Speaking during a dinner debate at the 2026 World Policy Conference (WPC) in Chantilly, France on Friday evening, Kagame highlighted that the world has never truly offered a fair and stable order, particularly for Africa and the Global South.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He explained that even during periods when the global order appeared stable, deep imbalances persisted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere have always been inequalities. There have always been points of conflict,\u201d Kagame said. He added that it has long been taken for granted \u201cthat what happens in the global south will always be dependent on and determined by the global north.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kagame described the prevailing structure as one in which major powers act freely when their interests are threatened, while smaller and middle powers face blame, punishment, or criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe smaller powers, the smaller countries, the middle powers, are just supposed to pull the line. Simple,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He noted that Africa has been affected by this imbalance \u201canyway, all along\u201d and not only during times of visible crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt has been affected even when things look stable globally, under this structure where it is do as I say and as I tell you, and that’s it. Otherwise, there will be consequences,\u201d Kagame observed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turning to the question of legitimacy in the international system, he asked: \u201cWho decides what is wrong, who decides what is right, and on what basis? Is it just that you have the power, therefore you will decide what is wrong and what is right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kagame acknowledged that the old order was \u201ca work in progress\u201d but stressed that today\u2019s fragmentation has exposed its weaknesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East carries serious risks for the wider world, including Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe situation is very bad. And the big powers need to quickly find a solution. Otherwise, it generates into a bigger problem for the whole world,\u201d he said, pointing to rising oil, food, and fertilizer prices \u201caffecting millions, hundreds of millions of people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Head of State also spoke about Africa\u2019s own path forward. He encouraged the continent to look inward, saying: \u201cThe continent needs to look at what it has, almost everything. The people, the other resources, and the good cultures that can be drawn from a lot of knowledge and practices that make people proud of who they are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that Rwanda\u2019s reconstruction showed the value of starting with internal efforts: “We looked within and found the efforts to rebuild our country, even if we had to be partners with different people and we got a lot of support, but we had to start with ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kagame emphasized that everyone, including small countries, should have space to contribute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEveryone should have some space to express themselves and contribute what is good for everyone and for the rest of the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On regional issues, including efforts to address tensions in Eastern DR Congo, Kagame called for patience and depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe problems cannot be addressed overnight. Crisis cannot be overcome in such a short time,\u201d he remarked. \u201cBut there is a need to look at the root causes of everything and then give time to dialogue for people to find a win-win kind of solution.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded in 2008, the WPC aims to contribute to improving global governance; examining, discussing, and proposing constructive solutions to major regional and international challenges, in a climate of trust and a spirit of tolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year\u2019s meeting (18th edition) is held from April 24\u201326, 2026, at Domaine Les Fontaines in Chantilly, France under the theme, \u201cBetween Fragmentation and Interdependence: Rethinking Global Governance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It addresses major issues like global trade, AI, and conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n