FACT CHECK: Viral Statement That Kagame Has Ended Diplomatic Ties with the U.S.

For the better part of Thursday evening, March 5, 2026, an alleged statement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, purportedly issued on behalf of President Paul Kagame’s government, claiming that Rwanda had ended diplomatic relations with the United States, went viral on social media.

The statement, dated March 4, claimed that the Government of the Republic of Rwanda had announced the immediate termination of diplomatic relations with the United States of America, currently led by President Donald Trump.

According to the viral document, the decision by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs followed sanctions imposed on March 2, 2026, by the United States Department of the Treasury against senior officials of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).

Viral Statement Claims Kagame Ends US Diplomatic Ties

The alleged statement further claimed that Rwanda considered the measures unjustified and inconsistent with the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect, and constructive bilateral engagement.

The statement also claimed that Rwanda’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., would start orderly closure procedures.

It said the Rwandan government had formally asked the United States to close its embassy in Kigali at the same time, in a coordinated manner.

Also Read: Kagame Fires Back After Trump Imposes Sanctions on His Army and Top 4 Commanders

The document added that Rwanda would continue to meet its international obligations, including those under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

However, a spot check by Hivileo.co.ke has established that the statement circulating on social media is fake.

One of the key indicators is that the communication has not been issued through Rwanda’s official government communication channels, including President Paul Kagame’s verified social media accounts, the Rwanda government spokesperson’s platforms, or the official accounts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Analysis Proves Letter is Fake

Further analysis shows that the information originated from unknown and unverified sources, with the document being widely shared by accounts using nicknames and profiles resembling bot accounts, raising questions about the credibility and intent behind its circulation.

Additionally,  if such a major diplomatic decision had indeed been made, the United States government would likely have issued an official response by now, which has not happened.

Also Read: Trump Targets Congo Minerals After DRC–Rwanda Peace Deal

The fake statement circulated shortly after the United States imposed sanctions on the RDF and four senior officers, citing their support for the M23 rebel group and its affiliates in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“Today, the United States is sanctioning the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four senior RDF officers for their direct operational support to the March 23 Movement (M23) and its affiliates in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,” the Treasury said.

According to Washington, just days after President Trump presided over the December 4, 2025, signing of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity alongside Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, Rwanda-backed M23 fighters captured the Congolese city of Uvira, a move the United States described as violating the agreement.

President Kagame has criticised the sanctions, calling them unjust and accusing Washington of unfairly targeting one side of the conflict.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

President Trump during the 2026 State of Union Address. PHOTO/WhiteHouse