For decades, the DR Congo has been engulfed in conflict, particularly in its eastern region. The crisis has had devastating consequences for the people living there, forcing thousands to flee to neighbouring countries, including Rwanda.

As the closest neighbour, Rwanda has always maintained that its primary obligation is to protect its borders and its people. Yet, in the eyes of some Western nations, Rwanda is not simply a concerned regional actor or neighbour but an instigator, accused of backing the M23 rebel group.

In response, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Belgium have imposed or threatened sanctions, framing their actions as a measure to deter Rwanda’s alleged involvement.

The government of Rwanda, however, views these as tactics aimed at undermining its sovereignty while allowing the government of the DR Congo to escape accountability for its violations.

At the heart of this issue, is a broader question: should African nations allow themselves to be dictated to by the West, especially under the pretext of aid and diplomatic relations? So far, Rwanda’s response has been firm and clear: aid should not be used as a weapon to bully sovereign states into submission.

The ongoing crisis in eastern DR Congo involves multiple actors, but the West appears fixated on Rwanda’s alleged role, disregarding the deeper historical and economic motives at play.

The mineral wealth of the Congo has long been a magnet for external interests, and we cannot ignore the fact that international players often act not out of moral responsibility but in strategic self-interest.

Reports have highlighted how multinational corporations benefit from the DR Congo's vast deposits of cobalt and other critical minerals, often at the expense of local populations.

The Rwandan government has repeatedly denied involvement with M23. However, it has also pointed out the consistency with which the international community ignores the well-articulated grievances of the M23 fighters, many of whom are Congolese Tutsis facing persecution in their own country.

Rwanda argues that if it were to support M23, such support would be justified in the name of protecting the fundamental rights of these people. This is something the DRC government has failed to do.

Rwanda’s recent confrontations with some western countries underscore a recurring pattern: whenever African nations assert their independence, aid is quickly weaponized.

The UK’s latest sanctions, as well as Belgium’s earlier threats, reflect a tendency to use financial assistance as leverage to pressure governments into compliance. Yet Rwanda has consistently pushed back, making it clear that while it welcomes development partnerships, it will not accept aid at the cost of its sovereignty.

The challenge Rwanda is facing is not new. Many nations across Africa have found themselves trapped in cycles of dependency, where aid is given with strings attached, often dictating policy and governance decisions. But what happens when a nation like Rwanda challenges this model?

Well, it faces diplomatic isolation, economic penalties, and attempts at international condemnation. The message is clear: Africa can receive help as long as it is on terms and conditions set by external powers. Does Africa have the resolve to change this trend?

There is a prevailing argument (even among Africans themselves) that despite its vast natural resources, Africa still requires western financial assistance to sustain economic growth and development projects. Rwanda itself has benefited from donor support in various sectors. However, the country has also demonstrated that an alternative path is possible. A path that prioritizes self-reliance and strategic partnerships over dependency.

There are key initiatives that showcase Rwanda’s commitment to self-reliance; Girinka Programme (One Cow per Family), a homegrown solution aimed at eradicating malnutrition and poverty by providing cows to vulnerable households, improving both nutrition and economic independence; Agaciro Development Fund, a fund that mobilizes domestic resources to finance national development, reducing reliance on foreign aid; Mutuelle de Santé (Community-Based Health Insurance), a model for universal healthcare access, ensuring Rwandans contribute based on income rather than relying on donor-funded health programmes; and investment in ICT and Innovation.

President Paul Kagame’s leadership has consistently emphasised economic transformation, and in so doing, has inadvertently positioned Rwanda as a model of governance and development in Africa. The country has built strong infrastructure, invested in education and healthcare, and championed homegrown solutions to national challenges.

This raises an important question: if a small nation with limited resources like Rwanda can strive for self-sufficiency, why can’t larger, resource-rich nations do the same? What will it take for the DR Congo government to end militia rule and ensure that its vast mineral wealth benefits its people rather than fueling endless conflict?

It is time for Africa to take control of its narrative and chart its own path. The DR Congo should not continue to be a battleground for foreign powers seeking economic advantage. Similarly, Rwanda should not be penalized for refusing to be a passive actor in regional security matters. This is a country acting largely based on lessons learnt from its past experiences.

Rwanda’s defiance in the face of Western pressure sends a powerful message to the entire continent: Africa’s future should not be dictated by external actors who view the continent through the lens of profit and control. True independence means making sovereign decisions without the looming threat of travel bans, asset freezes, and economic retaliation.

The crisis in eastern DR Congo will not be solved through western sanctions or external military interventions. It requires commitment within the borders of the DRC, genuine dialogue among African nations, regional cooperation, and a dedication to addressing the root causes of conflict.

Sovereignty is not just about standing up to external forces but it is also about creating a future where Africa is in charge of its own fate. And that is a future worth fighting for, both on the ground and online.

The writer is a media practitioner based in Kigali