Speaking on a panel at the inaugural Africa Mindset Reset Forum, hosted by the African School of Governance (ASG) at the Kigali Convention Center, Kagame said Africa has “everything in place to succeed”: people, resources and lessons from its own history, yet keeps falling short because of attitudes Africans have not confronted.
He said the continent has been reduced to “simply admiring others,” pointing out that this often means admiring people and institutions outside Africa rather than fellow Africans doing good work at home. That habit, he argued, leaves the continent open to being dictated to by others, while Africans themselves lament and complain rather than act.
“Why don’t we do things so that we can actually admire each other?” Kagame asked, adding that there are capable people within Africa whom others on the continent should be joining and supporting, rather than looking elsewhere for inspiration.
The Head of State noted that Africa’s obstacles are less about missing resources or policy frameworks and more about a mindset that has not caught up with the continent’s ambitions. He said Africa cannot change without changing its own behaviour and attitudes, and that intentions must be matched with action and visible results.
Kagame co-founded the African School of Governance alongside former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. The school, officially inaugurated in January 2025, was created to train a new generation of African leaders grounded in homegrown solutions to the continent’s challenges.
Other leaders echo the call for accountability
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki, sitting alongside Kagame on the panel, said none of Africa’s problems can be resolved without addressing the quality of its leadership. He argued that leaders on the continent owe each other honesty rather than diplomatic silence, saying failures in one country inevitably affect its neighbours.
Mbeki urged young Africans to stay committed to the cause “until the Africa we want does indeed emerge,” comparing the effort to running a marathon without dropping out.
Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, ASG’s co-founder and chairman, said the continent’s leadership has often been driven by a “rent-seeking” mindset rather than a developmental one. He pointed to Ethiopia’s own turnaround, from a country reliant on food aid in the 1970s to a grain surplus producer, as evidence that a deliberate mindset shift among ordinary farmers and officials can change a country’s trajectory within a generation.
Ghana’s Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, said Africa’s problem is not a shortage of policies or plans but a failure to take ownership of its own story and decisions. She called for capacity building that raises young Africans differently from previous generations, moving them from being “a victim of the circumstance to an active agent of change.”
ASG President Francis Gatare, opening the forum, introduced “Meta Africanism” as what he called the next stage of Pan-Africanism, a shift from resistance and solidarity toward collective construction, agency and disciplined implementation of Africa’s own plans.
The forum, running from August 25 to 26 in Kigali, has drawn more than 2,500 participants in person and thousands more following online.
President Kagame was speaking on a panel at the inaugural Africa Mindset Reset Forum, hosted by the African School of Governance (ASG) at the Kigali Convention Center.Kagame said Africa has “everything in place to succeed”: people, resources and lessons from its own history, yet keeps falling short because of attitudes Africans have not confronted.
The incident occurred on August 25, 2026, in Rubindi Cell, Gataraga Sector, where the six women had gone to excavate soil used to make bricks.
Northern Province Police spokesperson CIP Ignace Ngirabakunzi confirmed the incident to IGIHE.
He said the excavation was being carried out illegally and that the site collapsed while the women were digging.
“The site was being used to illegally excavate soil for making bricks. It collapsed on six women, killing four and seriously injuring two others. It is suspected that they lacked the necessary knowledge of proper excavation and dug improperly, causing it to collapse,” he said.
Authorities and rescue teams arrived at the scene after the incident was reported. The two injured women were taken to Ruhengeri Hospital for treatment.
IGIHE has learned that the owner of the excavation site was arrested shortly after the incident and is currently being held at the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) station in Busogo.
CIP Ngirabakunzi urged residents to ensure that excavation activities are carried out safely, warning that improper practices can lead to accidents and loss of life.
He also urged residents to avoid illegal excavation activities and called on site owners to comply with regulations governing excavation and obtain the required insurance.
Researchers from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons found that the production of new neurons, a process known as neurogenesis, appears to stall in the hippocampus of adults with major depressive disorder.
