Minister Ronald Lamola
By Lerato Mpembe
South Africa Dismisses Kagame’s Claims Over DRC Conflict
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has strongly rejected Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s allegations that Pretoria is distorting facts about the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Kagame accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of deliberately misrepresenting their private discussions regarding the escalating situation in eastern DRC. He claimed that Ramaphosa’s public statements do not reflect the content of their actual conversations about the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployment under a United Nations-backed peacekeeping mission.
The diplomatic rift between South Africa and Rwanda has intensified following the deaths of 13 SANDF soldiers in violent clashes with M23 rebels. In response, President Ramaphosa announced that investigations into the deaths of the soldiers are underway. However, Kagame disputes this, claiming that Ramaphosa privately admitted that the South African soldiers were killed by the DRC’s own armed forces (FARDC).
Kagame has described the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping forces as “belligerent forces” siding with the DRC government and warned that if South Africa seeks confrontation, Rwanda will respond.
Lamola: ‘There Was No Lie or Distortion’
Minister Lamola strongly refuted Kagame’s accusations, insisting that South Africa is operating transparently in the DRC conflict.
“I can confirm that everything President Ramaphosa has been able to articulate to the people of South Africa has been in line with the discussions he has had, and there was no lie or deliberate distortion. We are not there on a frolic of our own as is suggested in some of the tweets you’re referring to.”Lamola’s statement reaffirms South Africa’s position that its mission in the DRC is legitimate, sanctioned under international law, and focused solely on stabilising the region as part of SADC’s mandate.
Tensions Rise as Rwanda Withdraws Troops
In a separate development, Rwanda has withdrawn its military personnel and equipment from its borders, with soldiers being redirected to protect key government infrastructure.
A statement from the Rwandan Prime Minister’s office read:
“In light of recent developments and in the interest of preserving national stability, I am issuing an urgent directive for the immediate redeployment of all military personnel stationed in border towns. Effective immediately, all units must withdraw and regroup in the capital to secure governmental institutions and critical infrastructure.”This move raises questions about Rwanda’s future military strategy in the region and whether Kagame’s government is preparing for a larger confrontation amid growing tensions with South Africa and SADC.
EFF Calls for Peace, Warns Against ‘War Talk’
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) senior leader Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has warned against military confrontation between South Africa and Rwanda, urging African leaders to pursue peaceful resolutions.
Ndlozi argued that the continent cannot afford another version of the Second Congo War, often referred to as the “Great War of Africa,” which resulted in over five million casualties – making it the deadliest conflict since World War II.
In a statement on social media, Ndlozi said:
“There is absolutely no need for a violent confrontation between South Africa and Rwanda! We DO NOT need another version of the Second Congo War. African leaders must get in a room and do everything in their power to resolve the Eastern DRC problem peacefully. Anyone who loves Africa will advocate for nothing less.”He also warned that African nations must avoid being used as pawns in conflicts that ultimately benefit Western and Eastern imperialists.
“War NEVER gives Africa any benefit. Only Western, maybe even Eastern imperialists profit out of war. They own the means of producing weapons, ammunition, and all relevant war equipment and gear. They also have an advantage over mineral extraction since it is their economies that have the power to industrialise those minerals into actual products.”The EFF leader further called for South Africa to reconsider its role in the DRC peacekeeping mission if its mandate under international law has been compromised.
President Tshisekedi: ‘We Will Defend Our Sovereignty’
Meanwhile, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has vowed to mount a vigorous military response against M23 rebels, who he claims are being directly supported by Rwanda.
The M23 armed group has seized large parts of eastern DRC, including most of the key city of Goma.
In a nationally televised speech, Tshisekedi said:
“A vigorous and coordinated response against these terrorists and their sponsors is underway.”He also condemned the international community’s lack of action, describing it as an “unprecedented worsening of the security situation.”
“Your silence and inaction… are an affront to the DRC. The advance of Rwanda-backed fighters could lead straight to an escalation in the broader Great Lakes region.”International Pressure for Peace Talks Grows
Despite mounting violence, Tshisekedi declined to attend peace talks with President Kagame on Wednesday.
A videoconference summit of the East African Community (EAC) called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, urging:
• The DRC government to directly engage with all stakeholders, including M23 rebels.
• An immediate ceasefire to avoid further humanitarian catastrophe.
Angola, which previously mediated failed peace talks, has renewed efforts for direct negotiations between Tshisekedi and Kagame.
Meanwhile, the United Nations, United States, China, and the European Union have all called for Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the DRC. However, Rwanda’s ambassador-at-large, Vincent Karega, stated:
“The M23 advance will continue.”He further suggested that the fighters could push beyond the country’s east – even to Kinshasa.
Ramaphosa: ‘South Africa Will Not Be Intimidated’
President Ramaphosa has remained firm in South Africa’s commitment to peacekeeping efforts in the DRC.
In a statement, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s role in ensuring stability, despite the loss of 13 SANDF soldiers.
“Following the recent intensification of fighting in the Eastern DRC, 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 M23 and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia engaging the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and attacking peacekeepers from the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).”Ramaphosa added that South Africa will not be intimidated by threats and remains committed to fulfilling its peacekeeping responsibilities under SADC and the UN.
“The presence of the SAMIDRC forces demonstrates the commitment of SADC member states to supporting the DRC in its efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability.”He also called for all parties to respect the sovereignty of the DRC and honour the Luanda Process agreements.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition 087🔴 Download the Latest Edition | Top Story: “Building ‘The Ngwathe We Want’:
Dr Mothamaha Drives Cost-Effective
Solutions with New Fleet Acquisitions”
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube