Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has sent a fiery message to countries imposing sanctions on his government: Kigali will not yield to external threats.
Speaking at a national event marking the remembrance of the 1994 genocide, Kagame dismissed recent sanctions leveled against Rwanda with sharp words, telling the crowd, “Go to hell.” Without naming specific nations, Kagame condemned what he called hypocrisy from foreign governments, urging them to “fix their own problems” before criticizing others.
In recent months, tensions have flared over Rwanda’s alleged support of the M23 rebel group, active in the mineral-rich eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). United Nations reports suggest that Rwanda has deployed thousands of troops across the border — claims Kigali denies.
The fallout has been swift. The United States and European Union have slapped sanctions on several high-ranking Rwandan officials. Britain, Germany, and Canada have also taken steps, including suspending aid and tightening trade restrictions. Yet Kagame’s response has been one of defiance rather than concession.
Meanwhile, on the ground, M23’s movements have continued to stir unrest. Although the group recently withdrew from the town of Walikale, the situation remains tense. Talks hosted in Qatar brought Congolese and M23 representatives to the table, with both sides agreeing to an immediate ceasefire — though whether it will hold remains uncertain.
The broader backdrop is a scramble for resources. Eastern Congo’s vast stores of lithium, cobalt, gold, and tantalum are vital to the global tech economy, making control over the region a high-stakes prize. But for years, these riches have also fueled cycles of conflict, leaving civilians caught in the middle.
Kagame’s latest remarks suggest Rwanda is prepared to stand its ground, sanctions or not — setting the stage for a potentially even deeper rift between Kigali and Western powers.
