Kagame prioritises regional peace in inauguration speech, criticises external meddling

Rwandan President Paul Kagame emphasised the importance of peace in the region during his inauguration speech on Sunday, acknowledging the ongoing crises that continue to breed uncertainty and distrust globally.

He pointed to unaddressed inequalities and double standards as key contributors to instability.

Kagame specifically referenced the situation in the Eastern DRC, where Rwanda has been accused of exacerbating conflicts—a claim his government has consistently denied.

"Peace in our region is a priority for Rwanda, yet it has been lacking, particularly in the eastern DRC," Kagame stated, addressing a gathering of African and regional leaders.

He emphasised that if the primary stakeholders fail to take the necessary steps, external forces, regardless of their power, cannot impose peace.

"Without that, the sincere mediation efforts by the mandated regional leaders cannot work as intended," Kagame noted, expressing gratitude to Angolan President João Lourenço, who has been leading the Luanda Peace Process, which recently facilitated a ceasefire between the DRC and Rwanda.

Rwanda Defence Force honours President Paul Kagame at Amahoro Stadium after being sworn into office for his fourth term, on August 11, 2024. (Photo: Presidency Rwanda)

Kagame also commended Kenyan President William Ruto for his ongoing efforts to promote regional peace, despite the stalling of the Nairobi Process under the leadership of Ruto's predecessor, President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has previously accused Ruto of hijacking this process.

"Peace cannot happen all on its own," Kagame asserted, urging all involved parties to contribute actively and responsibly to achieving and sustaining peace.

He argued that maintaining peace should be considered an obligation rather than a favour. "It is an obligation. In the end, when it doesn't happen, that's why people stand up and fight for it," he said.

Kagame, whose country has been at odds with neighbouring DRC and Burundi—nations that notably did not send representatives to the inauguration—highlighted the necessity of respecting people's rights as a foundation for real peace.

"You can't wake up one day and decide to deny whoever you want their citizenship rights and expect to get away with it. There has to be a meeting in the middle. There has to be a compromise," he concluded.

Kagame was sworn in for a fourth term of five years, extending his leadership to nearly a quarter century in office.

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame receives Kenya's President William Ruto following the presidential inauguration ceremony in Rwanda on Sunday, August 11, 2024. The two Heads of State discussed their mutual commitment to regional cooperation and strengthened collaboration in Rwanda and Kenya. (Photo: Presidency Rwanda)