President Paul Kagame, the Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF), has called on the country’s security forces to remain fully prepared for possible conflict, stressing that Rwanda’s sovereignty must never be compromised.

Speaking on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Gabiro Military Academy in Gatsibo District, Eastern Province, Kagame addressed more than 6,000 officers drawn from the RDF, the Rwanda National Police, and the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), who had just completed a major military training exercise.

Greeting the troops in Swahili with a warm “Hamjambo,” the President asked how their training had gone. The officers responded in unison: “Ni sawa, Afande” (“It’s good, Commander”).

President Kagame reminded the forces that Rwanda has endured many trials in its history but has always survived. “Rwanda will not disappear because no one has ownership over us,” he said. “There are some who behave as if they created others, but if they did, those they created are not Rwandans.”

He emphasized that Rwandans alone decide their destiny. Even when foreign actors provide support, Kagame insisted, such aid does not strip Rwanda of its right to self-determination. “This is why our armed forces carry the great responsibility of defending the nation’s sovereignty — so that predators do not devour us,” he said.

The President cautioned that challenges to Rwanda’s security arise almost every five years, making vigilance essential. He condemned foreign leaders who, without shame, publicly declare intentions to overthrow Rwanda’s leadership. “If they want war, let them take it elsewhere, not to Rwanda. Whoever brings war here will face dire consequences,” Kagame warned.

He also advised the forces to be disciplined and efficient in the use of resources. Stressing precision, he told soldiers: “Every bullet must carry the name of its target. If you fire one, two, or three without hitting the mark, then there is a problem — because the enemy also fires back.”

Kagame noted that the rising cost of ammunition makes waste unacceptable. “A single round now costs about five thousand dollars. If you miss your target after firing five rounds, where will the money come from? In effect, you will be helping the enemy who is only waiting for you to run out of bullets.”

He accused groups such as the Interahamwe militia, the Wazalendo movement, and the Congolese government of constantly vilifying Rwanda instead of acknowledging their own destructive actions.

He said this reality demands that the RDF always remain combat-ready, while also mastering strategies that do not rely heavily on expensive resources.

President Kagame reiterated that Rwanda does not initiate wars but will always defend itself and, when necessary, help restore peace in other nations. “Our army is not a mercenary force,” he underlined.

Beyond physical warfare, the President urged security agencies to fight the “battle of narratives” waged by detractors who tarnish Rwanda’s image through misinformation and hostile reports — including those from organizations like Human Rights Watch.

“Those who persist in spreading such lies may also face the consequences,” Kagame warned.