Paul Kagame: Security, a matter of life and death

President Paul Kagame has stressed that he cannot behave as others want him to. According to him, the case of the DRC, in relation to the peace and security of Rwanda, is a matter of life and death for him and his people.

The Rwandan head of state launched this message during a lunch in honor of members of the diplomatic corps, organized this Thursday, January 16, 2025 in Kigali.

President Paul Kagame returned to the case of the conflicts in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He first said that the international community should address the problem of the East of the DRC by starting with the root causes of this problem. For him, it is enough to stick to the facts, the evidence and the reality.

Responding to those accusing Rwanda of participating in the conflicts in the DR Congo, Paul Kagame said Rwanda needs peace more than anyone else. He then stressed that he cannot behave according to the wishes of others because the peace and security of Rwanda is a matter of life and death.

“Rwanda needs peace more than anyone else because we have already tested its absence and its meaning. I cannot afford to behave the way you want me to in dealing with this issue. I cannot, I cannot. It is a matter of life and death for me and my people,” Paul Kagame said.

“Rwanda needs peace more than anyone else, because we have already tested its absence and its meaning.” Paul Kagame

“We paid the highest price of our lives in genocide. We will never, ever, ever go back to pay the same price we paid 30 years ago. For you, it is just something you can talk about and give instructions when you play football, tennis or golf. But for me, it is a matter of life and death. So please understand us and understand the people you are dealing with. We are not the same old idiots you were dealing with 50 years ago,” he added.

President Kagame was referring to the presence and support of the FDLR genocidal militias by the Congolese government on its territory. And this under the gaze of the international community which claims to promote human values and interests.

Paul Kagame, however, thanked the members of the diplomatic corps present for their support to the Rwandan government, in its march towards the socio-economic transformation of Rwanda over the past 30 years. He affirmed that the Rwandan government stands ready to strengthen its bilateral cooperation with various partners.