Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame Criticizes Sanctions, Urges African Cooperation

From the stage of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, President Paul Kagame delivered a sharp critique of global sanctions, saying they are wielded unevenly and weaponized against weaker states. He argued that the way sanctions are imposed reflects raw power rather than justice, advantaging countries with greater strategic or economic clout.

During a session moderated by CNN anchor and correspondent Eleni Giokos, African leaders were pressed on how they are navigating escalating geopolitical strains — from disputed mineral contracts to allegations of coercive tactics by Western governments, as well as a rise in sanctions, including measures targeting Rwanda. Kagame contended that these actions are shaped less by principles than by power calculations.

Also attending the forum were Kenya’s William Ruto, Nigeria’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mauritania’s Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Mozambique’s Daniel Chapo, Guinea’s Mamadi Doumbouya, and Gabon’s Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.