In a voice resonating with experience and unwavering truth, President Paul Kagame affirmed that the security of Africa cannot be protected or built by outsiders, but must be the responsibility of Africans themselves. He made these remarks on May 19, 2025, while officially opening the International Conference on African Security, held in Kigali and attended by leaders, security experts, and partners from across the globe.
President Kagame highlighted that decades of reliance on external actors have consistently failed to bring about lasting peace and security on the continent.
“Historically, our security has been treated as a burden to be shouldered by others. We’ve played only a minimal role, with little consideration for our own interests or will. This approach has not yielded sustainable results—for Africa or the wider world,” said President Kagame.
The Call for Homegrown Solutions
President Kagame stressed that Africa must commit to safeguarding its sovereignty and security through its own internal capabilities, rather than depending endlessly on foreign assistance.
“Sovereignty is not just about defending borders—it’s about the resolve to take full ownership of our security, both as individual states and as a continent. Ignoring this responsibility invites interference and compromises our direction.”
He underlined the need to strengthen continental institutions like the African Union (AU) and its Peace and Security Council, enabling them to better address peace and security challenges across the region.
Security: A Foundation for Development
In his address, President Kagame emphasized that security and good governance are inseparable.
“When one is compromised, the other cannot be firmly established. Without security, there is no trust—and without trust, there can be no sustainable development.”
He reminded fellow leaders that their mandate is not only to respond to crises but also to shape a future where citizens live with dignity and confidence in their rights.
President Kagame urged African nations to deepen their cooperation beyond information sharing, emphasizing the importance of building capacity, embracing innovation, and demonstrating strong political will in collaboration.
“No country can achieve security in isolation. Threats like cyberattacks or pandemics do not respect borders. We must work together to safeguard our continent.”
He also called for the efficient use of available resources and strategic investment in critical sectors to build resilient security systems.
Our Security is the Foundation of Public Confidence
Concluding his speech, President Kagame asserted that the time has come for Africa to draw lessons from its history and take charge of its own future.
“The key to overcoming our security challenges lies in our ability to craft our own solutions. Where capabilities exist, we must strengthen them; where they don’t, we must build them.”
The conference also featured an exhibition showcasing Africa’s security-related initiatives, including advancements in technology, military preparedness, and research.
