Rwanda, a small landlocked nation in Africa, has significantly increased its influence through military prowess, image branding, and political strategy under President Paul Kagame. De facto leader since the 1994 genocide and running for a fourth presidential term, Kagame has expanded Rwanda’s reach far beyond its borders, enhancing both the country’s development and his power base.
Paul-Simon Handy, East Africa director at the Institute for Security Studies, notes that unlike many African nations, ‘Rwanda is pursuing a real foreign policy strategy.’ This strategy effectively combines hard power—using military and economic means for influence—and soft power.
Military prowess and strategic deployments
The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) plays a pivotal role in this strategy. While the RDF has been accused of destabilising eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and supporting armed groups like the M23, Kagame argues that Rwanda’s security posture is defensive, responding only to external threats.
A recent UN report indicated that 3,000-4,000 Rwandan soldiers are involved with the M23 rebels, asserting Kigali’s control over the group’s operations. Kagame, however, defends Rwanda’s actions by highlighting the persecution of the Tutsi minority in the DRC and the need to secure Rwanda’s borders.
Despite the controversies, Kagame has positioned Rwanda as ‘Africa’s policeman.’ Since 2024, the RDF has participated in numerous UN peacekeeping missions, deploying 5,894 troops as of March 31. Rwanda is now the fourth-largest contributor to these missions, with deployments in South Sudan and the Central African Republic (CAR).
Federico Donelli, an assistant professor of international relations, states, ‘By participating in and leading peacekeeping and unilateral military missions, Rwanda has significantly enhanced its global image and strategic relevance.’
These missions also provide financial benefits. The UN pays $1,428 per soldier per month, contributing over $100 million annually to Kigali. Moreover, RDF’s deployments under bilateral agreements with CAR and Mozambique often come with economic opportunities, allowing Rwandan companies, particularly those linked to Kagame’s ruling party, to invest in sectors like mining and agriculture.
Diplomatic leverage and economic agreements
Kagame uses these military commitments as a diplomatic tool to ward off sanctions over Rwanda’s activities in the DRC and human rights concerns. Handy explains, ‘Rwanda has never hidden its threat to withdraw from peacekeeping operations if it were to be sanctioned.’
Kagame’s ability to read global dynamics and position Rwanda as a reliable partner in African crises has reduced Western criticism and diverted attention from domestic issues. Donelli adds, ‘He knows that Western actors are increasingly reluctant to get involved in African crises.’
Image branding and soft power
Kagame’s strategy also involves enhancing Rwanda’s international image. Rwanda is marketed as a hub for new technology, conferences, major sporting events, and ecotourism. The ‘Visit Rwanda/’ slogan is prominently displayed on the jerseys of European football clubs like Arsenal, PSG, and Bayern Munich.
Rwanda’s presence in global organisations has increased, with membership in the Commonwealth since 2009 and prominent roles in the International Organisation of La Francophonie and the African Union Commission.
The controversial deal to take in asylum seekers deported from Britain also exemplifies Rwanda’s smart power. Although widely condemned and ultimately blocked by UK courts, the deal was financially beneficial and projected an image of Rwanda as a peaceful refuge.
Challenges and criticisms
Despite these achievements, Kagame’s leadership style faces criticism. He is accused of authoritarianism, stifling the media and political opposition, and almost half of Rwanda’s population lives on less than $2.15 a day according to the World Bank.
Nevertheless, Kagame’s strategies have fortified Rwanda’s position on the global stage. As Rwanda continues to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, Kagame’s blend of military strength, economic strategy, and diplomatic acumen remains central to the country’s ascent.
Under Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has emerged as a major player in Africa, leveraging military power, economic strategies, and image branding to enhance its influence. As Kagame seeks a fourth term, his approach serves as a model of how small nations can assert significant influence on the global stage.
