Rwanda warns against efforts to eliminate M23 rebel group
Rwanda warns against efforts to eliminate M23 rebel group
The President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, delivered a firm message during a political party meeting on Friday, July 17, 2026, addressing regional security concerns amid ongoing tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking to the political bureau of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), Kagame emphasized the country’s unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty and security, particularly in light of sanctions imposed on Rwandan officials and companies by the United States.
He strongly rejected what he described as attempts to silence Rwanda’s voice, declaring that the only way to achieve such an objective would be through his death.
“Silencing people will be harder than some think. Telling us to be quiet means supporting those who want to kill you, just as they have done before, and we will handle it our way. The only way to silence me is when I am dead. That is the truth,” he stated.
Kagame also stressed the equal value of every human life, rejecting any discriminatory approach. Referring to Rwanda’s size and vulnerability, he acknowledged that the country could face harm but firmly rejected any notion of its existence being challenged.
“Devaluing 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, insignificant in many ways. You can harm us, but wishing our disappearance is no small matter,” he asserted.
The President then turned to the security situation in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group, accused by the UN and Western nations of receiving Rwandan support, currently controls large areas of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Kagame warned that calls to eliminate the M23 amounted to an indirect threat against Rwanda itself.
“When they say they will make the M23 disappear, they mean even Rwanda—we will make you disappear. Well, I cannot wish for that. I cannot desire such a thing. But if it happens, and I cannot prevent it, I believe they will find us ready,” he cautioned.
His remarks come at a time when diplomatic efforts, including the Washington Agreement and the Doha Process under Qatari mediation, have failed to yield tangible progress. The lack of compliance with commitments and the ongoing deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC continue to undermine peace initiatives.
Despite multiple rounds of negotiations, Kinshasa and the M23 rebellion remain far apart on key issues, with the latest talks in Montreux, Switzerland, failing to produce meaningful results. International observers have repeatedly called for adherence to peace agreements, but their appeals have so far gone unheeded.
The persistent gap between diplomatic agreements and ground realities underscores the challenges facing regional stability in the Great Lakes region.
