Wayne Lumbasi
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has firmly rejected accusations that Rwanda’s involvement in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is driven by mineral interests, declaring that such claims distort both Rwanda’s intentions and its economic reality. Speaking at the 2026 Umushyikirano National Dialogue Council in Kigali, Kagame delivered a pointed defense of Rwanda’s regional posture, insisting that the country’s progress is built on lawful enterprise and internal development and not exploitation of its neighbor’s resources.
In a remark that underscored the strength of his denial, Kagame stated that if Rwanda were operating in Congo to extract minerals, the nation would be “100 times richer” than it is today. The comment directly challenged persistent allegations that Rwanda benefits financially from instability in eastern Congo, an area endowed with strategic minerals including gold, coltan, cobalt, and tin.
Kagame framed Rwanda’s engagement with the region as fundamentally security-driven. He cited the continued presence of armed groups operating near Rwanda’s borders including factions linked to the aftermath of the 1994 genocide as an enduring threat to national stability. According to the president, safeguarding Rwanda’s security remains a legitimate priority, separate from economic motives attributed by critics.
The Rwandan leader also questioned the consistency of international narratives surrounding Kigali’s role in the conflict. He argued that accusations often fluctuate between claims of territorial ambition and mineral plunder, creating what he described as a misleading portrayal of Rwanda’s actions. Kagame maintained that such narratives divert attention from the deeper structural causes of eastern Congo’s instability, including governance challenges, armed group proliferation, and unresolved regional tensions.
Kagame emphasized that Rwanda’s economic gains stem from domestic reforms, investment in human capital, and regulated exploitation of its own mineral resources. He rejected suggestions of illegal mining involvement, reiterating Kigali’s position that its mineral sector operates within recognized legal frameworks.
RELATED:
