Speaking at the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa on February 14, 2025, Kagame condemned the rhetoric that shifts responsibility for Congo's instability onto external actors, particularly Rwanda, instead of addressing the root causes of the conflict.
'If the blame game, nice speeches, lies, and shamelessness were the solution to this problem, it would have ended long ago. Some people lie for no reason,' he stated.
'How can FDLR not exist in the minds of some people? Or why is it treated something that is supposed to be trivialized? when you trivialize it, you trivialize my history, and I will not accept that. It doesn't matter who you are,' he added.
Kagame made it clear that Rwanda would not compromise on its right to security. 'I am not asking anyone in this room for permission to live, nor am I begging for my people's right to exist. Absolutely not. We will live because it is our right. That's it.'
Rwanda rejects responsibility for DRC's problems
Kinshasa has consistently blamed Rwanda for its internal conflicts, lobbying international organizations and powerful nations to impose sanctions on Kigali. However, Kagame firmly rejected this narrative, emphasizing that Congo must take responsibility for its own crisis.
'When will Congo take responsibility for its own mess? How does Congo believe all its problems come from outside, and therefore seek external solutions?' he asked.
'Rwanda has nothing to do with Congo's problems. We have our own challenges to deal with. Congo is too big for Rwanda to carry on its back.'
As M23 rebels continue to seize strategic positions in eastern DRC including the recent capture of Goma and a push toward Bukavu, Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the group.
Despite Kigali's outright denials, these allegations have fueled international controversy while overshadowing the Congolese government's partnerships with various militias, including the FDLR.
The situation has further deteriorated with the FARDC, alongside FDLR militants, Burundian troops, and mercenaries, launching attacks on Rwanda's Rubavu District in late January 2025, killing 16 civilians and destroying homes.
During a recent East African Community summit, Kagame made it clear that Rwanda would not remain silent in the face of such provocations.
'With fighting intensifying and diplomatic efforts struggling to yield results, one thing remains clear, Rwanda will not be scapegoated for Congo's deep-rooted conflicts.'
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/ignoring-the-fdlr-is-an-insult-to-our-history-president-kagame
