President Paul Kagame of Rwanda
If the blame game, nice speeches, lies, and being shameless were the solution to this problem, it would have ended long ago – Paul Kagame
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has delivered a sharp critique of Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi’s handling of the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, urging accountability from the Congolese leadership while defending Rwanda’s right to protect its sovereignty.
Speaking at the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council meeting on the security situation in DR Congo, Kagame denounced what he called a “blame game” that has done little to address the region’s deep-rooted instability.
Tshisekedi, however, chose to skip the AU meeting, instead travelling to the Munich Security Conference, where he appealed to Western nations and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to intervene against Rwanda.
“If the blame game, nice speeches, lies, and being shameless were the solution to this problem, it would have ended long ago,” Kagame remarked during the AU meeting.
“We wouldn’t have this problem. We have people who tell lies without any reason.”
In Munich, Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group while making the startling claim that his predecessor, Joseph Kabila, was the real architect behind the rebellion.
“The real sponsor of the opposition that took up arms in complicity with Rwanda is hiding: it is Joseph Kabila. He does not admit it and does not assume responsibility for his actions,” Tshisekedi said at the conference.
The Congolese leader, who has also twice skipped regional summits called to discuss the crisis in DR Congo, met ICC prosecutor Karim Khan.
Tshisekedi’s decision to bypass the AU meeting, which was convened specifically to address the crisis in his country, has drawn criticism for sidelining African-led solutions in favour of seeking Western intervention.
Kagame, in turn, refuted the persistent accusations against Rwanda, reiterating that Kigali’s focus is solely on safeguarding its borders from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a genocidal militia group operating in eastern DR Congo.
“How can FDLR not exist in the minds of some people? Or why is it something that is supposed to be trivialised?” Kagame questioned.
“When you trivialise that, you trivialise my history, and I am not going to accept it. It doesn’t matter who you are.”
The Rwandan leader went on to challenge DR Congo’s tendency to externalise its problems, accusing Tshisekedi’s administration of failing to confront its internal challenges.
“When does Congo take responsibility for its own mess? How does Congo think all their problems come from outside, and therefore they outsource solutions for their problems? Rwanda has nothing to do with Congo’s problems. We have our own problems to deal with. Congo is too big for Rwanda to carry on its back,” Kagame stated.
Kagame also underscored Rwanda’s right to protect its people and sovereignty, rejecting any notion of seeking approval from external parties.
“I am not seeking any favour from anybody in this room to be given permission for me to live or for my people to live. Absolutely not. I will live by the fact that it is my right. Just that,” Kagame said.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, which has displaced millions and led to a worsening humanitarian crisis, has been fuelled by numerous armed groups, including the FDLR and M23.
While Tshisekedi continues to accuse Rwanda of backing M23, Kigali has consistently denied the allegations, asserting instead that the FDLR, which it accuses of working with elements within the Congolese army (FARDC), remains its primary security concern.
Tshisekedi’s remarks in Munich accusing Joseph Kabila of being the “real sponsor” behind M23 point to deep political divisions within DR Congo’s leadership as the country grapples with regional instability.
Observers note that Tshisekedi’s focus on external blame, coupled with internal power struggles, may hinder efforts to bring lasting peace to the conflict-ridden region.
“As I told you, we are a small country, we are a poor country, but when it comes to the right to live, don’t you be mistaken. I am not begging; I will not beg anyone,” Kagame said, underscoring Rwanda’s determination to defend its national interests.
With elections looming in the DRC later this year, the crisis remains a major test of Tshisekedi’s leadership amid mounting criticism over his administration’s approach.
Regional and international observers have called for greater internal accountability and cooperation to address the conflict’s underlying causes.