Kagame Accuses Burundi of Aligning With Congo in Regional Tensions

Speaking at the opening of the 20th National Dialogue Conference, Kagame addressed both internal challenges facing Rwanda and what he described as serious external threats from neighboring countries.

“Fifty percent of our problems come from within the country, and the other 50% come from outside,” Kagame said. “If we fail to address our internal problems, we must also remember that external factors exist.”

Kagame singled out Burundi and the DRC as key sources of pressure on Rwanda. He accused Burundi of supporting the DRC in targeting Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, particularly those of Tutsi heritage, and of repeatedly accusing Rwanda of destabilizing the eastern Congo region.

“The conflict in eastern Congo did not start with us,” Kagame said. “It was started by others.”

He added that the DRC’s problems were initiated by the Congolese themselves and by external actors he declined to name, saying he had spoken about them “many times” and did not want to repeat himself.

Kagame also criticized Burundi’s continued claims that Rwanda threatens the DRC’s security, calling the accusations baseless and politically motivated.

He said the relationship between Rwanda and Burundi, once seen as a close partnership, has deteriorated as Burundi has chosen to “deny” the historical ties between the two nations and instead side with the DRC.

Last year, Rwanda cut diplomatic ties with Belgium and suspended Belgian activities in the country after accusing Belgium of collaborating with the DRC to undermine Rwanda’s development agenda. Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Belgium had taken a political stance that “mixed development with politics” and was exerting pressure on Rwanda through aid and international organizations.

Kagame also addressed reports that Rwanda relies on the M23 rebel group for security information. He dismissed claims that Rwanda had previously denied being present in Congo and later admitted it, calling such statements “nonsense.”

“If you want to ask whether we are in Congo, tell us why Rwanda would go to Congo, and you will find your answer,” he said.

Kagame added that Rwanda has warned for decades about security threats originating from Congo, but critics continue to focus on whether Rwanda is operating there.

He said Rwanda must carry its own burdens and focus on internal issues rather than taking on the DRC’s problems, urging citizens and leaders to remain vigilant as the country faces both domestic and regional challenges.