Diplomatic Luncheon | Remarks by President Paul Kagame

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame Delivers Powerful Speech on National and International Issues

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame delivered a thought-provoking and powerful speech. His address covered a wide range of topics that reflect the nation's challenges and triumphs and the complexities of global politics. It touched on issues of governance, peace, security, and Rwanda's role in the international community, emphasizing the importance of values, interests, and truth in global relations.

Key Highlights of the Speech

1. The Importance of Values in Global Relations President Kagame began by reflecting on the role of values and interests in international relations. He questioned the selective application of these values, urging that they should be universally respected, regardless of political or economic considerations. The President emphasized that while nations must uphold values, these should not conflict with facts, evidence, or the truth. He pointed out the hypocrisy often displayed in global governance, where certain countries continue to receive preferential treatment. In contrast, others are judged harshly based on selective interpretations of international law and values.

2. Addressing Rwanda’s Role in Eastern Congo: Much of the speech discussed Rwanda’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kagame strongly defended Rwanda’s position, emphasizing the historical context of the relationship between the two nations. He described how Rwanda continues to bear the burden of the conflict despite having been a victim of genocide itself. Kagame argued that Rwanda is constantly blamed for its involvement in Congo. Yet, the root causes of the conflict, such as the presence of genocidal forces operating in the region, are often ignored. He expressed frustration over the international community’s selective approach to the issue, pointing out that Rwanda’s actions are driven by the need to protect its citizens from ongoing threats emanating from Eastern Congo.

The President made it clear that Rwanda would not yield to international pressure to abandon its pursuit of security in the face of these threats. He reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to its sovereignty and security, stating that the country would not return to the traumatic events of the past, particularly the genocide that ravaged the nation 30 years ago. Kagame expressed confidence that Rwanda would continue to resist external pressures, prioritizing the safety and security of its people.

3. The International Community’s Role in Regional Stability Kagame criticized the international community for its inability to address the root causes of regional instability, particularly in the Great Lakes region. He highlighted the role of foreign powers and international organizations, such as the United Nations, in perpetuating the status quo. Despite participating in peacekeeping missions in the region, Kagame argued that these interventions have not led to a sustainable resolution of the conflict, instead merely prolonging the suffering of the people.

The President’s call for accountability and a more genuine effort to address the core issues of insecurity in the region stands as a stark reminder of the complexities of international diplomacy. He pointed out the double standards in the global response to Rwanda’s actions. Rwanda is often criticized for intervening to protect its borders, while larger, more influential nations are allowed to act with relative impunity.

4. The Challenge of Upholding Sovereignty In his speech, Kagame also touched on Rwanda’s journey toward self-reliance and sovereignty. He shared his experience with international policies often hindering the country’s development. He spoke candidly about Rwanda’s challenges with international trade agreements, citing the example of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which was supposed to help stimulate growth in Rwanda’s textile industry. However, when Rwanda took steps to protect and grow its industry by rejecting the importation of second-hand clothes, the country was penalized by being removed from the list of AGOA beneficiaries. This move, Kagame argued, highlights the disparity in how African nations are treated compared to more resource-rich countries that continue to benefit from such international agreements.

5. Reflections on Rwanda’s Success and Challenges In a more personal reflection, Kagame expressed gratitude for Rwanda's support from its international partners, particularly in overcoming challenges such as the Marburg virus outbreak. However, he also acknowledged that disagreements are inevitable and must be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect. The President emphasized that Rwanda would continue to pursue its development path, even if it meant disagreeing with some international policies.

Reporter’s Comment:

President Kagame’s speech offers a candid and forceful perspective on Rwanda’s position within international politics. His remarks reflect the resilience of the Rwandan people and the deep frustrations that come with being a small, landlocked nation striving for self-determination while navigating the power dynamics of global politics. Kagame’s emphasis on truth, facts, and the value of sovereignty is particularly poignant, especially in light of the ongoing regional instability. His critique of foreign interventions and the selective application of international values underscores a broader issue in global governance: the failure to address root causes and instead focusing on surface-level issues that fail to bring about lasting peace.

The speech also reminds us of Rwanda's painful history and how that past continues to shape the nation’s foreign policy decisions. Kagame’s unwavering stance on not allowing Rwanda to ever return to the devastation of the genocide reflects a deep commitment to protecting his people, even in the face of international criticism. As Rwanda continues to assert its sovereignty, it is clear that President Kagame remains resolute in defending the nation's interests while calling for a more honest, evidence-based approach to resolving regional and global conflicts.

In conclusion, Kagame’s speech is a defense of Rwanda’s actions and a broader appeal for fairness and integrity in international relations. As the country moves forward, it will be crucial for the global community to take a more nuanced and honest approach to addressing the root causes of instability in regions like the Great Lakes and to support Rwanda's pursuit of lasting peace and development.