By AGGREY BULUBA
The escalating conflict between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa highlights the precarious situation in the region, especially concerning the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
Kagame has vehemently responded to Ramaphosa’s claim that the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) operates as a “militia,” accusing him of dishonesty and asserting Rwanda’s readiness for confrontation if provoked. He framed South Africa’s statements about the DR Congo crisis as distortions and outright lies.
Ramaphosa previously accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels against the Congolese government and contributing to regional instability. In retort, Kagame dismissed these allegations, claiming that if Ramaphosa had issued any warning to Rwanda, it was in a language he did not comprehend. Furthermore, he alleged that Ramaphosa sought Rwanda’s assistance for South African troops in maintaining supply access.
Central to this dispute is the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) mission in DR Congo, known as SAMIDRC, which Kagame contends is not a peacekeeping force but a combat unit assisting the Congolese government. He also accused South African troops of collaborating with the FDLR, a group linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Conversely, Ramaphosa maintains that South African forces are deployed in DR Congo for peacekeeping and regional stability. His frustration has intensified, particularly following the deaths of 13 South African soldiers in combat. Ramaphosa emphasized the intolerance for militia groups threatening stability and the need to prevent Rwandan interference.
Kagame alleged that Ramaphosa is aware of the truth but fails to acknowledge it publicly, insisting that the deaths of the South African soldiers were not caused by M23 rebels but by the Congolese army (FARDC).
As tensions rise, the situation in DR Congo continues to deteriorate, exemplified by the M23 rebels’ capture of Goma, North Kivu’s capital, which forced UN peacekeepers and alleged mercenaries to retreat.
In efforts to de-escalate the situation, Kenyan President William Ruto called for a meeting of regional leaders, though DR Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi opted to participate via video conference instead of attending in person. While Presidents Museveni and Kagame joined the talks, the details of their discussions have not been publicized.
The escalating conflict in DR Congo is drawing increasing international scrutiny, prompting the United Nations Security Council to convene, yet a comprehensive solution remains out of reach. Without leaders prioritizing peace over ego, the entire region risks further turmoil.
Discussion about this post