Rwandan President Paul Kagame condemned South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s allegations of Rwandan support for M23 rebels amid the escalating crisis in the DRC. Relations soured further following the deaths of 13 South African soldiers. Kagame warned of confrontation, while South Africa’s Foreign Minister blamed Rwanda for the rebellion, seeking a ceasefire in ongoing hostilities.
In a recent exchange of strong words, Rwandan President Paul Kagame criticized South African President Cyril Ramaphosa after the latter accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, who are involved in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kagame labeled Ramaphosa’s statements as deceitful and cautioned against potential confrontations between the two nations. South Africa, which has deployed troops in the DRC for peacekeeping missions, is facing scrutiny following the death of 13 South African soldiers amidst the renewed violence in the region.
President Ramaphosa explicitly stated that the M23, along with what he referred to as “a Rwandan Defense Force militia,” were accountable for the fatalities among South African forces. This assertion was echoed by South African Minister of Defense, Angie Motshekga, who suggested that a warning was issued to combatants firing close to their positions, indicating that such actions could be interpreted as a declaration of war. These remarks have led to heightened tensions between Pretoria and Kigali.
Kagame responded emphatically through a social media post, asserting that the Rwandan Defense Force should not be categorized as a militia. He contested Ramaphosa’s claim regarding the status of the deceased South African soldiers, arguing that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces were participating in offensive military operations rather than maintaining peace. Kagame also emphasized a prior conversation with Ramaphosa about South Africa’s alleged mixed role in eastern Congo, calling attention to the complexity of the conflict.
The South African Foreign Minister, Ronald Lamola, reiterated the country’s position by directly accusing Rwanda of backing the M23. He cited reports from U.N. experts supporting claims of Kigali’s involvement in the conflict. During a recent African Union meeting on the crisis, Lamola voiced South Africa’s call for a ceasefire and urged all parties backing the M23 rebels to cease their support.
The conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, which is neighboring Rwanda, has persisted for over three decades, with roots that can be traced back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The Rwandan government has described the presence of armed groups in eastern Congo as a significant security threat. Simultaneously, the Congolese administration has accused Kigali of pursuing the region’s mineral resources, which further complicates the geopolitical dynamics at play.
The tension between South Africa and Rwanda over the DRC conflict highlights the complex interplay of regional security and historical grievances. The eastern DRC has long been marred by violence, fueled by both local and regional actors. The M23 rebel group, which is reportedly supported by Rwanda, has escalated conflict in the region, prompting international concern and the involvement of South African peacekeeping forces. The backdrop of historical events, particularly the 1994 Rwandan genocide and its aftermath, plays a significant role in shaping current relations and security issues between these countries.
This diplomatic confrontation underscores the fragile security climate in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with direct implications for regional stability. Accusations and counter-accusations from both nations reflect their intertwined histories and competing interests in a resource-rich region plagued by conflict. The ongoing dialogue may prove crucial in addressing the crisis and achieving a sustainable peace.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
