President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has urged African nations to chart their own course and assert their rightful demands, as he anticipates changes in the United States’ approach to the continent under the incoming administration.
Speaking at a news conference in Kigali on January 9, 2025, Kagame said he expects the new US administration to bring shifts in various aspects, including geopolitics.
“And building on that, I think so many things have changed, and will change. First of all, the administration changed through a democratic process. There are many things, even geopolitically, at least the approach, that is going to change,” Kagame said.
Kagame highlighted that these changes would likely extend to how African matters, including the situation in the Eastern Congo, are dealt with.
“I guess that it will be the same to the approach of how African matters may be dealt with, generally, and also, specifically, with eastern Congo, the same might see change happen. That’s what I think, from a distance, and just waiting for what will follow,” he added.
The Rwandan president urged African nations to seize the opportunity presented by the shifting US approach and pursue policies that work for their people.
“I think we should strive to do things the way that works for us and improve our peoples’ lives. You are better off charting your own course with your people and doing what you think is right for you or what works for you, especially if it shows in the outcomes, in the results,” Kagame said.
Kagame emphasized that Africa deserves to be well-represented on the global stage, and called for the continent to assert itself and make its rightful demands.
“Africa deserves to be well-represented, there is no question about it. It is not a given that it will happen just because it is right, so we have to struggle for that. Africa needs to assert itself and make its rightful demands.”
The Rwandan president also stressed the importance of African countries actively participating in international processes and maintaining a strong, unified voice.
“The most important thing is to participate and participate with other African countries, people, and keep the voice loud enough to do what we need to do. There is no country that is an island that is isolated from other countries or partner states in different organizations. Every country, every person on this continent has something to contribute. Rwanda is going to be present, has been and will continue.”
