On the eve of the highly anticipated African Union elections, Rwandan President Paul Kagame delivered a blunt and defiant message, calling out the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for failing to take responsibility for its internal conflicts. Speaking at the AU Peace and Security Council meeting, Kagame dismissed accusations against Rwanda, warning that his country would not be burdened by Congo’s troubles, as reported on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
“If the blame game, nice speeches, and lies were the solution to this problem, it would have ended long ago,” Kagame stated, his words cutting through the diplomatic niceties that often characterize such forums. He accused some actors of deliberately ignoring the presence of the FDLR, a militia group linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. “How can FDLR not exist in the minds of some people? When you trivialize that, you trivialize my history, and I will not accept it.”
With AU leadership decisions looming, Kagame’s remarks send a strong signal about Rwanda’s position in regional security matters. “Congo is too big for Rwanda to carry on its back,” he asserted, making it clear that Rwanda would not shoulder blame for DRC’s ongoing instability. As AU leaders prepare to cast their votes, Kagame’s message will undoubtedly resonate across the continent.
By Newshub