Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Rwanda have hit a new low after accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group, which has been fighting South African peacekeepers in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa lashed out after 13 South African soldiers were killed by rebel forces, warning that further attacks on South African troops would be considered a “declaration of war.”
The M23 rebels have made rapid gains in the region, capturing Goma, the largest city in the eastern DRC, leading to a major shift in the conflict. South Africa, which has deployed a significant peacekeeping force to the area, has warned that attacks on its troops will not go unnoticed. The M23 has long been a formidable force in the DRC, and their recent advance has thrown South Africa’s military into crisis mode.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, however, responded angrily to Ramaphosa’s statements, accusing South Africa of aligning with the Congolese government in offensive combat operations. He suggested that South Africa had joined a “belligerent force” fighting against the Congolese people, a claim that has fueled further tension between the two countries. Kagame also insisted that the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) had not been involved in the death of South African soldiers, contradicting Ramaphosa’s assertions that the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels were responsible for the killings.
This escalation follows a long history of strained relations between South Africa and Rwanda, which have fluctuated from diplomatic hostility to attempts at rapprochement. In 2014, tensions flared after South Africa expelled Rwandan diplomats following an attack on the home of an exiled dissident in Johannesburg, which led to retaliatory expulsions by Kigali. Despite a more peaceful tone during Ramaphosa’s visit to Rwanda in 2023, the diplomatic rift has now deepened over the situation in the DRC.
South Africa’s involvement in the DRC is tied to its role in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping force, which was established to stabilize the volatile eastern regions of the country. However, this mission has faced numerous challenges, especially with the resurgence of armed groups like the M23. South Africa’s peacekeepers have struggled in the face of increasing rebel strength and a lack of adequate resources. Despite having a significant military presence, including attack helicopters, South Africa’s air support has dwindled due to budget cuts, leaving its troops vulnerable to escalating violence.
Ramaphosa and his government have been caught between two conflicting priorities: maintaining peacekeeping efforts in the DRC and the safety of their soldiers. While South Africa has called for a ceasefire and peace talks to resolve the crisis, the M23’s offensive and Rwanda’s involvement have complicated these efforts. Analysts have pointed out that South Africa’s military has become overstretched and underfunded, rendering it less capable of effectively responding to the rebel threat, unlike during its previous interventions in 2013.
Kagame’s remarks further indicate Rwanda’s reluctance to let South Africa assert itself in the region. He dismissed South Africa’s role as a peacemaker, accusing the country of complicating the situation rather than contributing to peace. Rwanda has a significant interest in the outcome of the DRC conflict, as the M23 rebels have ties to Rwandan Hutu militants, complicating Rwanda’s political stance in the region.
South Africa’s peacekeeping mission was initially seen as a way to bolster regional stability, especially given the DRC’s immense mineral wealth, which is of economic importance to both South Africa and its neighbors. However, the current situation has raised questions about the effectiveness of South Africa’s military involvement. Experts have warned that South Africa may need to reconsider its strategy, especially in light of the heavy casualties and the rising costs of the operation.
As the situation grows more volatile, Ramaphosa faces difficult decisions. The potential withdrawal of South African troops from the DRC may save lives but could damage the country’s reputation as a peacekeeper. Meanwhile, continued engagement risks more deaths among South Africa’s soldiers, with no clear end to the conflict in sight. As Rwanda and South Africa exchange increasingly harsh words, it remains to be seen whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further escalation and pave the way for a sustainable peace in the DRC.
