Rwandan President Paul Kagame has defended his country’s continued military posture in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, insisting Rwanda will not withdraw its forces while security threats persist along its border.
In a wide ranging interview with Jeune Afrique, Kagame said Rwanda actions are strictly defensive, aimed at countering the threat posed by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a militia group with roots in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide.
“Don’t expect me to lift our defense measures while you let Félix Tshisekedi do what he wants,” Kagame said, referring to the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The remarks come months after a United States brokered peace agreement signed in Washington sought to ease tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa. Despite that deal, fighting and instability continue in eastern Congo, underscoring the fragility of regional diplomacy.
Rwanda cites security concerns along volatile border
Kagame framed Rwanda military presence as a matter of national security, arguing that threats from armed groups inside Congo justify proactive measures beyond its borders.
He said defensive actions may include troop deployments, military coordination and operations aimed at neutralizing threats before they reach Rwandan territory.
“If I defend my border and for that it is necessary to address the threat five, 10, or 20 kilometers beyond, it remains a defensive measure,” Kagame said.
The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda remains a central concern for Kigali. The group has long been viewed by Rwanda as a direct security threat due to its links to perpetrators of the genocide.
Kagame criticized what he described as an imbalance in international pressure, arguing that Rwanda is being singled out while Congo internal challenges are overlooked.
“Why do we only talk about Rwanda, when it faces a government that works with the FDLR and to which no one asks anything?” he said.
Tensions persist despite Washington peace agreement
The December 2025 agreement signed in Washington was hailed as a breakthrough in efforts to stabilize the Great Lakes region. However, Kagame suggested implementation has been uneven.
He said Rwanda cannot be expected to fully comply with the agreement if Congo fails to uphold its commitments.
“You cannot expect one party to fulfill all of its obligations while the other fulfills them only partially or not at all,” Kagame said.
The United States has also imposed sanctions on Rwanda defense forces and several military officials over alleged support for the M23 rebel group.
Kagame rejected the sanctions as unjustified and politically motivated.
“I don’t accept sanctions whose basis I don’t understand,” he said, adding that such measures often reflect the interests of those imposing them rather than objective realities.
Debate over M23 and regional dynamics
A key point of contention remains the role of the M23 rebel group, which has seized territory in eastern Congo, including strategic border towns.
Kagame denied that M23 is a Rwandan backed movement, describing it instead as a Congolese political issue that requires a domestic solution.
“The M23 is not a Rwandan movement,” he said. “It is a Congolese movement. The problem must find a Congolese political solution.”
However, Rwanda has acknowledged engaging in what it calls security coordination in the region, a statement widely interpreted as confirmation of its military presence on Congolese soil.
Kagame did not dispute that interpretation, saying such actions are consistent with Rwanda defensive strategy.
Meanwhile, Congo government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing M23, a claim supported by some international observers but denied by Kigali.
Border security and shifting control
Kagame argued that the current situation has improved Rwanda security.
He pointed to the presence of M23 forces in border areas as a stabilizing factor, saying it has reduced cross border threats.
“From a security standpoint, it is a clear fact,” Kagame said. “Our entire border with the DRC is now secured.”
That assertion is likely to deepen controversy, as it suggests Rwanda sees strategic value in the current balance of power inside eastern Congo.
The region, rich in minerals and affected by decades of conflict, remains one of Africa most volatile areas.
Kagame dismissed allegations that Rwanda involvement is driven by economic interests, particularly the exploitation of Congo vast mineral resources.
Regional and international stakes
The conflict in eastern Congo has drawn in multiple actors, including neighboring countries, armed groups and global powers, making resolution increasingly complex.
Kagame called on the international community, including Washington, to take a more balanced approach.
“It should not give the impression of exerting heavy pressure on one side while treating the other differently,” he said.
He also addressed questions about former Congolese President Joseph Kabila, who has been linked to political developments in the region.
Kagame said individuals seeking to contribute to Congo stability should not be blocked, dismissing suggestions that Rwanda is backing specific political figures.
Uncertain path forward
Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation in eastern Congo remains tense, with no immediate resolution in sight.
Kagame remarks signal that Rwanda is unlikely to shift its position soon, raising concerns about prolonged instability in the region.
Analysts say the lack of trust between Kigali and Kinshasa, combined with competing narratives about security and sovereignty, continues to hinder progress.
As fighting persists and humanitarian conditions worsen, the stakes remain high not only for the two countries but for the broader Great Lakes region.
Whether renewed diplomacy can bridge the divide remains uncertain. For now, Rwanda appears determined to maintain its military posture and defend it on the international stage.
