"Global powers have always existed, and they can impose sanctions. But that doesn't mean that if they sanction you today, you have nowhere else to go. Things have changed,' Mukuralinda stated.
He highlighted that many African countries have thrived without these western financial aids, even rejecting loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank while still managing to repay their debts.
Speaking on national television, Mukuralinda urged Rwandans to continue expanding partnerships with other countries worldwide, ensuring that even if some European nations impose sanctions, the country remains unaffected.
"Rwandans need to understand the stance they should take. Should they panic? Should we abandon our security just because of sanctions? Or should we renounce what we have stood for all along?' he questioned.
'If we were lying, then perhaps we deserve the sanctions. But if we were truthful, we must remain firm and ready for any consequences. The world remains open, and we can still establish new partnerships," he affirmed
He emphasized that the world is now open for cooperation, and no country can be forced into partnerships against its will.
The proposed sanctions by EU lawmakers include suspending financial aid to Rwanda's national budget, halting support for its security institutions, and canceling a December 2023 agreement on critical mineral trade.
These measures stem from accusations that Rwanda has deployed troops in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), an allegation Kigali has consistently denied.
Mukuralinda pointed out that while it remains to be seen whether EU member states will act on these recommendations, Rwandans should prepare by fostering broader international partnerships.
Mukuralinda reiterated that Rwanda cannot be coerced into maintaining partnerships with those unwilling to cooperate. "You cannot force someone to work with you if they don't want to. But we also cannot compromise our national security out of fear of sanctions," he affirmed.
"If you cannot abandon your country's security and peace, then you have no choice but to confront the consequences of such sanctions," he added.
He stressed that the sanctions being pushed by EU lawmakers would not address the real issue, the ongoing threats from DRC and Burundi, whose leaders have openly expressed intentions to attack Rwanda.
He also raised concerns about the presence of DRC's armed forces (FARDC), the FDLR militia, Burundian troops, and SADC forces near Rwanda's borders.
These tensions emanate from accusations by the Congolese government that Rwanda supports the M23 rebel group, which is composed of Congolese nationals fighting for their rights.
Kinshasa has aggressively lobbied for international sanctions against Rwanda while forging alliances with the FDLR, a militia made up of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has repeatedly declared his intention to attack Rwanda and overthrow its government, forming military alliances with the FDLR, European mercenaries, the Wazalendo militia, Burundian troops, and SADC forces to carry out this plan.
Meanwhile, Rwandan President Paul Kagame recently reaffirmed that no amount of sanctions would deter the country from prioritizing its national security.
IGIHE
