Kagame Refutes Misrepresentations in Talks with Ramaphosa on Eastern DRC Conflict
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has held two discussions this week with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the ongoing situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including a conversation earlier today.
However, statements made by South African officials and President Ramaphosa himself regarding these discussions have been marred by distortions, deliberate attacks, and even outright falsehoods. The discrepancies between the private conversations and the public statements highlight significant concerns about how these crucial matters are being handled.
To set the record straight, the following clarifications are necessary:
- Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is an Army, Not a Militia
The RDF is a structured and professional national military force, not a militia, as has been implied in certain statements. - SAMIDRC is Not a Peacekeeping Force
The Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) was not deployed as a peacekeeping force. It was authorized by SADC as a belligerent entity engaging in offensive combat operations in support of the DRC government. It operates alongside groups such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which have a known history of genocide and continue to pose a direct threat to Rwanda. Additionally, SAMIDRC has made overt threats to extend the conflict into Rwandan territory. - Displacement of the East African Community Regional Force
The arrival of SAMIDRC led to the removal of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), which had been engaged in genuine peacekeeping efforts. This displacement has directly contributed to the breakdown of ongoing negotiation processes and has further complicated efforts toward a peaceful resolution. - No “Warning” from President Ramaphosa
At no point did President Ramaphosa issue a warning to Rwanda. Any such claim is either a misinterpretation or a fabrication. The only request made by President Ramaphosa pertained to logistical support to ensure that South African forces in the DRC had adequate electricity, food, and water—an issue Rwanda is willing to help communicate appropriately. - M23 Was Not Responsible for the Death of South African Soldiers
President Ramaphosa himself confirmed to President Kagame that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers killed in the conflict were not targeted by the M23 rebel group but were, in fact, casualties of actions taken by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). - South Africa’s Role in the Crisis
If South Africa seeks to contribute constructively to peace in the region, that is a positive step. However, South Africa is neither in a position to assume the role of a neutral peacemaker nor a credible mediator in this crisis. Should South Africa choose confrontation instead, Rwanda is fully prepared to address the matter in that context at any time.
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