The hippocampus is a region of the brain involved in memory and emotional responses. It is also one of the few areas of the adult brain where new neurons continue to develop.
The findings suggest that reduced production of these neurons could affect the brain’s ability to distinguish new experiences from memories of previous negative experiences.
This process, known as pattern separation, helps people recognize that similar situations are not necessarily the same.
For example, someone may have lunch with a friend who happens to be unusually quiet.
A healthy pattern separation process can help the person understand that the situation is different from previous experiences of rejection.
When pattern separation is impaired, however, the new experience may become mixed with painful memories, potentially leading to a more negative interpretation.
Researchers said newly formed neurons may help the brain create separate circuits for new memories, allowing people to respond to current experiences without automatically connecting them to previous negative events.
However, they stressed that the exact mechanism, particularly in humans, is not yet fully understood.
The study also found that depression affects more than the production of new neurons.
Researchers identified molecular changes across the hippocampal circuit, including genes involved in creating connections between brain cells, communication between neurons, energy production and the movement of materials inside cells.
The researchers also found signs of inflammation and cellular stress in the brain circuits involved in forming new emotional memories.
To investigate these changes, the team examined nearly half a million brain cells collected from people with depression and people without the condition shortly after their deaths.
Using advanced techniques, researchers analyzed gene activity in individual cells and examined changes in cellular proteins.
This allowed them to identify changes occurring in specific cells and locations within the hippocampus.
The researchers also found changes in genes previously associated with major depression, while some other changes appeared to involve epigenetic mechanisms.
Epigenetic changes can influence how strongly genes are switched on or off without changing the underlying DNA sequence. Researchers said these mechanisms can be affected by factors including stress, learning, ageing and environmental exposures.
According to the researchers, the wide range of biological changes observed could help explain why depression can affect people differently.
The findings could eventually contribute to new approaches to treating depression. Researchers are particularly interested in whether restoring neurogenesis could help some people by changing how the hippocampus processes memories.
However, the study does not mean that scientists have found a single cause of depression or that treatments capable of restoring neurogenesis are currently available.
Instead, researchers say the findings could help move the understanding of depression beyond the traditional focus on neurotransmitters such as serotonin and toward a more detailed understanding of the cellular and molecular changes involved.
The team also hopes that depression could eventually be classified according to its biological and molecular characteristics, potentially allowing treatments to be tailored to different forms of the disorder.
Scientists found changes in brain cell growth among people with depression.
Nigiyena, a beneficiary of the British Council’s Creative DNA accelerator programme, participated in the eight-day AFWL 2026 programme held from August 17 to 23 at 8 Northumberland Avenue and the British Council Headquarters in London.
His participation marked the first time Rwanda was represented at the AFWL showcase through the Creative DNA programme, which supports emerging African fashion designers by strengthening their skills, expanding their networks and creating opportunities to access international markets.
The partnership between the British Council and AFWL built on the success of their debut collaboration last year and sought to connect African designers with new audiences while supporting the development of creative economy ecosystems across the continent.
The programme featured discussions on issues shaping the continent’s fashion industry, including African Fashion in Education, Creativity Beyond Borders and African Futures: Where African Design Is Going Now.
Nigiyena founded Matheo Studio, a fashion brand recognised for its cinematic and Afrofuturist approach, combining avant-garde silhouettes, African narratives and detailed craftsmanship.
His work has previously been showcased on major platforms, including Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kigali and international showcases connected to New York Fashion Week, contributing to Rwanda’s growing presence in global fashion.
Reflecting on his participation in the Creative DNA showcase, Nigiyena said the programme had played an important role in helping him develop his business.
“Matheo Studio has been a labour of love and I’m glad that Creative DNA has been by my side to help it get to the next level. My participation at the Creative DNA showcase at African Fashion Week London will be a great eye opener for my business,” he said.
British Council Rwanda Country Director Rebecca Picton said Nigiyena’s participation provided an opportunity to highlight Rwanda’s growing fashion and creative talent.
