Illicit Alcohol crackdown, Regional security and Rwandan detainees in Madagascar headline Kagame’s press conference

President Paul Kagame has called on Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to engage authorities in Madagascar over Rwandans reportedly detained there in connection with allegations of human trafficking, while stressing that investigations and judicial procedures should be allowed to take their course.

Kagame made the remarks on Monday, August 24, 2026, during a wide-ranging press conference with journalists, international media representatives and social media personalities.

The session was broadcast live from 2 p.m. Kigali time by Rwanda Broadcasting Agency.

The press conference brought together a broad range of issues—from citizens’ welfare abroad and public health to regional security, economic development and service delivery.

The President said Rwanda has a responsibility to assist its citizens when they encounter difficulties abroad, while respecting the sovereignty and legal processes of the countries where cases arise.

The issue comes amid growing concern over human trafficking involving Rwandans abroad.

In July, Justice Minister Emmanuel Ugirashebuja told Parliament that 289 Rwandan trafficking victims had been rescued and repatriated between July 2025 and March 2026, including victims from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Oman.

A significant part of Monday’s discussion focused on Rwanda’s ongoing crackdown on substandard alcoholic beverages, commonly known as “ibyuma.”

Kagame strongly defended the campaign, arguing that the priority should be protecting lives rather than the financial losses suffered by manufacturers and traders.

He questioned the logic of focusing on factories that had been closed while ignoring people who had died after consuming unsafe alcohol.

Kagame said some illicit alcoholic products do not necessarily cause immediate death but can have gradual and serious consequences.

The crackdown has led to the closure of more than 140 factories and businesses linked to the production or distribution of allegedly substandard alcohol.

Police said in early August that 16 suspects, including six industry owners and 10 employees, had been presented in connection with the operations.

The investigations have also reached regulatory institutions.

Rwanda Investigation Bureau has arrested officials linked to quality-control and regulatory responsibilities, including Rwanda FDA Director General Prof. Emile Bienvenu.

Kagame acknowledged concerns about how some suspects have been treated, saying institutions should correct any wrongdoing if investigations or arrests are not conducted properly.

However, he maintained that the central objective of the campaign remains public safety.

The President also addressed regional security, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo and the FDLR.

He argued that Rwanda’s security concerns cannot be separated from the continued presence of the FDLR in eastern Congo, saying Rwanda would remain concerned until the threat is addressed.

On regional integration, Kagame defended Rwanda’s visa-free policy for Africans, saying the country had not experienced serious problems as a result of making it easier for people to cross its borders.

He argued that greater movement across African countries could generate wider economic benefits.

The President also spoke about domestic development challenges, including water and electricity supply, accountability over unpaid wages and the role of citizens in Rwanda’s progress.

He thanked Rwandans for their resilience, hard work and cooperation, saying national achievements were largely the result of citizens’ collective efforts.