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Kagame Threatens Confrontation with South Africa Over DRC Allegations
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Rwandan President Paul Kagame has stated that Rwanda is ready for a confrontation with South Africa if necessary, following claims by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa that M23 rebels and Rwanda’s military were responsible for the deaths of 13 South African soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Fellow South Africans,
Following the recent intensification of fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa has lost 13 brave soldiers who were dedicated to their mission and committed to peace. The fighting is the result of an escalation by the rebel…
— Cyril Ramaphosa
(@CyrilRamaphosa) January 29, 2025
Kagame Responds to South African Claims
Rwandan President @PaulKagame responding to what South African officials said yesterday on the situation in the East DRC. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/KX1VB5Vfqs
— Sophie Mokoena (@Sophie_Mokoena) January 30, 2025
Kagame rejected Ramaphosa’s accusations, stating that South Africa’s leaders had misrepresented conversations between the two presidents. He emphasized that South Africa had never warned Rwanda about its military activities in the DRC. Instead, Ramaphosa had requested logistical support while acknowledging South Africa’s commitment to peace efforts in the region.
Kagame also criticized South Africa’s role, asserting that the country is not positioned to act as a peacemaker or mediator. He warned that if South Africa pursues confrontation, Rwanda will be prepared to respond.
President of Rwanda @PaulKagame responding to the statement issued by South Africa. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/7GSlAA6FrU
— Sophie Mokoena (@Sophie_Mokoena) January 30, 2025
Clarification on DRC Involvement
In a statement on X, Kagame elaborated on the role of South African forces in the DRC, saying that the South African Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) was not a peacekeeping force but a belligerent force involved in offensive combat alongside groups targeting Rwanda. He claimed that SAMIDRC had displaced the East African Community Regional Force, a true peacekeeping entity, which had hindered peace negotiations in the region.
I held two conversations this week with President Ramaphosa on the situation in Eastern DRC, including earlier today. What has been said about these conversations in the media by South African officials and President Ramaphosa himself contains a lot of distortion, deliberate… https://t.co/i78aqtVjpr
— Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) January 29, 2025
Kagame further clarified that Ramaphosa had confirmed the M23 rebels were not responsible for the deaths of South African soldiers. Instead, he stated that the DRC’s armed forces (FARDC) were to blame.
Rising Tensions Between Rwanda and South Africa
Kagame’s comments highlight the growing tensions between Rwanda and South Africa over the ongoing conflict in the DRC. His remarks suggest that the situation remains highly volatile, with both nations positioning themselves for potential conflict as they navigate the complex dynamics of peacekeeping and military involvement in the region.
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