The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has reiterated his commitment to working with other nations to find a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflicts in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a post on X Thursday, Kagame shared that he had a productive discussion with Angola’s President João Lourenço, focusing on the pursuit of peace in the DRC.
“Earlier today, I had a meaningful conversation with President João Lourenço about the need for a long-term and sustainable resolution to the current situation in the DRC,” he stated. “We also reaffirmed our dedication to working with other nations on the continent to find a solution, while strengthening our bilateral relationship moving forward.”
This statement followed a tense exchange with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the conflict.
The disagreement began when Ramaphosa claimed that a militia, including the M23 rebel group and Rwanda’s RDF, had attacked the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and the South African peacekeeping mission, killing 13 South African soldiers.
Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa’s presence in the DRC was not an act of war but part of a mission to protect civilians threatened by ongoing conflict under the UN mandate.
In response, Kagame expressed frustration with Ramaphosa’s remarks, rejecting the claims as false. “I’ve had two discussions with President Ramaphosa this week on the situation in Eastern DRC, including one today. What has been reported about these conversations by South African officials and President Ramaphosa himself is filled with distortion, deliberate attacks, and outright lies,” he said.
Kagame also clarified that the RDF is not a militia and disputed Ramaphosa’s description of the South African mission as a peacekeeping force. He explained that SAMIDRC, South Africa’s mission in the DRC, had replaced an actual peacekeeping effort, the East African Community Regional Force, which contributed to the breakdown of negotiations.
“SAMIDRC is not a peacekeeping force; it was authorized by SADC as a combat force engaged in offensive operations to assist the DRC government against its own people, working alongside genocidal groups like the FDLR, which targets Rwanda and threatens to bring the war to Rwanda,” Kagame stated.
He further emphasized that while South Africa may wish to help achieve peace, it is not in a position to act as a mediator. “If South Africa wishes to contribute to peaceful solutions, that’s fine, but it cannot serve as a peacemaker or mediator. And if South Africa chooses confrontation, Rwanda will handle the matter accordingly,” Kagame said.
The M23 rebels have already captured the city of Goma in Eastern DRC, leaving thousands displaced and in fear.
