Kagame Warns Against Any Threat to Rwanda’s Security

President Paul Kagame has reaffirmed that Rwanda will never tolerate any act, agreement, or external influence that threatens its sovereignty and security, emphasizing that the nation “drew its red line long ago.”

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 18th Unity Club Intwararumuri Forum on Friday, November 8, 2025, President Kagame said Rwanda remains firm in defending its stability and the dignity of its people, regardless of external pressures.“There is a lot of deception in some of these so-called agreements we sign with others,” Kagame said in reference to ongoing talks between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“But we have already drawn the line. Anything that threatens Rwanda’s security is something we will never tolerate. Our right to exist and live in peace is something we are ready to live for  or die for.”

A Call for Self-Reliance and Responsibility

President Kagame used the occasion to challenge both leaders and citizens to reject dependency and self-pity, urging Rwandans to focus on building their own future rather than waiting for others to define it. “You cannot build your life by relying on the existence or goodwill of others,” he said. “Why should you live expecting others to sustain you  and not the other way around? Every individual must ask what contribution they make, not just what they receive.”

He highlighted Rwanda’s transformation as a result of leadership accountability, citizen participation, and a shared vision, stressing that development is a collective effort grounded in responsibility, not charity.

Africa’s Development Paradox

Reflecting on Africa’s post-independence journey, President Kagame questioned why, after more than half a century of self-rule, many African nations have made limited progress despite having abundant resources and opportunities. “Fifty or sixty years after independence, many African countries are still in the same position,” he noted. “We must ask ourselves  why have others advanced while we remain stagnant? The problem lies within us, and we must confront it rather than hide behind excuses.”

Kagame described the continent’s stagnation as a “curse we must either break or openly acknowledge,” adding that African nations cannot continue to accept poverty as destiny when they have the means to change it.

African Leaders and Governance Under Scrutiny

During the forum, other speakers echoed the President’s sentiments, pointing to poor governance and complacent mindsets as the root causes of Africa’s challenges.

Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe said Africa’s persistent poverty stems largely from “weak leadership and a mentality that normalizes dependency.”

Former Minister Charles Murigande criticized selfish leadership across the continent, saying many leaders pursue personal wealth rather than the public good. “A true leader eats last,” Murigande said. “But in Africa, too many leaders eat alone  and they make sure no one else gets a share.”

Father Consolateur, a member of the Unity Club, blamed colonial legacies for shaping a mindset of inferiority among Africans. “Colonialism destroyed our sense of self-worth,” he said. “We were uprooted from our values and taught to see ourselves as weak  and sadly, many still believe that.”

Minister of Internal Security Dr. Vincent Biruta concluded that self-reliance remains the only path to liberation: “If African countries commit to independence of mind and action, they can free themselves from any form of bondage.”

A Renewed Sense of Purpose

The Unity Club Intwararumuri which brings together senior leaders, their spouses, and former high-ranking officials  was founded to promote national unity, integrity, and servant leadership.

This year’s 18th edition centered on “Sustaining Rwanda’s Vision Through Responsible Leadership and Self-Reliance.”
President Kagame’s message  stern yet visionary  reaffirmed the principle that has long guided Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery: peace and progress will only endure when citizens take full responsibility for their nation’s destiny. “Our lives, our future, and our security are non-negotiable,” he said firmly. “We will protect them  whatever it takes.”