In a fiery address marking the start of Rwanda’s genocide remembrance events, President Paul Kagame issued a blunt dismissal to countries imposing sanctions on Kigali over the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): “Go to hell.”
Kagame’s comments follow growing international pressure over Rwanda’s alleged support of the M23 rebel group, which has captured strategic territories in eastern DRC, including the major cities of Goma and Bukavu. UN investigators estimate that Rwanda has deployed up to 4,000 troops on Congolese soil in support of the militants.
The European Union, United States, Britain, Canada, and Germany have all responded with sanctions or aid restrictions in recent months. But Kagame appeared unfazed, criticizing foreign powers for their interference: “You have your own issues to deal with. Go and solve them. Leave me to handle mine.”
Tensions between Rwanda and Congo reached a critical point this year, even as both nations pledged to pursue a ceasefire during a surprise meeting brokered by Qatar in Doha. Behind the diplomatic stage, however, M23 forces have continued to advance, recently seizing the town of Walikale before pulling back in what negotiators described as a sign of goodwill.
Peace talks remain delicate. A delegation from Kinshasa recently held discussions with M23 representatives in Qatar, though meaningful breakthroughs remain elusive.
At the heart of the conflict lies the DRC’s vast wealth of resources—particularly lithium, cobalt, tantalum, tin, and gold—essential for the global tech and electric vehicle industries. The scramble for control of these minerals has long fueled instability and violence in the region, with the latest escalation once again threatening to upend fragile efforts at peace.
As international scrutiny mounts, Kagame’s defiant tone signals that Rwanda is unlikely to back down under external pressure.
