President Paul Kagame has welcomed the recent peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), calling it a step in the right direction, but warned that Rwanda’s security remains non-negotiable, especially in the face of ongoing rebel threats near its borders.
President Paul Kagame made these remarks during a press briefing held on July 4, 2025, as part of the country’s 31st Liberation Day celebrations. While the conversation touched on various national matters, his firm stance on regional and national security stood out the most.
The peace agreement, signed on June 27, 2025 and mediated by the United States, outlines commitments by both Kigali and Kinshasa to disarm rebel groups, reduce foreign military presence in eastern DRC, and work toward long-term regional stability. President Kagame said the deal offers “a chance” for peace, but emphasized that progress would require compromise and shared responsibility from all involved.
You don’t get 100% of what you want because there are many parties concerned with the problem. Each one may get a piece of what they wanted, another gets a piece of what they wanted, and together, stability comes out of it,” Kagame explained. “So, for me, I think there is a chance that we may get somewhere with that.”
Kagame expressed gratitude to the United States for stepping in to help resolve the decades-long conflict, acknowledging that global attention often overlooks African security crises.
“I thank them (the United States) for even paying attention to the problem at all,” he said. “They could have ignored it, as many have, and just focused on what is happening in the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, or Iran. In people’s minds, those are seen as more important than dealing with this African problem.”
Much of Kagame’s message centered on the persistent threat posed by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel group formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He warned that unless the FDLR is neutralized as outlined in the peace agreement Rwanda will be forced to act to defend its borders.
“If the FDLR is not dealt with as agreed, then the problem remains, and so does the threat,” Kagame warned. “Rwanda will always do what it has to do when FDLR is along our border.”
President Kagame’s comments on Liberation Day reflect a clear and consistent doctrine: peace is desirable, but never at the expense of national security. While welcoming cooperation with international partners, he made it clear that Rwanda will not allow security threats along its borders to go unchecked especially if other parties fail to uphold their side of the agreement.
“Rwanda will always do what it has to do,” Kagame declared, underscoring the country’s readiness to act decisively when its security is compromised.
As Rwanda reflects on 31 years since its liberation, President Kagame’s message was clear: peace in the region must come with shared responsibility, accountability, and firm action against threats. For Rwanda, national security will always remain a top priority.