Rwandan President Paul Kagame said US sanctions on Rwanda's military will not alter Kigali's approach to eastern DRC, calling the measures a price of defending national interests. The US sanctioned Rwandan defense forces and senior officials in March, accusing them of backing M23 rebels and violating a Washington-brokered ceasefire. Kigali insists its focus is on countering the FDLR; Kinshasa and UN investigators allege direct Rwandan support to M23, which Kigali denies.
Kagame Dismisses US Sanctions, Vows Rwanda Will Maintain Course in Eastern DRC
Rwandan President Paul Kagame said US sanctions imposed on his country's military will not change Kigali's approach to the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, calling the measures a "cost of defending national interests." He made the remarks at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali.
Sanctions and Allegations
In March, the United States sanctioned Rwanda's defense forces and several senior officials, accusing them of providing support to the M23 rebel group, which has seized mineral-rich territory in eastern DRC. Washington said those actions violated a Washington-brokered ceasefire and accused Rwanda of fueling regional instability.
Kagame's Response
"I never capitulated in the worst situation," Kagame told executives and policymakers. "In a way we are hurt but I think we would be hurt more by not doing what we are doing."
Kigali maintains its operations in the DRC are aimed at countering the FDLR, a militia formed by perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against Tutsis. Authorities in Kinshasa and UN investigators allege Rwanda has provided direct military support to M23 — an accusation Rwanda firmly denies.
The dispute has heightened regional tensions and complicated international efforts to restore stability in eastern DRC. Kagame said Rwanda is prepared to bear the diplomatic and economic costs of pursuing what it considers vital security objectives while continuing to defend its national interests.
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