“Maurice is a great ambassador for the new wave of Rwandan and African designers. His participation at the Creative DNA showcase will not only be of great benefit to him and boost his potential as a creative to watch, but we also hope that it will help to shine a spotlight on the wealth of creative talent in Rwanda,” she said.
Nigiyena was among 10 designers selected to present under the Creative DNA banner at this year’s AFWL. The group included Bettydora Odhiambo of Atieno Studio from Kenya, Adedayo Ilori of Dimeji Ilori from Nigeria, Joan Nantege of Joan Jade from Uganda, Mastewal Belay of Mastewal Alemu from Ethiopia, Neema Nkatha Kinoti of Ohana Swimwear from Kenya, Chido Kaseke of Patch Maoko from Zimbabwe, Nyame-Nhyiraba Awura of Republic of Africa from Ghana, Ropafadzo Kuki Mapira of Soleil from Zimbabwe, and Solome Kiflu of Xufan from Ethiopia.
Creative DNA is the British Council’s fashion initiative aimed at supporting and strengthening Africa’s fashion ecosystem by nurturing designers’ skills, deepening their knowledge and expanding their professional networks.
The British Council said the initiative is designed to help emerging African fashion entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and connect with international markets while contributing to the growth of creative industries across the continent.
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. It builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and communities worldwide and operates in more than 100 countries.
Rwanda’s fashion talent took centre stage in London as designer Maurice Nigiyena showcased Matheo Studio at African Fashion Week London 2026.Rwandan designer Maurice Nigiyena joined 10 emerging African designers at African Fashion Week London 2026 under the British Council’s Creative DNA programme.Maurice Nigiyena brought Rwanda’s emerging fashion talent to the international stage with a showcase at African Fashion Week London 2026.
The connection between conservation and tourism is particularly evident in the country’s mountain gorilla tourism, which remains one of Rwanda’s most valuable tourism offerings.
According to the Rwanda Development Board’s (RDB) 2025 annual performance report, Rwanda’s tourism sector generated $685 million in revenue in 2025, nearly four times the $164 million recorded in 2021.
Tourism revenue rose to $455 million in 2022 as the sector recovered from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, before reaching $620 million in 2023 and $647 million in 2024.
In 2025, tourism revenue increased by 6% compared with the previous year, supported by growth in visitor numbers and air travel. Revenue from air travel rose by 9% to $594 million.
Gorilla tourism accounted for a significant share of those earnings, generating $248 million in 2025, an increase of 7%.
Rwanda received 1.49 million visitors during the year, up from 1.36 million in 2024, representing a 9% increase. Visitors arriving by air increased by 23%.
The growth illustrates how the conservation of a species once considered highly vulnerable has become closely intertwined with Rwanda’s tourism ambitions.
Rwanda received 1.49 million visitors during the year, up from 1.36 million in 2024, representing a 9% increase. Visitors arriving by air increased by 23%.
From 430 gorillas to more than 1,100
When Rwanda introduced Kwita Izina as an annual gorilla-naming ceremony in 2005, about 430 mountain gorillas were estimated to live in the Virunga Massif.
More than two decades later, the population has grown to more than 1,100 mountain gorillas across the Virunga Massif, which is shared by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The increase has followed years of conservation efforts involving governments, conservation organisations, researchers, veterinarians, park rangers and communities living around protected areas.
“Thanks to the leadership of Rwanda, the dedication of conservationists and the commitment of our communities, mountain gorillas have come back from the brink. Today, there are more than 1,000 mountain gorillas worldwide, including more than 600 in the Virunga Massif,” Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva remarked during last year’s 20th anniversary of the baby gorilla naming ceremony, reflecting on the species’ recovery.
For Rwanda, protecting the gorillas has gone beyond preserving an endangered species. It has created a tourism attraction that brings international visitors into the country and generates revenue that can in turn support conservation and communities.
Kwita Izina grows beyond gorilla naming
The story of this relationship is perhaps best captured by Kwita Izina.
