President Paul Kagame has hit back at the United States over its recent decision to impose sanctions on Rwanda, describing the move as a series of “insults thrown in the face” of his nation. In a candid conversation shared with Reports, the Rwandan leader accused Washington of applying “heavy pressure” on Kigali while simultaneously treating the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with a level of delicacy that he finds unjustifiable.
The diplomatic friction stems from sanctions announced by the U.S. in early March 2026. The measures targeted the Rwandan military over its alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which has seized significant, mineral-rich territories in eastern DRC since 2021. Despite a peace deal signed in December under the urging of U.S. President Donald Trump, clashes on the front lines have shown no signs of stopping.
Kagame maintains that Rwanda has been faithful to the obligations outlined in the Washington-brokered agreements. He pointed out to Reports that the DRC, by contrast, has either met its commitments only partially or ignored them altogether. According to the President, the U.S. government must avoid giving the impression that it is favoring one side over the other when the security stakes are so high for the entire region.
The conflict took a sharper turn in early 2025 when the M23 made rapid advances, capturing major eastern cities like Goma and Bukavu. Even after the peace deal was inked, the group seized the border city of Uvira, a move that drew an angry response from American officials. However, Rwanda has consistently argued that its involvement in the eastern DRC is purely defensive, aimed at protecting its borders from militias linked to the remnants of the 1994 genocide.
Kagame was firm in his stance, questioning why he should be expected to lower Rwanda’s defensive guard while the international community does little to stop the groups threatening his country. His frustrations aren’t limited to the DRC border either; he also addressed the ongoing security mission in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province.
Rwandan forces have been battling insurgents in the oil-rich northern region of Mozambique since 2021, largely supported by funding from the European Union. However, Kigali recently warned that it might withdraw its troops if guaranteed financing is not secured. Kagame suggested that global energy giants like Total, Exxon Mobil, or Eni—who have massive interests in the area—should find ways to help finance the very security they rely on to operate.
As it stands, the European Union has provided roughly 40 million euros for the mission’s equipment and transport, but the long-term sustainability of the deployment remains a point of contention. For Kagame, the message is clear: Rwanda will not continue to bear the brunt of regional security challenges if its own sovereignty and contributions are met with sanctions and financial uncertainty.
