was removed.Over the past three years, the stadium has been Rwanda’s main venue for hosting international football competitions.The area where the pitch used to be is currently being covered with layers of crushed gravel before the installation of the artificial turf.On the unfinished sections of the pitch, a waterproof membrane has been installed to prevent water from seeping into the ground.The artificial turf and in-field rubber materials to be installed on the pitch have already been delivered to Huye Stadium.The artificial turf to be installed at Huye Stadium is brand new.A 40-centimetre drainage channel has been constructed around the pitch to help carry away excess water.Drainage pipes have also been installed beneath the pitch to collect water and direct it into the drainage channel surrounding the field.The installation of the new pitch at Huye Stadium is expected to be completed by August 15, 2026.
Dr. Biruta made the remarks during a fireside chat at the Aspen Security Forum, held from July 14 to 17, 2026, where he discussed regional security, migration, and Rwanda’s international partnerships.
Speaking during the session moderated by Steve Clemons, Editor at Large at The National Interest; Dr. Biruta said Rwanda considers the Washington peace agreement, brokered with the involvement of US President Donald Trump, a significant opportunity to address security challenges and promote economic cooperation in the Great Lakes region.
“The Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity is a very good agreement and we appreciate the leadership of President Trump in achieving that,” Dr. Biruta said.
However, he said Rwanda remains concerned about what he termed an imbalance in the implementation process, arguing that Kigali has fulfilled its commitments while expecting similar action from Kinshasa. The peace deal was signed in December 2025.
“Seven months after the agreement was signed, we see a lack of balanced approach from the mediation, the US mediation,” Biruta said.
“Rwanda has done its part. We are implementing our obligations under the agreement. We have even offered a de-escalation plan to lift the defensive measures without even waiting for the government of DRC to do its part, which is related to the FDLR genocidal armed group.”
Dr. Biruta said Rwanda had taken steps to support the peace process but questioned the decision to impose sanctions on Rwanda while, according to him, obligations expected from the DRC government had not been implemented.
“Even though the government of Congo is not implementing its obligation, we are seeing the government of the US imposing sanctions on Rwanda,” he said.
“We are concerned about that lack of balance in the approach. But we are committed to the agreement and we expect the US government, the mediation, to have a more balanced posture for us to be able to have that agreement fully implemented.”
Dr. Vincent Biruta, Rwanda’s Minister of Interior, speaks during a fireside chat at the Aspen Security Forum.
Security concerns and the FDLR issue
During the discussion, Dr. Biruta also highlighted Rwanda’s long-standing security concerns linked to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group created by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He said members of the group fled into eastern DRC after the genocide and continued organizing with the objective of destabilizing Rwanda.
“The FDLR crossed the border with weapons, but also with the ideology, which is even more dangerous than the weapons,” Dr. Biruta said.
He argued that addressing the presence of the FDLR remains central to achieving lasting peace in eastern DRC.
According to Dr. Biruta, the emergence of groups such as M23 should also be understood within the context of governance challenges and insecurity affecting communities in eastern DRC.
“There could be stability. We just need to neutralize the FDLR armed group, and we need to have conditions in eastern DRC just to give the rights to all the communities in that country,” he said. He also rejected claims that Rwanda has territorial ambitions in eastern DRC, saying there is no border dispute between the two countries.
“There is no border issue between DRC and Rwanda. There is no claim over the territory of DRC by Rwanda. That is clear,” Dr. Biruta said.
He added that members of M23 are Congolese citizens who share cultural and historical links with communities in Rwanda but are fighting over issues within their own country.
“They are Congolese, and they are fighting for their rights in their own country,” he said.
Call for a different approach to peacekeeping
The Minister also questioned the effectiveness of international peacekeeping efforts in eastern DRC, particularly the United Nations mission that has operated in the region for decades.
Responding to a question about the role of peacekeepers, Dr. Biruta said the continued instability in eastern DRC raised questions about the impact of the mission.
“Peacekeepers have been there for, I think, the last 20 years or so, but to say that they have done something, it is difficult, because if they had achieved anything there, we would not be in the situation we are in today,” he said.
“That mission has cost billions of dollars, but the situation has not changed. It has even deteriorated.”
Beyond regional security, Biruta also discussed Rwanda’s relationship with the United States, saying Kigali continues to view Washington as an important partner despite ongoing disagreements.
He cited cooperation in areas including health, energy, mining, and technology, while noting Rwanda’s efforts to expand partnerships with different countries as it pursues development goals.
“We need all of them,” Dr. Biruta said when asked about Rwanda’s partnerships with the United States and Russia, adding that different partners contribute to different aspects of Rwanda’s development agenda.