The 2026 ceremony will take place in Kinigi, Musanze District, on September 4, when 22 baby gorillas will be given names. Up through 2025, a total of 438 gorillas have been named since the event became an annual ceremony in 2005.
Over the years, Kwita Izina has evolved beyond the naming of gorillas. It has become a platform bringing together conservationists, researchers, government officials, business leaders and international visitors to discuss wildlife protection and the role of communities in conservation.
“For over two decades, Kwita Izina has showcased Rwanda’s belief that conservation is not simply about protecting wildlife. It is about creating opportunities for people, supporting communities, growing tourism and ensuring that future generations inherit a healthy and thriving natural environment,” RDB stated recently ahead of the 2026 edition.
The event has also become an important avenue for promoting Rwanda as a destination and highlighting the economic value of protecting its natural heritage.
Tourism growth beyond gorillas
While gorilla tourism remains an important source of revenue, Rwanda has continued to diversify its tourism products.
Visits to friends and relatives generated $180 million in 2025, an increase of 19%, while educational travel generated $64 million after growing by 17%. Business tourism contributed $112 million.
The diversification has helped broaden the sector while gorilla tourism continues to anchor Rwanda’s wildlife offering.
Bringing tourism benefits to communities
Rwanda has also sought to ensure that the economic value created by conservation reaches communities living near national parks.
Through its tourism revenue-sharing programme, 10% of tourism revenues is allocated to communities living around protected areas.
The funds are invested in projects such as schools, health centres, water infrastructure and other community facilities.
RDB says more than Rwf23 billion has been invested in nearly 1,300 community projects since the programme began.
The model is designed to strengthen the relationship between communities and conservation by ensuring that people living alongside protected areas benefit from the tourism economy generated by wildlife.
Expanding Volcanoes National Park
The next phase of Rwanda’s conservation efforts is also expected to expand the space available for wildlife.
Rwanda is implementing a $259 million, 10-year project to expand Volcanoes National Park by 3,740 hectares and establish an additional 6,620-hectare buffer zone.
The project includes the $30 million Smart Green Village in Rurembo, which is being developed for families relocated from areas designated for the park’s expansion.
The village will include water and electricity, schools, health facilities, farmland and livestock facilities.
The project is expected to improve the livelihoods of more than 17,000 people, including 547 households that will relocate to the village, while reducing human-wildlife conflict by 80%.
The expansion reflects the broader approach Rwanda has taken to conservation, combining the protection of natural habitats with efforts to address the needs of communities living around them.
As Rwanda prepares for another Kwita Izina ceremony, the annual event offers more than a celebration of newborn gorillas.
It represents a conservation journey that has helped Rwanda build one of its most recognisable tourism products, while creating a model in which wildlife protection, tourism revenue and community development are increasingly connected.
The 2026 ceremony will take place in Kinigi, Musanze District, on September 4, when 22 baby gorillas will be given names. Up through 2025, a total of 438 gorillas have been named since the event became an annual ceremony in 2005.
In a statement shared on Monday, August 24, RwandAir said the aircraft is the first of five A330s scheduled to join its fleet as part of efforts to support its continued expansion.
The airline said the addition will enhance passenger comfort and reliability while improving onboard connectivity, allowing travellers to stay connected throughout their journeys.
“This aircraft is the first of five A330s scheduled to join the fleet, strengthening our long-haul capabilities and supporting our continued growth,” RwandAir said.
The latest addition comes as the national carrier continues to expand its fleet to meet growing demand across its network.
In August 2025, RwandAir added two Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its fleet, primarily to serve short and medium-haul routes. Each of the aircraft has a passenger capacity of 174.
The fleet expansion is part of RwandAir’s broader growth strategy, with the airline investing in additional aircraft to enhance connectivity within Africa and beyond. In June 2025, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Fouad Caunhye, said new aircraft would be delivered in phases to meet rising regional and international demand.
RwandAir operates a diverse fleet that includes A330-200s, A330-300s, Boeing 737 Next Generation jets, Bombardier CRJ900s and De Havilland Dash 8-400s, serving destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East.
