Why the war Rwanda is fighting is every pan-Africanist war

Rwanda is currently engaged in a battle that extends far beyond its borders, but this is not a war of weapons or physical confrontation. It is a war of ideas, strategy, and resilience, a battle to unshackle Africa from the grip of neo-colonialism and build true self-reliance. Under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Rwanda is challenging not just local or regional obstacles but a deeply entrenched global system designed to keep Africa dependent, exploited, and divided. This struggle is not about one nation; it is about the future of an entire continent striving to break free and reclaim its sovereignty. For centuries, Africa has been systematically stripped of its resources, both material and intellectual, by former colonial powers that have maintained their dominance through economic control, political interference, and psychological manipulation. They have instilled in Africans the belief that solutions to their problems lie in the West, not within their own borders. This has long been the foundation of Africa’s subjugation, with its leaders conditioned to seek approval and guidance from former colonial masters. President Kagame has shattered this illusion. He has proven that Africa can develop without Western hand-holding, that security and economic progress can be achieved through internal solutions, and that African nations must prioritise their own interests rather than serve as mere extensions of Western economies. His leadership has set a precedent that threatens the status quo, making him a target of global powers invested in keeping Africa divided and dependent. As President Kagame boldly stated: Who are you? Who put you in charge of us? With the limited means we have, we will stand up to you. After all these years we have spent fighting to build our country, we want to be Rwandans, we do not want to be Belgians. This statement encapsulates the broader struggle of Africa against external control. It is not just Rwanda that seeks to reclaim its destiny, it is an entire continent that refuses to remain shackled by foreign dictates. But for this vision to be realised, Africa needs bold men, leaders with the courage, vision, and determination to set the precedent and ensure that the continent never bows to external pressures again. Kagame’s leadership Rwanda’s transformation under Kagame is not just a national success story, it is a direct challenge to the colonial structures that have historically controlled Africa. His policies have emphasised self-reliance, regional collaboration, and security interventions that prioritise African solutions to African problems. This has made Rwanda a beacon for other nations seeking to free themselves from external control. One of the most striking examples of this shift is Rwanda’s military support for Mozambique and the Central African Republic, where Rwandan forces successfully intervened to stabilise crises that had long been exploited by those with vested interests. Unlike traditional peacekeeping missions that often prolong conflicts, Rwanda's approach has delivered real, lasting results, demonstrating that Africa does not need external oversight to maintain peace and security. Additionally, Kagame’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is an attempt to disrupt economic structures that have, for long, forced African countries to trade through Western intermediaries. His push for greater intra-African trade is a direct threat to foreign powers that have long used Africa as a source of raw materials while preventing it from developing its own industries. Kagame’s visionary strategy to position Rwanda as a dynamic hub for sectors ranging from MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) to minerals, tourism, and technology was initially met with skepticism but has now become a remarkable reality. His steadfast advocacy for Africa to add value to its raw materials before exporting them poses a direct challenge to external powers that have long exploited the continent's resources. The establishment of a gold refinery, tin smelter, and other key industries has sent shockwaves through nations that have historically profited from Africa's wealth, marking a significant shift toward Africa’s economic independence and self-sufficiency. Why the West fears Rwanda’s success The West’s response to Rwanda’s rise has been predictable, economic sanctions, media smears, and diplomatic isolation tactics. These are not new strategies; they have been used throughout history to punish nations that refuse to conform to neo-colonialists control. The goal is clear: to send a message to other African leaders that breaking away from neo-colonial influence will come at a cost. Yet, despite these pressures, Rwanda continues to thrive, proving that true independence is not a fantasy but a realistic goal for African nations willing to take bold steps. This is precisely why Kagame is viewed as a threat, because he has demonstrated that an African nation can succeed without bowing to neo-colonialists demands. What Rwanda is facing today is not just Kagame’s battle, it is a war for Africa’s right to self-determination. The forces resisting Rwanda’s progress are the same ones that have kept Africa in perpetual economic bondage. The media narratives attacking Kagame are the same ones used to demonize any African leader who dares to challenge neo-colonialists interests. Africans must recognize that this is their fight too. Rwanda is not being targeted because it is weak, but because it is strong, because it dared to do what is considered unbearable in the eyes of the West, and it worked. Kagame’s vision for an independent and prosperous Rwanda and Africa threatens the established order, and that is why some of the world’s most powerful nations seek to undermine it. As Africans, we must stand with Rwanda, not just in words but in action. This means supporting African-led solutions, resisting foreign interference, and challenging the idea that Africa must always look outward for leadership. If Africa is to truly rise, it must do so on its own terms. The author is a former member of the Pan-African Youth Union and Founder of Wealthy Africa. The views expressed in this opinion are her own.

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Why the war Rwanda is fighting is every pan-Africanist war