Those sworn in include Dr. Solange Uwituze, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources; Dr. Usta Kaitesi, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Senator Dr. Charles Muligande; and Dr. Nshimiyimana Didace together with Dr. Ntete Jules Marius, who have been appointed judges at the Court of Appeal.

Addressing the officials, President Kagame reminded them that leadership demands effort, discipline, and dedication, noting that different countries face different realities but every leader must put in the work required.

Shifting to regional peace and security, President Kagame reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to the peace agreement signed with the Democratic Republic of Congo on 4 December 2025 in Washington, D.C. He stressed that Rwanda entered the agreement in good faith.

“Rwanda signed the peace agreement willingly and is ready to fulfill what is required of us,” he said, adding that the success of the deal depends on all parties honoring their commitments. “If everyone respects their obligations, it will lead us to peace  though such a path is never easy.”

The President emphasized that Rwanda deeply understands the value of peace given its history. “I don’t know if any country needs peace more than Rwanda,” he said, highlighting the lives and opportunities lost during past periods of instability.

Responding to accusations that Rwanda is responsible for insecurity in eastern DRC, President Kagame noted that the crisis has deep historical roots that cannot be ignored. He questioned why Rwanda is often blamed while other actors’ roles remain unaddressed.

He also pointed to Burundi’s continued military involvement in eastern DRC, noting that he personally sought clarification from President Évariste Ndayishimiye on why Burundian forces remained after EAC troops were removed, despite Burundi not being a member of SADC the bloc currently deploying forces there.

“Did you remain there because you want to support DRC in what they are doing?” he recalled asking.

President Kagame concluded by calling for honesty, responsibility, and mutual respect in regional peace efforts, stressing that sustainable peace requires all sides to confront the truth and meet their obligations.