RwandAir said the aircraft is the first of five A330s scheduled to join its fleet as part of efforts to support its continued expansion.The airline said the addition will enhance passenger comfort and reliability while improving onboard connectivity, allowing travellers to stay connected throughout their journeys.
Responding to a question about reports that Rwanda could acquire a stake in the refinery during a press conference in Kigali on Monday, President Kagame said discussions were still at an early stage and that it was too soon to provide further details.
“In a way, there has been. But it is too early to talk about the details, because I think it is a work in progress. Things are still being thought out,” Kagame said during the press conference at the Kigali Convention Centre.
“But what I can say is that Rwanda would be very happy to be part of that kind of investment.”
His remarks follow reports that the Nigerian businessman is seeking regional partners for a major refinery project planned for Kenya’s northern coast.
Dangote has reportedly offered East African countries a combined 30 percent equity stake in the project, with Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia among the countries reported to have expressed interest.
According to reports, Kenya could take a 10 percent stake worth about $500 million, while the combined regional stake would be valued at approximately $1.5 billion.
The refinery is planned for Lamu and is expected to have a processing capacity of up to 700,000 barrels per day, potentially making it one of Africa’s largest refining facilities.
The refinery itself is estimated to cost up to $16 billion, while the broader petrochemical complex and additional port infrastructure could bring the total investment to around $20 billion.
If completed, the project could help reduce East Africa’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products and strengthen the region’s energy security by creating a major source of fuel closer to regional markets.
President Kagame did not provide details on the size of a potential Rwandan investment or the stage of the discussions, stressing that the plans were still being considered.
Responding to a question about reports that Rwanda could acquire a stake in the refinery during a press conference in Kigali on Monday, President Kagame said discussions were still at an early stage and that it was too soon to provide further details.President Paul Kagame said Rwanda would be “very happy” to participate in the project.
Speaking during a press conference at the Kigali Convention Centre on Monday, President Kagame said Rwanda had never made such a commitment to Burundi.
“There is no commitment we ever made that we did not fulfil, not with the President of Burundi, not with anybody,” Kagame said, adding that perhaps Ndayishimiye had “dreamt and thought it had happened.”
Ndayishimiye, in an interview with BBC Gahuzamiryango in July 2026, said Burundi was still waiting for Rwanda to fulfil what the two countries had agreed upon. When asked to specify the matter, he said it concerned the transfer to Bujumbura of individuals accused of attempting to overthrow Nkurunziza in May 2015.
Kagame said he was unaware of any meeting or agreement in which Rwanda had committed to handing over the suspects.
The Head of State accused Ndayishimiye of being dishonest, recounting a conversation the two leaders had following reports that Burundi had deployed troops to North Kivu Province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kagame said Rwanda’s intelligence services had informed him about the deployment, prompting him to call Ndayishimiye to seek clarification. He also raised concerns over reports linking Burundi to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), as well as earlier incursions into Rwanda by armed groups operating from Burundi, including the FLN.
According to Kagame, Ndayishimiye strongly denied that Burundian forces had been deployed to North Kivu and urged him to cross-check the information, suggesting that those who had provided the reports were attempting to cause problems.
“I said, President, I will take your word, much as I think the reports I received were credible, but I will take your word for it,” Kagame said.
However, Kagame said the reports were subsequently confirmed when Burundian soldiers were captured in North Kivu by AFC/M23 fighters.
“A couple of weeks after, they were captured in the north of Kivu,” he remarked.
Kagame said he therefore did not know what commitment or meeting Ndayishimiye was referring to when he claimed Rwanda had failed to honour an agreement regarding the 2015 coup suspects.
Rwanda has in the past said it cannot hand over the persons linked to the coup because they are refugees protected under international law.
Speaking during a press conference at the Kigali Convention Centre on Monday, President Kagame said Rwanda had never made such a commitment to Burundi.
Kagame made the remarks during a press conference on August 24, 2026, while responding to concerns raised by a journalist about shortages and service challenges affecting some areas.
