Rwanda President Paul Kagame has described the ongoing conflict between his country and Uganda as a “quarrel in the family”.
Speaking at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar on Saturday evening, Kagame said, “Sometimes even quarrels are not justified or reasonable. So we find ourselves in some of these. Personally, I really feel embarrassed sometimes because, you cannot touch exactly why there would be such a misunderstanding, because we are not quarrelling over territory or a border.”
Asked if he sees another war between Rwanda and Uganda, Kagame responded that the issues between the two countries will be solved amicably.
“No, no, no, no! At least we are still more reasonable…to be able to do that. So, we will talk things out. There have been discussions going on. I think any problem can be discussed and resolved, and that’s where we are headed in my view,” he said.
At the Forum, Kagame was also asked by former Aljazeera TV anchor Ghida Fakhry,“I know it’s never too early to ask, but will you be seeking a fourth term in office?”
“I don’t know yet, but most likely NO!” said Kagame, adding: “I always want not to lock myself into anything. I want to have some breathing space.”
“I think, given the way thing are, and have been in the past, it depends on two things. But I think I’ve made up my mind where am concerned personally that it’s not going to happen next time.”
The Q&A session lasting about 24 minutes touched on various other issues. Kagame spoke about Rwanda’s anti-corruption stance. He also explained the difficult policy choices the country has had to take so there will never be ethnic politics in Rwanda.
On the regional stage, Kagame said there was “good progress” in terms of relations with DR Congo, following the election of President Felix Tshisekedi, whom he said was “more open to cooperation”.
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