By Afrireport 
President Paul Kagame has pushed back strongly against accusations that Rwanda is seeking to exploit mineral resources in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), dismissing the claims as misleading and politically motivated.
Speaking in Kigali, Kagame said Rwanda has neither the capacity nor the interest to plunder Congolese minerals, arguing that such narratives are repeatedly used to divert attention from deeper governance and security challenges within the DRC.
He insisted that blaming Rwanda has become an easy option whenever the situation in eastern Congo deteriorates.
Kagame maintained that Rwanda’s primary concern has always been its national security, particularly threats posed by armed groups operating near its borders.
He pointed specifically to the continued presence of the FDLR, a militia linked to perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, saying its activities remain a direct threat to Rwanda’s stability.
According to Kagame, addressing these security concerns has often been misinterpreted or deliberately distorted as economic ambition.
The Rwandan president argued that Rwanda’s economy is built on reforms, innovation and regional trade rather than illegal extraction of resources.
He noted that Rwanda’s development trajectory is well documented and supported by transparent policies, making allegations of mineral plunder inconsistent with the country’s broader economic strategy.
Also Read
- Why Matiang’i Says Kenya Must Unite Now or Pay the Price
- “We Are Not After Congo’s Minerals!” Kagame Fires Back in Kigali
- All Eyes on Homabay as ODM Kicks Off Crucial Delegates’ Polls
- Fresh Storm at IEBC as Martha Karua Questions Sunkuli’s Appointment
- Massive Boost for Mombasa, Kwale, Taita-Taveta Youth, Sh139.5 Million Disbursed!
Kagame also criticised sections of the international community, accusing them of selectively amplifying unverified claims while ignoring long standing issues inside the DRC.
He said the focus should be on strengthening Congolese institutions, restoring state authority in conflict prone areas and addressing the root causes of insecurity instead of pointing fingers at neighbouring countries.
At the same time, Kagame reaffirmed Rwanda’s support for regional and diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising eastern Congo.
He said Rwanda remains committed to dialogue under regional frameworks, including African Union and East African Community led initiatives, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through cooperation rather than accusations.
The remarks come amid renewed regional tensions and international scrutiny over the prolonged conflict in eastern DRC, a region rich in minerals but plagued by decades of violence involving numerous armed groups.
Rwanda has consistently denied any involvement in illegal exploitation, maintaining that peace and security are prerequisites for economic progress across the Great Lakes region.
Kagame concluded by calling for honest conversations grounded in facts, warning that repeated false accusations risk undermining regional trust and delaying meaningful solutions to one of Africa’s most complex conflicts.
