Rwandan President Paul Kagame has declared that Rwanda is prepared for a confrontation with South Africa if necessary, following accusations by President Cyril Ramaphosa linking Rwanda’s military to the deaths of 13 South African soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ramaphosa recently claimed that M23 rebels—allegedly backed by Rwanda’s defence force—were responsible for the fatalities, which occurred as part of ongoing hostilities in the region. However, Kagame dismissed these allegations, accusing South African officials of distorting facts and misrepresenting private discussions between the two leaders.
Speaking on the matter, Kagame stated that Ramaphosa had not warned Rwanda about its alleged military activities in the DRC but had instead requested logistical support, including electricity, food, and water for South African forces deployed under SAMIDRC (South African Mission in the DRC).
Kagame also questioned South Africa’s role in the conflict, asserting that the SAMIDRC force is not a peacekeeping mission but a combat operation authorized by the Southern African Development Community (SADC). He claimed the mission had displaced the East African Community Regional Force, which he described as a legitimate peacekeeping force.
In a post on X, Kagame outlined key points regarding Rwanda’s stance:
- The Rwanda Defence Force is a national military, not a militia.
- SAMIDRC is not a peacekeeping force but an offensive military operation aligned with armed groups hostile to Rwanda.
- Ramaphosa allegedly confirmed to Kagame that FARDC (the DRC’s armed forces) was responsible for the deaths of the South African soldiers, not M23.
- If South Africa chooses confrontation, Rwanda will respond in kind.
Kagame’s remarks signal escalating tensions between the two nations, raising concerns about the broader implications of external involvement in the DRC conflict.