Kigali, Saturday 18 July 2026 — In a rare but firm public address, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has delivered a strong warning to those seeking to weaken the M23 rebel group, stating that such efforts would be tantamount to targeting the very existence of Rwanda itself. Speaking at a meeting of the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) Political Bureau, Kagame emphasized that his country would defend itself resolutely if confronted with existential threats.
Uncompromising stance on national security
Addressing members of the RPF leadership, President Kagame rejected what he described as attempts to silence Rwanda and dismiss its legitimate security concerns. He asserted that the only way to “silence” him would be through his death, underscoring the country’s unwavering commitment to sovereignty.
“Trying to silence us will prove far more difficult than some imagine. Telling us to remain quiet is equivalent to encouraging others to come and kill you, just as they did before. We will handle things in the way we see fit. The only way to silence me is when I am no longer alive.”
Kagame also criticized the notion of placing unequal value on human life, affirming that the RPF does not endorse any policy that devalues certain lives over others. Highlighting Rwanda’s small size and perceived vulnerability, he acknowledged that the country could be harmed but warned that any attempt to erase its existence would be unacceptable.
“Belittling lives and suggesting that some lives matter more than others is not our policy. It is not the policy of the RPF. We are a small country. In many ways, insignificant. You can harm us. But wishing our disappearance? That is no small matter.”
M23 crisis: a veiled threat to Rwanda?
The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the M23 rebel group—allegedly supported by Rwanda according to UN and Western sources—has seized control of large parts of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Kagame dismissed these allegations as baseless but warned that declarations calling for the elimination of M23 could extend beyond the armed group to target Rwanda itself.
“When they say they will make M23 disappear, they mean Rwanda will disappear too. Well, I cannot wish for that. I cannot desire such an outcome. But if it happens—if I cannot prevent it—I believe they will find us ready.”
Diplomatic deadlock amid ongoing violence
Despite the signing of the Washington Agreement and multiple diplomatic initiatives—including the Doha Process under Qatari mediation and talks held in Montreux, Switzerland—the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate. Key stakeholders have failed to bridge their differences, with both Kinshasa and the M23 rebel leadership interpreting peace agreements differently, further stalling implementation.
International observers have repeatedly called for adherence to peace commitments, yet tangible progress remains elusive. The widening gap between diplomatic declarations and ground realities continues to fuel instability in the region.