On Monday, President Paul Kagame appeared in an interview with CNN journalist Larry Madowo. The conversation was divided into two parts: the first segment lasting four minutes and the second nearly three minutes.
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A key point in the discussion was Madowo’s persistent question on whether Rwandan troops were operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). President Kagame firmly dismissed the assertion, stating, “I don’t know anything about that.”
Challenging the journalist’s line of questioning, Kagame remarked, “It seems your primary concern is getting me to confirm that Rwandan troops are there… We could continue this tomorrow, but my answer won’t change.”
Stéphanie Nyombayire, the President’s spokesperson, revealed that parts of the interview that did not air included Kagame highlighting the threat posed by the FDLR, a rebel group reportedly backed by some regional governments.
“The goal isn’t just to fight M23, which is composed of Congolese nationals,” Kagame said, “but to target Rwanda and seek to overthrow its government something they have publicly declared.”
He added, “Does anyone expect Rwanda to sit idly by and wait for this to happen? Rwanda will defend itself by any means necessary.”
In response to allegations that Rwanda had violated the DRC’s sovereignty, President Kagame reiterated the importance of respecting national borders.
“Sovereignty is inviolable, but that applies to Rwanda as well,” he said. “No nation’s sovereignty is more important than another’s. That’s an unshakable principle.”
He also criticized the international community for its selective approach toward regional security, noting that FDLR forces have operated freely in eastern DRC for nearly 30 years.
“Over $40 billion has been spent on peacekeeping in eastern Congo over the past 25 years, yet peace remains elusive,” Kagame noted. “Blaming Rwanda is just a convenient way to cover up the atrocities and failures of those involved.”
Addressing the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, where M23 movement have captured the city of Goma, Kagame expressed doubts that anyone benefits from war.
“I don’t believe Tshisekedi wants this war either,” he said. “But he was misled by people who promised to fight on his behalf. Without their interference, perhaps he would have prioritized genuine peace.”
President Kagame emphasized that his primary concern is the security and well-being of Rwandans.
“My duty is to safeguard Rwanda’s interests and ensure peace,” he stated. “Tshisekedi may focus on tarnishing our reputation as a matter of ego, but governing a country isn’t about creating regional instability for personal reasons.”
He concluded by emphasizing Rwanda’s lessons from history: “We learned in 1994 that we can’t rely on anyone else for our security. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in it, and the results speak for themselves.”
