Rwandan President Kagame has condemned South African President Ramaphosa’s accusations of Rwanda’s involvement with the M23 rebels in the DRC. Tensions flared following the deaths of South African soldiers, with both leaders exchanging hostile statements. The conflict in eastern DRC is rooted in historical injustices and resource competition, raising concerns for regional stability.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has responded angrily to accusations made by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa alleged that Rwanda supports the M23 rebels, who are contributing to the worsening situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kagame has branded these claims as false and issued warnings of potential confrontations between the two countries.
South Africa currently has troops stationed in the DRC as part of a United Nations peacekeeping operation and a Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission aimed at supporting Congolese forces. The tension escalated after the recent deaths of 13 South African soldiers during clashes that allowed the M23 militia to gain partial control over the strategic city of Goma in North Kivu province.
In a written statement, President Ramaphosa attributed the casualties to the actions of the M23 and labeled it a “Rwandan Defense Force militia,” while Defense Minister Angie Motshekga issued a warning against the militia relating to the fighting nearby. These statements sparked a diplomatic crisis with Kigali, as Kagame contended South Africa’s portrayal of the Rwandan military, calling it a defensive force, not a militia.
Furthermore, Kagame dismissed the notion that South African soldiers were merely peacekeepers, questioning the role of the SADC contingent, which has been involved in combat operations. He expressed frustration over South Africa’s threats and reaffirmed Rwanda’s readiness to respond to presumed confrontations, emphasizing that M23 rebels are not Rwandans and that South Africa’s claims are unfounded.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola has implicated Rwanda in supporting the M23, emphasizing that reports by United Nations experts corroborate these assertions. During an African Union meeting, Lamola mentioned South Africa’s stance advocating for an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of support to M23 rebels from all sources.
The eastern DRC, rich in resources and bordering Rwanda, has experienced ongoing conflict for over three decades, with present tensions rooted in historical events, including the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rwanda maintains that fleeing perpetrators from this genocide pose a threat to its security, while the DRC government accuses Kigali of pursuing its mineral wealth.
The recent diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and South Africa stem from accusations surrounding military actions and support for militia groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo. South Africa’s military presence in the DRC, under the UN and SADC frameworks, reflects its involvement in regional peacekeeping efforts. Enhanced conflict dynamics are further complicated by historical grievances dating back to the Rwandan genocide and ongoing issues related to mineral resource access in the eastern DRC.
The rhetorical clash between Kagame and Ramaphosa highlights the fragile political dynamics in Central Africa. Accusations regarding military support and engagement in the DRC conflict underscore deeper issues of security and control over valuable resources. While both countries assert their positions, ongoing diplomatic efforts and potential confrontations emphasize the need for resolution strategies to prevent further escalation in this volatile region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
