Kagame Defies Sanctions Threats and Rejects Any Involvement in Congo

DRC-Rwanda, February 5, 2026 - Rwandan President Paul Kagame attributed ongoing tensions with the DRC to the presence of Rwandan Hutu rebels from the FDLR on Congolese territory, rejecting any claims of Kigali’s involvement in mineral exploitation during the opening of the “Umushyikirano” national dialogue in Kigali.

Kagame stated:

“The problem Rwanda has with the DRC mainly concerns the FDLR present there, as well as their genocidal ideology,” asserting that these fighters threaten Rwanda. He dismissed accusations that Kigali is motivated by exploitation of Congolese resources or seeks to seize territory, calling them “pretensions.”

According to the Rwandan head of state,

“The war in the DRC was not started by Rwanda, nor did it originate in Rwanda,”adding that Rwanda’s defensive measures are unrelated to Congolese minerals, but are a response to persistent security threats since 1994.

Kagame further accused Congolese authorities of harboring and arming FDLR members, asserting that some had been integrated into the Congolese army, while others were collaborating with it. He noted that the transmission of ideology to new generations made the issue “not insignificant.”

On international sanctions threats, Kagame emphasized that Rwanda would not be “stifled”, adding:

“If we were truly in the DRC for minerals, Rwanda would be a hundred times richer than we are today.”

Background:

UN and US reports accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group, escalating the conflict and regional instability.

UN experts claim the rebels receive instructions and support from Kigali, and the UN Security Council has demanded Rwanda cease support and withdraw troops.

The US has accused Kigali of provoking war through training, logistics, equipment, and fighters for M23, despite the Washington Peace Agreement.

Targeted sanctions have been imposed on Rwandan officials for their alleged role in the Congolese crisis.

Kigali rejects these accusations, denying any support for AFC/M23 and reaffirming its commitment to peace.