President Paul Kagame has reiterated his claim that his Congolese counterpart, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, ascended to power without winning elections—neither in 2018 nor during last year’s polls.
The Rwandan leader made these remarks on Thursday, January 16, during a dinner reception hosted with First Lady Jeannette Kagame for diplomats accredited to Rwanda. His comments focused heavily on Rwanda’s strained relations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the credibility of the electoral processes in both countries.
Criticism of International Double Standards
President Kagame took aim at the international community for criticizing Rwanda’s electoral processes while remaining silent about alleged irregularities in the DRC elections. He argued that foreign powers have selectively applied their principles when addressing governance issues in the region.
He stated:
“The person causing problems in this situation—between Rwanda and the DRC—was not elected, not once but twice, and you know it. You know it, don’t you? This man, Tshisekedi, wasn’t elected the first time, and you know it. You don’t say it publicly, but I do—that’s the difference. And the second time? Nothing changed, and you know it.”
He further questioned the values promoted by these nations, saying:
“What values are you preaching when you apply them selectively, punishing some while turning a blind eye to others?”
Allegations of Election Fraud
President Kagame accused Tshisekedi of electoral fraud, highlighting Martin Fayulu’s claims from the 2018 elections, where Fayulu asserted he was the rightful winner. Last year’s election results also came under scrutiny, with Tshisekedi securing a second term ahead of Moïse Katumbi Chapwe, who placed second, and Fayulu, who came third.
Addressing Diplomatic Challenges
The President called out some diplomats representing countries that, he alleged, exacerbate regional tensions. He urged them to provide accurate reports to their governments instead of spreading misinformation that contradicts the realities they know.
President Kagame’s remarks add to the already tense relations between Rwanda and the DRC, further fueling debates over leadership legitimacy and the role of foreign nations in African political affairs.
