‘I will only shut up when I’m dead’ – President Kagame
President Paul Kagame has said Rwanda will not be silenced over its security concerns, despite international criticism, pressure, and sanctions linked to its position on the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“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.
Kagame addresses Rwanda’s security concerns over eastern DRC
The President made the remarks while discussing the security situation in eastern DRC, where Rwanda has repeatedly raised concerns over the presence of the FDLR, an terrorist group Kigali considers a threat to its national security.
Kagame said Rwanda’s position is that the conflict in eastern DRC did not originate from Rwanda but is instead linked to longstanding internal challenges within the neighbouring country.
“This conflict we have in eastern Congo was not started by Rwanda at all,” he said, arguing that the Congolese government had failed to address grievances raised by M23 rebels and communities they represent.
He said Rwanda became directly concerned because of the continued presence of the FDLR and what he described as threats posed by the group.
Kagame criticises sanctions and international response
Kagame said Kigali had for years called on Congolese authorities and the international community to take action against the terrorist group, but argued that those efforts had not produced the expected results.
He also criticised regional and international peace initiatives, including talks held in Nairobi, Doha, and Washington, saying they had not sufficiently addressed Rwanda’s security concerns.
“There is no time for Rwanda to be listened to. It’s just sanctions, sanctions, sanctions,” Kagame said, arguing that sanctions had replaced meaningful dialogue.
The President accused some international actors of attempting to control the narrative around the conflict while ignoring Rwanda’s perspective.
Rwanda raises concerns over FDLR and Banyamulenge community
Kagame also referred to the international community’s failure to prevent the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, warning against ignoring early signs of violence and instability.
He recalled what he described as a conversation with a French official during a 1991 visit to Paris, saying the official told him: “Even if you take Kigali, you will not find your people.” Kagame said the significance of those words became clear after the genocide that followed.
The President further raised concerns over attacks against the Banyamulenge community in Minembwe, eastern DRC, saying Rwanda’s warnings had been dismissed.
“It’s like, shut up, it’s none of your business,” he said. “If it is not my concern, maybe it should be yours. Why are you not concerned?”
He warned that ignoring violence against vulnerable communities could have serious consequences and urged the international community to pay greater attention to such concerns.
Kagame urges Rwandans to protect national security
Reaffirming Rwanda’s position, Kagame said speaking out on issues affecting the country’s security was a responsibility that could not be abandoned because of external pressure.
“Making people shut up, just shut up, I think it’s going to be probably more difficult than people think,” he said.
Acknowledging Rwanda’s position as a small country facing external pressure, Kagame said the country’s security ultimately depends on the determination of its citizens.
“You can do much harm to us, granted. But wishing us away is not a small thing,” he said.
He urged Rwandans to remain vigilant and take responsibility for protecting the country’s future rather than relying on others.