The Aspen Security Forum brought together policymakers, security experts, and leaders from around the world to discuss pressing global security challenges.
Dr. Vincent Biruta has shared Rwanda’s security concerns and perspectives on regional stability, the FDLR threat, and the implementation of the US-brokered Washington Accords during a discussion at the Aspen Security Forum.
The appeal judgment, delivered shortly after midnight on July 18, 2026, leaves unchanged the verdict handed down on October 30, 2024, when the court found the former Rwandan doctor guilty on both counts and sentenced him to 27 years in prison.
After losing his initial trial, Dr. Rwamucyo replaced the two lawyers who represented him in 2024, Françoise Marthe and Philippe Meilhac. For the appeal, he assembled a seven-member legal team comprising Daniel Fellous, Raphaël Constant, Salome Cohen, Michèle Siari, Jean-Baptiste Harelimana and Alexandre Sztulman.
Dr. Rwamucyo, a former head of the Centre for University Public Health (CUSP) at the former National University of Rwanda, was prosecuted over his role during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Among the evidence examined by the court was his participation in a meeting held at the university on May 14, 1994, chaired by the then Prime Minister, Jean Kambanda.
Prosecutors argued that the gathering encouraged intellectuals to participate in the genocide and alleged that Dr. Rwamucyo addressed the meeting in support of the killings.
The prosecution also accused him of coordinating the burial of victims in various parts of Butare Prefecture using heavy machinery, including a bulldozer, in what it said was an effort to conceal evidence of the genocide.
According to the prosecution, he played a role in the burial of more than 214,000 victims in Butare with the intention of destroying evidence.
Throughout the proceedings, Dr. Rwamucyo denied the allegations. He told the court that he had never sought to conceal the bodies of genocide victims, arguing that it would have been impossible to hide atrocities that had unfolded over several weeks in full public view.
Following the ruling, lawyers representing the civil parties welcomed the appellate court’s decision.
“It is very good news for the civil parties from Rwanda, who have waited 32 years for this decision. They can now begin a new chapter on the path toward reconciliation,” said lawyer Alice Zarka.
Dr. Rwamucyo’s daughter expressed disappointment with the outcome, saying she had not expected the appeal to fail and was deeply saddened by the judgment.
During the appeal, the prosecution had sought a 30-year prison sentence, while the defence requested a full acquittal and Dr. Rwamucyo’s immediate release.
The Paris Court of Assizes in France has upheld the conviction of Dr. Eugène Rwamucyo for genocide and crimes against humanity
Africa, with its abundant natural resources, demographic potential and development advantages, will play an increasingly important role in global economic governance, Urama told Xinhua in an interview.
The 2026 African Economic Conference was held from July 10 to 12 in Abidjan under the theme “Strengthening Africa’s Geopolitical Agency and Trade Resilience in a Multipolar World.” Researchers, government officials and representatives of regional and international institutions gathered to discuss how Africa can strengthen its strategic autonomy, enhance trade resilience and better participate in global economic governance.
Urama observed that multipolarity provides more countries with opportunities to participate in global governance. “More countries are at the table, and we are going to have more inclusive and greater options for countries to decide on partnerships, on trade relations, and on other things.”
Speaking about Africa’s role in this process, Urama said the rise of emerging economies is contributing to the multipolarization of the global economic order.
According to Urama, at this conference, the AfDB, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development called on economists and global policy actors to discuss how Africa should engage to strengthen its own geopolitical agency within this changing global economic order.
He said Africa’s abundant land resources give the continent an important voice in shaping the future global economy. With 60 to 65 percent of the world’s remaining arable land, Africa will have a significant influence on global food security and sustainability.
He added that Africa’s rich natural resources, including about 30 percent of global mineral reserves and vast global renewable energy potential, give the continent strategic importance in the transformation of global industries.
“So this continent has a great voice, a great opportunity to help shape the global economic order,” he said.
Urama also highlighted Africa’s demographic advantage as an important driver of future development.
“And then if you think about people, we as human beings, one of four human beings in the world by 2050 will be African,” he said.
He said Africa’s large and youthful population will be a key driver of the continent’s future development, with its population expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050 and more than 60 percent of people being young.
“We have a young, growing population in Africa. So whether you are talking about human capital, or you are talking about natural capital … Africa has a great role to play in this new global economic order,” he said.
Kevin Chika Urama, chief economist and vice president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), observed that multipolarity provides more countries with opportunities to participate in global governance.
