Wayne Lumbasi
Paul Kagame has criticised the growing use of sanctions in global politics, saying they are increasingly being used as tools of power and pressure by stronger nations against weaker states during periods of geopolitical tension. He made the remarks while speaking at the 2026 Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, which brought together African leaders, investors and business executives from more than 70 countries.
Kagame argued that sanctions are often driven more by strategic and economic interests than by fairness or justice. Referring to ongoing tensions involving Rwanda and the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, he said global powers tend to side with countries that offer greater economic or geopolitical value. “Sanctions are just applied in a case of the one who provides less than the other,” Kagame said, adding that such measures often “go in favor of the highest bidder.”
The Rwandan leader also accused powerful nations of using democracy and human rights narratives while pursuing access to Africa’s mineral wealth and strategic resources. He said sanctions and similar measures are “meant to hurt people,” but maintained that Rwanda would not back down under pressure. Kagame stated that accepting what he described as “the wrong thing” would ultimately cost more than resisting sanctions.
His comments come amid growing scrutiny from Western governments over Rwanda’s alleged involvement in eastern Congo through support for the M23 rebel movement, accusations Kigali continues to deny. Earlier this year, the United States imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force and several senior military officials over alleged backing of the rebels.
Kagame called on African countries to cooperate more closely and reduce dependence on foreign powers, arguing that the continent must build stronger collective leverage in global affairs. He told delegates at the forum that Africa should stop “waiting to be ripped off” and instead defend its own interests in an increasingly competitive world order.
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