CNN International Correspondent and African Voices Host Larry Madowo recently conducted an in-depth interview with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, a leader at the center of Africa’s geopolitical discussions. The interview provided a platform for pressing questions on Rwanda’s alleged military presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a topic that has drawn global attention.
On social media, Madowo shared a clip from the interview that sparked intense debate. One particular exchange left Kagame’s critics emboldened. Madowo asked Kagame directly, “Today, on the 3rd of February, does Rwanda currently have any troops at all in Eastern DRC?” What seemed like a straightforward yes-or-no question was met with a surprising response. Without hesitation, Kagame replied, “I don’t know,” while maintaining direct eye contact with Madowo.
CNN EXCLUSIVE: President Paul Kagame says he doesn't know if there are Rwandan troops in eastern DRC supporting M23, but says Rwanda "would do anything to protect itself."
He accused South Africa of sending troops there to secure minerals & dismissed any comparisons with… pic.twitter.com/TFFuwvlvMf
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) February 3, 2025
Pressing further, Madowo reminded Kagame of his role as Commander-in-Chief, to which Kagame doubled down, stating, “Yes, there are many things I don’t know!” This response fueled speculation regarding Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC and added weight to accusations that Kagame supports the M23 rebel group. While Kagame’s remark did not confirm these allegations, it intensified ongoing discussions regarding Rwanda’s role in the region.
Madowo’s specificity in asking about troop presence “today, on the 3rd of February,” raised additional questions. Some observers suggested the phrasing might indicate intelligence-related concerns from Western powers seeking to destabilize Rwanda. Regardless, Kagame later provided clarification, stating, “If you want to ask me whether there are problems in Congo that concern Rwanda and whether Rwanda would do anything to protect itself, I say one hundred percent yes.” His statement suggested that Rwanda’s national security interests may justify a military presence in the DRC and may take action if necessary.
To explain further, Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC have escalated due to ongoing conflicts involving the Congolese military (FARDC) and the FDLR, a militia composed of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Kagame has repeatedly condemned Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi for aligning with the FDLR, an organization seeking to undermine Rwanda’s stability. During the East African Bloc meeting on January 30th, Kagame openly criticized Tshisekedi for working with the group, reinforcing Rwanda’s stance on regional security threats.
Beyond military concerns, Kagame addressed the broader implications of regional conflict, particularly in relation to economic interests. When discussing external involvement in the DRC’s resource wealth, he singled out South Africa, stating, “People who are benefiting from the minerals of Congo more than anybody else are South Africa and these other Europeans who are making noise about it.” This remark challenges the prevailing narrative that South Africa’s role in the DRC is purely humanitarian, instead highlighting potential economic motivations for its involvement.
Despite the controversies surrounding his statements, Kagame confirmed his participation in an upcoming joint meeting of East African and Southern African leaders in Tanzania. This gathering will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of regional relations and conflict resolution efforts.
The interview has undoubtedly influenced discourse surrounding the escalating tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. Kagame’s responses, while at times ambiguous, reinforce his stance that Rwanda prioritizes national security above external pressures. As diplomatic efforts continue, the world will be watching to see how Rwanda navigates its role in one of Africa’s most complex geopolitical conflicts.
