President Paul Kagame has criticised the usage of sanctions in international politics, saying they’re utilized unfairly and used as instruments of stress on weaker nations.
He stated this on the opening of the 2026 Africa CEO Discussion board in Kigali, which introduced collectively about 2,800 contributors from greater than 70 international locations, together with heads of state and authorities, enterprise leaders, and traders.
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Different presidents in attendance embody William Ruto of Kenya, Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, Mamadi Doumbouya of Guinea, and Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon.
On the opening panel, CNN Anchor and Correspondent Eleni Giokos requested how African leaders are responding to rising geopolitical tensions, together with contested mineral offers, accusations of coercive or “bullying” techniques by Western powers, and the rising use of sanctions, together with these affecting Rwanda.
“Sanctions,… to begin with, are they justified? It’s not simply on this case of Rwanda, however in different circumstances. Typically sanctions are simply utilized in a case of the one who gives lower than the opposite,” Kagame stated.
He argued that such measures are sometimes influenced by energy dynamics moderately than equity.
“It goes within the favor of the very best bidder. When anyone is aware of they are going to extract extra from a sure place, they are going to be extra favorable to that place, even when they’re those within the flawed.”
Kagame described sanctions as a part of a broader system that places Africa underneath stress.
“Sanctions or completely different measures are supposed to damage individuals. So, in a manner we’re damage. However I believe it might damage extra by not doing what we’re doing,” Kagame stated.
He careworn that African international locations cooperate, resist exterior stress, and lift the continent to the extent the place it ought to be.
