Tensions Rise Between African Leaders Over DRC Conflict.
A diplomatic dispute erupted Wednesday between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding military operations in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ramaphosa claimed the M23 rebel group and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) attacked DRC armed forces and the SADC Mission (SAMIDRC), resulting in 13 South African soldier deaths. The attacks also killed peacekeepers from Malawi and Tanzania, along with UN mission members.
The South African leader emphasized his country's presence serves a peacekeeping role under the UN mandate. "Our forces demonstrate SADC member states' commitment to supporting DRC in achieving lasting peace and stability," Ramaphosa said. He called for all parties to engage in dialogue and respect DRC's territorial integrity.
President Kagame sharply rejected these assertions. "I held two conversations with President Ramaphosa this week. The media reports from South African officials contain distortions, deliberate attacks, and lies," Kagame stated. He stressed the RDF is a national military force, not a militia.
The Rwandan leader challenged SAMIDRC's peacekeeping status, stating it replaced the East African Community Regional Force. "SAMIDRC operates as a combat force alongside groups threatening Rwanda," Kagame said. He added that FARDC, not M23, killed the South African soldiers.
Kagame questioned South Africa's mediator role in the conflict. "If South Africa wants peaceful solutions, that is welcome. But they cannot act as peacemaker," he said. "If South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda stands ready to respond."
The exchange marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between two influential African nations over the ongoing DRC crisis.
A diplomatic dispute erupted Wednesday between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding military operations in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ramaphosa claimed the M23 rebel group and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) attacked DRC armed forces and the SADC Mission (SAMIDRC), resulting in 13 South African soldier deaths. The attacks also killed peacekeepers from Malawi and Tanzania, along with UN mission members.
The South African leader emphasized his country's presence serves a peacekeeping role under the UN mandate. "Our forces demonstrate SADC member states' commitment to supporting DRC in achieving lasting peace and stability," Ramaphosa said. He called for all parties to engage in dialogue and respect DRC's territorial integrity.
President Kagame sharply rejected these assertions. "I held two conversations with President Ramaphosa this week. The media reports from South African officials contain distortions, deliberate attacks, and lies," Kagame stated. He stressed the RDF is a national military force, not a militia.
The Rwandan leader challenged SAMIDRC's peacekeeping status, stating it replaced the East African Community Regional Force. "SAMIDRC operates as a combat force alongside groups threatening Rwanda," Kagame said. He added that FARDC, not M23, killed the South African soldiers.
Kagame questioned South Africa's mediator role in the conflict. "If South Africa wants peaceful solutions, that is welcome. But they cannot act as peacemaker," he said. "If South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda stands ready to respond."
The exchange marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between two influential African nations over the ongoing DRC crisis.
