1. The “Choke” Point: Defiance at Umushyikirano
Kagame’s speech was more than just a state-of-the-nation address; it was a manifesto of sovereignty. Addressing a room of leaders and citizens, he targeted the “daily threats” he receives from international partners regarding Rwanda’s role in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“Instead of being choked by all that, I will be choked by just being defiant and telling you to go to hell,” Kagame declared, signaling a total rejection of the latest U.S. diplomatic pressure.
He accused global powers of treating the DRC leadership like a “spoiled child,” shielding them from the consequences of their own governance failures while blaming Rwanda for every flare-up in the East.
2. Why the Washington Accords are Failing
The Washington Accords, signed with much fanfare in December 2025, were intended to secure regional peace and protect critical mineral supply chains (cobalt, tantalum, and lithium). However, by February 2026, implementation has stalled at a dismal 23.3%.
The M23 Factor: Despite a brief withdrawal from Uvira under U.S. pressure, the M23 rebels—whom the UN insists are backed by the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF)—continue to occupy large swathes of North and South Kivu.
The Strategic Breakdown: Bipartisan frustration is boiling over in the U.S. Congress. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently warned that “action will be taken” to ensure the promises made to the President are kept.
The Mineral Question: While U.S. firms have secured privileged access to Congolese reserves, the “peace” part of the deal remains hollow. Congolese lawyers have even filed constitutional challenges against the Accords, calling them an “extractive maneuver.”
3. Looming Sanctions: The February 2026 Threat
The U.S. is currently considering a new package of targeted sanctions against senior Rwandan officials. This follows previous measures against Rwandan ministers in 2025.
The Accusation: Kigali is accused of failing to de-escalate and withdraw troops as promised in the December deal.
The Rwandan Defense: Kagame argues that Rwanda’s actions are purely defensive, aimed at the FDLR (a militia group linked to the 1994 genocide). He dismissed the international community’s headcount of these rebels as “trivializing the real issue” of genocide ideology.
