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Paul Kagame's regime in Rwanda is a striking example of how modern autocrats keep a firm hold on power. This is done through a combination of harsh domestic control and manipulation of neighboring regions, all done while gaining the support of Western countries that should ideally stand against such actions. 

At home in Rwanda, Kagame has become an expert in using systematic repression to maintain an appearance of stability. A notable case is that of Paul Rusesabagina, who went from being celebrated as a hero during the Rwandan genocide to being labeled a political prisoner. His only offense was speaking out against the government. Rusesabagina's treatment serves as a clear warning to others who might consider speaking up: even those who are well-known can face severe penalties. Another example is Kizito Mihigo, a singer who faced repercussions simply for using his music to express concern over human rights abuses. His case further illustrates how the regime seeks to silence anyone who might dissent, regardless of their tribe or even public stature.

Kagame's efforts to suppress dissent do not stop at Rwanda's borders. His government has developed a vast system of transnational repression that pursues critics even when they are thousands of miles away. The assassination of former intelligence chief Patrick Karegeya in South Africa in 2014 made it abundantly clear that distance offers no safety from the regime's reach. Furthermore, members of the Rwandan diaspora live in constant fear, as embassy officials often threaten their families back home, using these tactics as a means of control. This widespread fear discourages criticism and creates an environment of intimidation that extends well beyond Rwanda.

The regime’s dangerous influence is especially visible in the nearby Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Rwanda has been linked to providing support for M23 rebels, contributing to ongoing conflicts in this already troubled region. Reports from the United Nations indicate that Kigali has supplied both military resources and logistical support to these rebels, who control mineral-rich territories in North Kivu. M23 reportedly generates a significant amount of money, around $800,000 each month, from taxes on mining activities only. This situation allows Rwanda to secure economic benefits while simultaneously fostering instability in the region. Rwandan soldiers have been falling in silence in Kagame’s unacknowledged war in the Democratic Republic of Congo as myself and other 50 journalists documented in the Rwanda classified project where we told the story of these soldiers and their families. 

Kagame’s domestic repression and regional destabilization are not isolated strategies; they are deeply interconnected. While he stifles dissent within Rwanda to maintain a strong grip on power, he simultaneously projects this power beyond its borders to suppress opposition in neighboring countries and expand Rwanda’s influence. By undermining regional stability, Kagame not only secures economic benefits, such as access to mineral-rich territories in the DRC, but also ensures that any external threats to his regime - whether from political rivals or exiled dissidents - are neutralized. This dual approach allows him to consolidate his control at home while diverting attention from his authoritarian practices.

What adds to the troubling nature of this situation is the international community's reluctance to confront these issues. Kagame internally represses Rwandans and destabilizes not only DRC but also Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda, all while positioning himself as an indispensable ally to Western powers concerned with regional stability. Since 2010, Rwanda has had glitches with all its neighbors largely stemming from Kagame’s aggressive foreign policies and internal political dynamics. 

With Uganda, relations have been strained due to mutual accusations of espionage and interference in each other’s internal affairs, including border skirmishes and the arrest of political dissidents. Rwanda’s relationship with Burundi deteriorated after the 2015 political crisis in Burundi, with accusations of Rwanda supporting the opposition and fueling instability during the failed coup attempt. Tensions with Tanzania have also been marked by trade disputes, border conflicts, and Kagame’s criticism of Tanzania’s political landscape. Most notably, Rwanda’s involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been contentious, as Rwanda has been accused of backing armed groups like the M23 rebels, fueling ongoing conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DRC region. 

Many Western nations appear to turn a blind eye to Kagame’s oppressive tactics because it serves their strategic agendas. A case in point is the UK's controversial asylum deal with Rwanda, which highlights how a democratic nation might overlook authoritative practices if it fits their political goals. There is also the ongoing European Union - Rwanda minerals deal, which continues despite blatant violation of the EU’s ethical standards, as substantial evidence is showing that Rwanda’s actions are linked to resource-based conflicts and illicit exploitation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This international complicity is largely based on a narrative that portrays Rwanda as an African success story. Kagame has successfully positioned Rwanda as a stable partner amid a chaotic region. He does this by showcasing the country's contributions to peacekeeping efforts and highlighting its economic growth. Western nations often prioritize such strategic partnerships, fearing that they may lose influence to countries like Russia or China if they raise concerns about human rights. With this, Kagame has put the western countries in a position where they can’t hold him accountable despite the overwhelming evidences. 

The consequences of this complacency reach far beyond Rwanda’s borders. By ignoring Kagame's actions, the international community delivers a troubling message: authoritarian rule and regional destabilization can be accepted as long as they align with Western interests. This attitude undermines the very principles of human rights advocacy and contributes to a cycle of ongoing repression and conflict across the Great Lakes region of Africa. 

Sadly, this dynamic persists despite countless reports and investigations that highlight serious human rights violations. The United Nations, various human rights organizations, and numerous documented cases have revealed a clear pattern of a regime that maintains control through fear and violence. However, international responses have often been limited to mere words of condemnation, allowing Kagame to persist with his dual approach to governance without facing substantial consequences.

Kagame's approach stands as a stark reminder of how today’s autocrats can thrive in the current international landscape. By providing various strategic advantages to powerful nations while upholding an image of progress and stability, they effectively neutralize outside criticism of their authoritarian behaviors. If the global community continues to prioritize short-term strategic interests over genuine human rights concerns and regional stability, leaders like Kagame will remain able to exploit these dynamics. The unfolding tragedies experienced by Rwandan citizens and neighboring countries will continue, inexorably tied to the choices made or ignored by the international community. While Kagame will feel encouraged to persevere in pushing further his de facto impunity as far as possible, it is to be feared that balkanization of Eastern Congo into small Rwanda controlled states, or even annexation of DRC territory by Rwanda may be condoned by the international community in a later stage, bluntly ignoring the United Nations’ core principle of territorial integrity of all its members.

The question remains, if the international community continues to prioritize their strategic interest over our human rights, how many more lives must be lost to Kagame’s reign before meaningful action is taken?

Reference

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