Kagame defends purge on substandard alcohol

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame addresses a press conference at the Kigali Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda, August 24, 2026. 

Photo credit: Reuter

Rwandan President Paul Kagame is defending his country’s purge on alcoholic drinks imported from neighbouring countries, but which didn’t meet local standards, saying it was for the sake of public health.

In a press conference in Kigali, President Kagame said profits come second to any public safety concerns and that Rwanda will not lower its standards bar for commercial reasons.