He was speaking at a reception held on the evening of July 4 at the Kigali Convention Centre to mark Rwanda\u2019s 31st Liberation Anniversary. <\/p>\n
Kagame reflected on Rwanda\u2019s liberation journey, the sacrifices made by many, and the enduring threat posed by those who wish to destabilize the country. <\/p>\n
He particularly condemned the continued threat of the FDLR rebel group, and the recent collaboration that saw SADC troops supporting Kinshasa\u2019s campaign against its citizens (the M23). <\/p>\n
\u201cIn the recent months and so you see again the whole world was watching. Mercenaries came from Europe, then other confused brothers and sisters from our continent\u2026 They sent in everything to support a government that is killing its own people, that supports genociders, people who killed our people here,\u201d Kagame said. <\/p>\n
He added that threats to Rwanda, the weapon build-up in Goma and Bukavu, and drone warfare claims clearly signaled broader intentions: \u201cIt was aimed at Rwanda.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following the capture of Goma, SADC troops found themselves encircled by the rebel group and requested safe passage to withdraw through Rwanda\u2014despite their earlier support for a coalition that harbored intentions to destabilize the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe gave them passage. We gave them security. We made sure they went back home. But they could have perished if they really put up a fight. There\u2019s no question about it,\u201d he noted. <\/p>\n
Kagame made it clear that Rwanda\u2019s patience should not be mistaken for weakness. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe can walk 2,000 kilometers from here fighting if and when we have to fight,\u201d he said. \u201cThose people who tell you nonsense that they have drones, they have what? They will come and attack Rwanda? We will find you where you are launching those drones from.\u201d<\/p>\n
He called on the international community and critics to understand that Rwanda\u2019s primary demand is mutual respect and non-interference: \u201cJust if you can\u2019t cooperate with us, leave us alone.\u201d <\/p>\n
Addressing those who withhold support or threaten to withdraw funding, Kagame said, \u201cYes, that money when it comes, I assure you, you will not find a place that puts that money to good use more than we do\u2026 But to wag a finger at me, I\u2019ll break it. Just that thing alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Turning inward, Kagame urged Rwandans \u2014 young and old \u2014 to remember the meaning of their liberation and the responsibilities it entails. \u201cYou are not a bunch of sheep that must be herded to a slaughterhouse\u2026 You should never accept it,\u201d he said. \u201cI would rather go to my grave giving it a fight\u2026 How I go there matters.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reflecting on Rwanda\u2019s transformation over the last three decades, Kagame asserted, \u201cIt\u2019s not just that we removed the killers and we took over. No, we are not just new people in our thinking, in our existence. We are new people because we have changed things towards what they should be.\u201d<\/p>\n
He concluded with a powerful message to those who believe in divine accountability: \u201cSo don\u2019t let anyone be allowed to take us back years in history\u2026 When you are being asked to account, for me, I\u2019m prepared with my notes in my pocket. When they say, \u2018Hey, what did you do?\u2019 I say, \u2018Sir, this is what I did. I apologize for my shortcomings but I think largely there is something I will show for it.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Kagame urged all Rwandans to reflect on the long journey of liberation and continue to defend and advance their nation with pride, dignity, and unity.<\/p>\n