Rwanda has made significant progress in expanding access to basic services in recent years.
According to Rwanda’s Seventh Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7), household electricity access increased from 34% in 2017 to 72% in 2024, with rural access rising sharply from 24% to 65%.
Access to improved drinking water also increased from 87% to 90% over the same period.
Kagame said Rwanda’s current situation is different from where the country started, but acknowledged that the demand for services continues to outpace available resources.
“You mentioned where we started from, and I think the situation we have today is different from what it was then. I think there are investments that need to be made. But as I said when answering another question, there are many things we want to do.”
Kagame said limited resources remain one of the constraints, particularly as the country seeks to expand access to essential services such as water and electricity.
“But the resources we have are not equal to all those needs. We are always looking for ways to increase those resources, whether it is for water or electricity.”
However, he said not every challenge can be attributed to a lack of resources, arguing that some improvements could be achieved through more efficient management of what is already available.
“As for some of the other things you mentioned, they do not necessarily require some completely different or extraordinary resources. They require us to efficiently use what we already have. There are also things that can be done by individuals or jointly with the government. They are within our capacity, but sometimes they are not done as they should be.”
The President called for stronger follow-up and accountability, saying the government should not use resource constraints as an explanation for failing to address problems that are within its existing capacity to solve.
“We cannot always have an excuse for not doing what we already have the capacity to do, because there are many things we are capable of doing but which are not being done.”
Kagame said the government should continue looking for resources to address areas where its existing capacity is insufficient, while also speeding up interventions where solutions are already possible.
“For the things we do not have the capacity to do, we should look for the resources. And where it is possible to move faster, that is what we want.”
He described water and electricity challenges as issues that require continuous attention, stressing the importance of having people responsible for delivering projects properly and on time.
“These are challenges that continue over the years, but we have to keep finding people who can do things properly and on time, using the resources available. And where resources are not available, there are ways of continuing to look for them.”
Kagame also linked the quality of public services to how citizens assess their leaders and the government, saying people ultimately have the right to demand answers when problems that could have been addressed remain unresolved.
“That is how Rwandans measure whether their leaders are serving them properly, or whether their government is serving them properly. When the time comes, we pay for it. And if there are things that could have been done better, citizens will ask us why we did not do enough when it was possible.”
He said citizens should also play a role in holding leaders accountable.
“They have their time as well. They also need to have a role in it and hold us accountable.”
President Paul Kagame addressing members of the press on August 24, 2026. Rwanda is implementing projects that will increase daily treated water production from more than 367,000 cubic meters this year to over 688,000 cubic meters per day by 2029
Kagame made the remarks during a press conference on August 24, 2026, in response to a journalist’s question about the fate of factories that had been shut down and their employees as authorities intensified a nationwide campaign against alcoholic beverages that fail to meet required standards.
He said the debate should begin with evidence of the harm caused by the products rather than claims or perceptions surrounding the crackdown.
“On the issue of substandard alcoholic drinks, we should not base our conclusions only on what people say. People can say all kinds of things depending on their perceptions or what they want others to believe,” Kagame said.
“We should also look at what is happening in reality and at the evidence before us.”
Rwanda has stepped up enforcement against illicit and substandard alcoholic beverages in recent weeks.
In Kigali alone, authorities have closed over 30 factories and businesses found to be operating outside required standards, while thousands of litres of ethanol and large quantities of alcoholic beverages have been seized.
The crackdown has also resulted in the arrest of public officials suspected of facilitating the production or distribution of non-compliant drinks.
But Kagame said the government’s starting point should remain the impact of the products on people’s health.
“There are substandard drinks that have caused deaths. That is where we should begin our discussion,” he said.
“The question is simple: Do these drinks kill people? Have they killed people? If the answer is yes, then that is where we should start.”
Kagame said the scale of the deaths should not be underestimated, arguing that the problem goes beyond isolated cases.
“People are dying, and in significant numbers,” he said. “If you follow the news, you will know that it is not simply a matter of two people dying today and another person dying tomorrow.”
