Rwanda's Foreign Minister Addresses UN General Assembly on Peace, Development, and Security

Opening Remarks and UN Reform

• 🌍 Rwanda congratulates the President of the 80th UN General Assembly and thanks the Secretary-General for his report.
• 🤝 Rwanda expresses support for UN reforms, particularly of the Security Council, to better reflect current global realities and include African representation.
• 💡 The nation is committed to hosting UN agencies to foster a more cost-effective and decentralized UN system.

Sustainable Development and Global Challenges

• 🌱 Rwanda reaffirms its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing connectivity, innovation, and inclusive development.
• ⚠️ The country acknowledges global challenges like climate change and technological inequalities, highlighting the need for solidarity and a transition from aid to trade.
• 🚫 Rwanda regrets the politicization of development cooperation, stating that aid should not be used as a tool of coercion.

Peacekeeping and Conflict Prevention

• 🕊️ Drawing from the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda advocates for peacekeeping that prioritizes civilians and champions the Responsibility to Protect.
• 💰 Rwanda has led efforts in sustainable peace financing, notably revitalizing the African Union Peace Fund, enabling greater African Union peace operation financing.
• 🤝 Rwanda contributes to bilateral peace support operations in the Central African Republic and Mozambique, promoting South-South cooperation.

The Crisis in Eastern DRC and Genocide Ideology

• ⚠️ Rwanda highlights that lasting peace in the Great Lakes region requires addressing root causes like bad governance and marginalization, not just military means.
• 💔 The conflict in Eastern DRC is rooted in decades of issues, and Rwanda believes peace there is in everyone's best interest.
• 📢 Rwanda condemns the DRC's renewed militarization, collaboration with genocidal groups like FDLR, and use of attack drones, which violate peace agreements.
• 🚨 Rwanda expresses deep concern over the Wazalindo militia's abuses, which bear resemblance to the 1994 genocide, and calls for strong international action.
• ⚖️ Rwanda calls for accountability regarding the targeting and persecution of Congolese Tutsi, warning of genocide ideology and crimes in Eastern DRC.

Conclusion and Call to Action

• 🌟 Rwanda stands ready to collaborate with member states to ensure the UN remains a force for peace, justice, and sustainable development.
• 💪 The organization needs political will to address global needs, human rights abuses, and climate change for future generations.