“I will only shut up when I’m dead. That is the only way to make me shut up,” Kagame said on Friday, July 17, during the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) Political Bureau meeting at Intare Arena, attended by more than 2,000 party members, government officials, diplomats, representatives of political parties and young professionals.
The President’s remarks came as he defended Rwanda’s position on the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), insisting that Kigali’s concerns have repeatedly been ignored despite clear evidence of threats posed by the FDLR and attacks against the Banyamulenge community.
Kagame argued that the conflict in eastern DRC did not originate in Rwanda and should not be portrayed as Rwanda’s war.
“This conflict we have in eastern Congo was not started by Rwanda at all,” he said, maintaining that the root causes of the conflict lie within the DRC and the Kinshasa government’s refusal to address longstanding grievances raised by the M23 rebels and the communities they represent.
He noted that Rwanda was drawn into the conflict due to the continued presence of the FDLR, a militia founded by individuals involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that continues to pose a security threat to Rwanda.
He said Rwanda has for years urged the Congolese government and the international community to dismantle the FDLR and prevent the group from posing a threat across the border, but those calls have largely gone unanswered.
President Kagame insisted that Kigali’s concerns have repeatedly been ignored despite clear evidence of threats posed by the FDLR and attacks against the Banyamulenge community.
According to Kagame, repeated attempts to resolve the crisis through regional and international mediation have failed because, in his view, the underlying security issues affecting Rwanda have not been addressed.
He cited talks held in various capitals, including Nairobi, Doha and Washington, saying discussions consistently overlooked Rwanda’s concerns while placing pressure on Kigali.
Kagame also criticised sanctions imposed on Rwanda, saying they were introduced without giving the country an opportunity to fully present its case.
“There is no time for Rwanda to be listened to. It’s just sanctions, sanctions, sanctions,” he said, arguing that punitive measures have become a substitute for genuine dialogue.
The President further accused some international actors of trying to shape the narrative around the conflict while disregarding facts presented by Rwanda.
“There are people who think they just dictate what the truth should be and what should happen, and for the rest, you just shut up,” he said.
Kagame drew parallels between the international community’s response to Rwanda’s current security concerns and historical failures to heed warning signs before the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
He recalled that during the liberation struggle, he received a warning from a French official during a 1991 visit to Paris: “Even if you take Kigali, you will not find your people.” He said the meaning of the statement only became clear after the genocide unfolded.
The President also expressed concern over recent violence targeting the Banyamulenge community in the Minembwe area of eastern DRC.
He said Rwanda had raised concerns about attacks on civilians, only to be told the issue was “none of your business.”
“It’s like, shut up, it’s none of your business,” Kagame said. “If it is not my concern, maybe it should be yours. Why are you not concerned?”
He argued that dismissing warnings about atrocities against vulnerable communities risks repeating mistakes that have had devastating consequences in the past.
Responding to attempts to pressure Rwanda into silence, Kagame insisted that speaking out against threats to the country’s security is not a matter of political choice but of responsibility.
“Making people shut up, just shut up, I think it’s going to be probably more difficult than people think,” he said.
While acknowledging that Rwanda is a small country that can face external pressure, Kagame said its people should not expect others to guarantee their security.
“You can do much harm to us, granted. But wishing us away is not a small thing,” he said.
He concluded by urging Rwandans to remain vigilant and to take responsibility for safeguarding the country’s future rather than relying on others.
“If you are there waiting for handouts, or for people to do you a favour so that you can live, it is very sad and absurd,” Kagame stated.
The meeting was attended by more than 2,000 participants, including RPF members, government officials, diplomats and representatives of political parties.
Kagame, who was then the Vice Chairman of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) and a commander in the liberation struggle, shared the account on Friday, July 17, during an RPF Political Bureau meeting attended by more than 2,000 participants, including RPF members, government officials, diplomats and representatives of political parties.
He said the RPF leadership had initially advised him against travelling to Paris in September 1991 because of security concerns, as fighting between the RPF and the then-government forces was ongoing.
Despite the risks, Kagame insisted on making the trip, arguing that refusing to attend the talks would reinforce the perception that the RPF was only interested in fighting rather than seeking a peaceful solution.
“I insisted. I said I’m going, because if we don’t show up, they will think we are just there fighting, and we don’t want to meet,” Kagame recalled.
During the visit, Kagame met Paul Dijoud, then a senior French foreign affairs official, whom he said repeatedly urged the RPF to stop fighting.
Kagame said he tried to explain that the RPF had taken up arms because of decades of persecution, discrimination and the denial of refugees’ right to return to Rwanda.
According to Kagame, the discussion became increasingly tense before Dijoud made a remark that he initially struggled to understand.