“People die in groups of 20, 30, 50, and sometimes as many as 100 in a single day. When you add up the number of people who die over a year, you begin to understand the scale of the problem.”
The President rejected arguments that the crackdown should be weighed primarily against the factories and jobs involved in the alcoholic beverage industry.
“Before we talk about factories and the workers employed in them, we must first address the health and lives of these people,” he said.
“Do we want workers who will ultimately be killed by the products made in those factories?”
Instead, he said, the objective should be to have businesses that operate safely and workers who can return home without being exposed to products that harm consumers.
Kagame also pointed to the fact that not all harmful alcoholic beverages consumed in Rwanda are necessarily produced domestically.
“The harmful drinks that are killing people are not necessarily all manufactured here or originating here. Some come from outside the country. They are brought in without meeting quality standards, and they end up killing people,” he said.
He added that the effects of unsafe products can vary, with some causing immediate harm while others may contribute to health problems that emerge much later.
“Some kill people the same day or within the same week. Others may cause harm that becomes apparent after a year. They can slowly damage a person’s health until the person eventually dies,” Kagame said.
The President also questioned how protecting businesses could be used to justify practices that expose consumers to potentially fatal products.
“I do not understand how anyone could support such practices while arguing that they are thinking about factories and the people working in them, while ignoring those who are being killed day after day, as we see and as we know,” he said.
He said the government’s responsibility extends beyond individual producers to the institutions charged with regulating businesses and enforcing quality standards.
“But beyond the individual who produces something that kills people, we must also ask how the country is governed. Can a country simply watch its people die? What kind of society would that be?” Kagame said.
“That is why there are institutions and officials responsible for quality standards and enforcement. They are there to ensure that activities and products do not harm people, but instead contribute to improving people’s lives.”
His comments come amid ongoing crackdown that has also targeted alleged regulatory failures, with Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) presenting 18 public servants on August 13, including Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) Director General Prof. Emile Bienvenu and 10 employees, alongside officials from the Rwanda Standards Board and local government.
RIB said 104 people had been arrested since July 20, with 97 case files submitted to prosecutors.
Investigations include alleged improper licensing and certification, while five local officials are accused of helping factory operators evade inspections.
More than 150 factories have since been closed, with Kigali authorities seizing over 470,000 litres of ethanol and nearly four million bottles of substandard alcoholic beverages.
Health authorities say more than 500 people have been treated, over 50 have died and more than 100 have reportedly suffered vision loss.
Kagame said such allegations should be investigated and those responsible given an opportunity to explain themselves.
“Those involved will have an opportunity to explain themselves when they are investigated and held accountable. They will have to provide the answers,” he said.
He also acknowledged that the conduct of enforcement agencies should itself be subject to scrutiny where necessary.
“If there are concerns about how these processes are carried out, how people are arrested or how they are investigated, those concerns can also be examined. If there is a problem, it may need to be addressed,” he said.
However, he cautioned against allowing such concerns to overshadow the wider public health problem.
“If some institutions are not doing their work as they should, they must be held accountable and corrected. But that should not distract us from confronting the bigger problem that is harming and killing people.”
Kagame further linked the alcohol crackdown to a broader responsibility to confront substances that pose risks to public health, saying Rwanda had also been discussing the growing use and promotion of other harmful substances.
“A country cannot simply watch its people die and say that no one should ask questions. Someone must ask why people are dying,” he said.
He maintained that consumers have a right to access products they need, but businesses and individuals must comply with the law and ensure that what they produce or bring into the country does not put lives at risk.
“As a leader of this country, I have to look at what is best for the country and its people and work with them so that they understand what serves their interests and what does not,” Kagame said.
“Those who want to break the law simply because they want to do things their own way and put their personal interests first will have to face the authorities responsible for enforcing the law.”
President Kagame said Rwanda’s crackdown on substandard alcoholic beverages must prioritise the lives and health of consumers over the interests of factories and their workers.
