On March 16, during a Presidential Citizen Outreach event at BK Arena, Rwandan President Paul Kagame issued a stern warning to Belgium, accusing the European nation of meddling in Rwanda’s progress and attempting to impose unwarranted sanctions. His remarks came against the backdrop of escalating tensions in eastern DR Congo, where Belgium has been accused of aligning itself with Kinshasa’s government while fueling ethnic violence and deflecting blame onto Rwanda.
The event, attended by thousands of citizens from Kigali City, was a platform for Kagame to address key issues affecting the region. He strongly criticized Belgium’s historical and ongoing role in destabilizing Central Africa, highlighting its colonial legacy as the root cause of many conflicts in the region.
“One of the misfortunes we have is having been colonized by a small country, similar in size to Rwanda, which partitioned Rwanda to match its own size,” Kagame said. He stressed that Rwanda was not responsible for the displacement of its people beyond its borders. “It is not Rwanda that expelled them there. It is not Rwanda that chased people to Kisoro (Uganda), Masisi, and Rutshuru (DR Congo).”
He argued that if these displaced people were to be forced out again, they should be allowed to take their land with them, adding, “If peace is truly the goal, people must be given their rights; otherwise, they will fight for them.”
Accusations of Historical AtrocitiesThe President did not mince words in accusing Belgium of historical atrocities against Rwandans. He alleged that Belgium, which ruled Rwanda before its independence, was responsible for past killings and continues to perpetuate injustices against the country.
“They killed Rwandans 30 years ago and have continued to return to finish off the survivors. We warned them before, and we are doing so again,” Kagame stated, implying that Belgium’s actions have consistently undermined Rwanda’s sovereignty and security.
He reaffirmed that Rwanda was not responsible for the war it is being blamed for in DR Congo. However, he made it clear that his country would not stand idly by while being subjected to unfair accusations and interventions.
“If Rwanda is to be blamed for problems created by countries unwilling to care for their people, we have no choice but to fight. When resources are limited, we rely on relentless will and courage to defend ourselves,” Kagame declared.
Rejecting External Pressure and Baseless SanctionsKagame also criticized Western nations for imposing what he described as “baseless sanctions” on Rwanda, allegedly at Belgium’s behest. He condemned these sanctions as hypocritical, arguing that they were being orchestrated by the very nations responsible for the region’s instability.
“It is ironic that those responsible for the problem are the same ones calling for sanctions against Rwanda,” Kagame remarked.
He also noted that when questioned about the rationale behind these punitive measures, those enforcing them often failed to provide clear justifications. “Even when asked for justification, they fail to provide clear reasons, merely stating, ‘We don’t know, but we were told by the Belgians to do so.’”
Despite these external pressures, Kagame reassured Rwandans that the country would continue on its path of development and self-reliance. He urged citizens to remain steadfast and resist any attempts to derail Rwanda’s progress.
Defending National Identity and SovereigntyBeyond addressing external pressures, Kagame emphasized the importance of upholding Rwanda’s national identity, dignity, and independence. He encouraged Rwandans to reject colonial-era mindsets and assert their sovereignty.
“You must have the mindset that we are Rwandans, not colonizers’ subjects,” Kagame told the audience. He reiterated that Rwanda’s focus remains on dignity, peace, and development, but warned that the nation would defend itself whenever necessary.
The President underscored that Rwanda has chosen the path of peaceful coexistence but will not hesitate to take a stand against those seeking to undermine it.
Call for African-Led SolutionsKagame’s remarks also came at a time when the international community has been urged to support African-led peace initiatives to stabilize the Great Lakes region. He emphasized that external interference, particularly from former colonial powers, has historically worsened conflicts rather than resolving them.
He expressed skepticism about Western involvement in African affairs, urging regional leaders to take control of their own destinies.
“We must not be afraid to speak out, to fight for ourselves, and to resist those who seek to annihilate us,” Kagame said.
The President’s speech resonated with many Rwandans, particularly given the country’s history of resilience in overcoming adversity, including the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
The Bigger Picture: Regional ImplicationsKagame’s statements highlight broader regional dynamics, where international actors often influence conflicts for their own strategic interests. His warning to Belgium serves as a reminder of the historical and ongoing struggles that African nations face when dealing with former colonial powers.
The accusations against Belgium align with Rwanda’s broader stance that African nations should take charge of their own security and development. This perspective has gained traction among many African leaders who view foreign interventions with increasing skepticism.
Furthermore, Kagame’s speech reflects Rwanda’s growing assertiveness on the international stage. The country has consistently positioned itself as a nation that prioritizes self-reliance and refuses to be dictated to by external forces.
ConclusionPresident Kagame’s speech at the Presidential Citizen Outreach event sent a strong message to Belgium and other Western nations regarding Rwanda’s position on regional affairs. He highlighted Belgium’s colonial-era divisions and their lasting impact while accusing the European nation of continued interference in Rwanda’s progress.
His call for self-reliance, national pride, and resistance against unjust sanctions underscores Rwanda’s unwavering commitment to its sovereignty. As tensions in eastern DR Congo persist, Kagame’s remarks signal that Rwanda will not back down from defending its national interests.
While the international community debates the best way to address the crisis, Rwanda’s stance remains clear: external forces should not dictate the future of African nations. Instead, regional solutions driven by those most affected should take precedence.
Kagame’s firm words reinforce Rwanda’s commitment to self-determination and its refusal to be a pawn in the geopolitical struggles of former colonial powers. As Rwanda continues to navigate these challenges, its leadership remains steadfast in ensuring the country’s security, dignity, and progress.
