Tensions Rise Between South Africa and Rwanda Over DRC Crisis
Tensions have escalated between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over accusations of Rwandan support for M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This conflict follows the deaths of South African soldiers and raises concerns about regional stability appealing to historical conflicts originating from the Rwandan genocide.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has reacted strongly to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s accusations that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebels exacerbating the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kagame condemned Ramaphosa’s statements as false, warning of potential confrontation between Rwanda and South Africa.
In response to heightened violence that claimed the lives of 13 South African soldiers amidst a resurgence of M23 activity, Ramaphosa characterized the group as a “Rwandan Defense Force militia” during a written statement. He emphasized the casualties were largely due to the M23’s actions and reiterated South Africa’s military engagement in the DRC.
This escalating diplomatic conflict between South Africa and Rwanda stems from comments made by both leaders following recent fighting in the DRC. Reportedly, Kigali’s involvement in supporting the M23 has placed Pretoria under scrutiny, particularly following the deaths of their troops.
Kagame countered by asserting that the Rwandan Defense Force is not a militia, and further contended that South African forces are not merely engaging in peacekeeping but in offensive operations. He expressed discontent over Ramaphosa’s perceived duplicity in seeking a peacemaker role while making accusations against Rwanda.
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola corroborated Ramaphosa’s sentiments, attributing the M23’s recent activities to Rwanda’s support, based on U.N. evidence. Lamola highlighted South Africa’s role in advocating for peace during an African Union meeting on the crisis.
The current turmoil in eastern Congo is rooted in historical conflicts, particularly linked to the fallout of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with Rwanda citing security threats from militias in the region. The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of actively pursuing its mineral resources within eastern Congo, intensifying tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict.
The article discusses the diplomatic tensions between South Africa and Rwanda concerning the recent unrest in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The recent accusations by Cyril Ramaphosa against Rwanda for allegedly supporting M23 rebels have sparked a war of words, drawing attention to the longstanding issues in the region that have historical ties to the Rwandan genocide and ongoing violence over natural resources.
In summary, the ongoing exchanges between Rwandan and South African leadership highlight the complexities of the conflict in eastern Congo, particularly concerning accusations of external military support. As both nations engage in a war of words, the implications for regional security and peacekeeping efforts remain significant, with deeper historical factors influencing the current situation.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
