"A 'small country' that still tries to control Rwanda," Kagame blames it all on Belgium

On Sunday, March 16, 2025, President Paul Kagame spoke at a large gathering at BK Arena in Kigali. More than 8,000 people were present, having arrived as early as 6 a.m. Initially planned for Gahanga, the event was moved due to rain. Kagame arrived around 11 a.m. with his wife and strongly criticized the Western sanctions against his government. He stated that Rwanda would take action in response.

During his speech, Kagame specifically mentioned Belgium, Rwanda’s former colonial ruler. He referred to it as a "small country" that still tries to control Rwanda. “We have been colonized by a small country that divided and destroyed Rwanda, and even after more than 30 years, they continue to hunt us. But we are no longer under their control,” he said, as the crowd cheered.

Kagame argued that the sanctions were meant to slow Rwanda’s development. “They do not want us to be poor, but they also do not want us to be rich. They want us to remain under their control, dependent on them,” he stated.

Since the beginning of the year, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, and Canada have placed various economic and diplomatic sanctions on Rwanda. The European Union, led by Belgium, plans to impose additional sanctions on nine Rwandan and M23 officials on Monday, March 17. These sanctions will include travel bans and asset freezes, as Brussels accuses Kigali of supporting M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In response to these measures, Kagame took a firm stance, saying Rwanda would react despite its limited resources. “We are going to defend ourselves with what we have, no matter how small. We will respond to these sanctions,” he declared, without giving details on what actions Rwanda would take.

He also warned Rwandans to prepare for challenges ahead due to rising diplomatic tensions. He urged them to be strong and brace for difficult times. “We have already gone through tough times, and we have overcome them. This time, we will stand firm again. But we must be ready because the days ahead will not be easy,” he cautioned.

Kagame also criticized Belgium’s foreign policy, accusing it of trying to dominate Rwanda. “We want to be Rwandans, we do not want to be Belgians!” he asserted. He reminded the audience that Belgium had not only divided Rwanda during colonial rule but had also played a role in fueling ethnic tensions that led to past conflicts.

As the European Union prepares new sanctions against high-ranking Rwandan officials and Western countries increase pressure, relations between Kigali and its traditional allies seem to be worsening. Kagame is rallying public support with a nationalist message, but the full impact of these diplomatic and economic tensions remains unclear for Rwanda.