“He said, ‘You must stop fighting, because even if you take Kigali, you will not find your people,’” Kagame recalled.
“At first I couldn’t understand what it meant. But it actually meant they would be killed.”
As the meeting ended, Kagame said Dijoud made a sarcastic remark in the corridor, telling him he hoped to meet him again “when you are the commander of the new army of Rwanda.” Kagame said he replied that if that happened, he would do a good job of it.
Kagame said that after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, in which more than one million people were killed, he concluded that the statement had foreshadowed what was to come.
“Connecting that with the history, with what happened eventually, I could not but conclude that was the meaning. They were privy to what was going on,” he said.
President Paul Kagame recalled a chilling warning he received from a French official during a peace mission to Paris in 1991, saying the remark only made sense years later after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Detention overnight
President Kagame also recounted how, after the meetings, he and two colleagues, Dr. Ndahiro and Tom Byabagamba, were arrested in the middle of the night by armed plainclothes officers while staying at a hotel in Paris.
He said they were taken to a detention facility, where they were questioned about the people they had met during the visit.
Kagame recalled refusing to undergo a polygraph test and rejecting food offered to him while in custody. The three were released later that day before Kagame left France via Brussels.
The President said the experience has remained vivid in his memory, particularly in light of what unfolded in Rwanda less than three years later.
He made the remarks while reflecting on the historical roots of the Genocide against the Tutsi and longstanding efforts by some international actors to ignore or downplay threats against Rwandans.
Kagame also linked the episode to Rwanda’s current security concerns, arguing that warnings about threats posed by the FDLR and attacks against Banyamulenge communities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have similarly been dismissed by sections of the international community.
He drew a parallel between Dijoud’s warning and more recent remarks by regional actors dismissing concerns raised over killings in the Minembwe area of eastern DRC, saying both carried the same underlying message: that the fate of a targeted population was “none of your business.”
“It’s like, shut up, it’s none of your business,” Kagame said. “If it is not my concern, maybe it should be yours. Why are you not concerned?”
The President also delivered a strong message to those he said expect Rwanda to remain silent in the face of such threats.
“Making people shut up, just shut up, I think it’s going to be probably more difficult than people think,” Kagame said, adding that he would continue speaking out against existential threats to Rwanda and vulnerable communities in the region.
“I will only shut up when I’m dead. That is the only way to make me shut up,” he declared, arguing that silence in the face of threats would amount to abandoning the responsibility to protect people’s lives.
Kagame, who was then the Vice Chairman of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) and a commander in the liberation struggle, shared the account on Friday, July 17, while chairing an extended RPF Bureau Politique meeting. The meeting was attended by more than 2,000 participants, including RPF members, government officials, diplomats and representatives of political parties.
He made the remarks on Friday, July 17, 2026, during the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) Political Bureau meeting taking place at Intare Arena in Rusororo, Gasabo District.
It brought together over 2000 RPF members, leaders from the public and private sector, representatives of other political parties, members of the diplomatic corps and young professionals.
President Kagame said the identity of RPF-Inkotanyi is rooted in its history, which defines the responsibilities of every Rwandan wherever they may be and reflects the country’s aspirations.
He noted that every citizen has a role in helping Rwanda achieve its national goals, but stressed that the country’s progress should ultimately be assessed based on how it is experienced by Rwandans.
The Head of State said that when citizens hear leaders speak about government achievements, they naturally ask themselves whether those accomplishments are reflected in their own lives. “Every morning when you wake up, ask yourself that question,” Kagame said.
He stressed that it is impossible to invent achievements when citizens cannot see or experience them, as the absence of tangible results is evident.
“You cannot create results on your own and expect people to see them when they do not exist. You cannot fabricate them. If children are not in school, they are not in school. You cannot claim you have achieved the goal of ensuring Rwandan children are in school when that is not the reality,” he said.
Kagame added that the same principle applies to healthcare.
“If people do not have good health or access to healthcare, you cannot claim that Rwandans enjoy quality healthcare when they do not. When those results are absent, making such claims only creates accountability that you will eventually have to answer for,” he said.
The President explained that the RPF Political Bureau meeting serves as an opportunity to remind members of their responsibilities while encouraging self-evaluation.
He cautioned that failing to assess one’s performance honestly carries consequences.
“If you examine yourself and make the wrong assessment, there are consequences. If you examine yourself and conclude that you are not sick when you actually are, the illness will eventually kill you because you were mistaken,” Kagame said.
President Paul Kagame has warned officials against exaggerating achievements, saying Rwandans will judge progress based on what they experience in their daily lives.
