Kagame Says Rwanda Will Not Yield Despite US Sanctions Pressure

Kigali, May 14, 2026 - President Paul Kagame has said Rwanda will not alter its policies despite sanctions imposed by the United States earlier this year, acknowledging the measures as painful but insisting they will not influence the country’s strategic direction.

Speaking during the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali, Kagame said the sanctions were designed to cause pressure but argued that complying with external demands would be more costly for Rwanda in the long term. He emphasized that the country would continue pursuing its current course, describing it as a matter of principle and national interest.

The Rwandan president also urged African states to resist external political pressure, criticizing what he described as attempts by powerful countries to influence sovereign decisions. He added that such actions would eventually lose relevance over time.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions following US sanctions announced in March targeting Rwanda’s military leadership over allegations related to instability in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The measures include financial restrictions and visa limitations on senior officials.

Despite growing international pressure, Kagame reaffirmed that Rwanda’s position remains unchanged, framing the situation as part of broader geopolitical competition involving regional security and access to strategic mineral resources in the region.