Rwandan President Paul Kagame rebuked South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa for alleging that Rwanda supports M23 rebels in the DRC. South Africa is under scrutiny after losing 13 soldiers amid escalating violence, while Kagame warns of potential confrontation, disputing claims regarding the nature of military operations in the region.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has criticized South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following accusations that Rwanda supports M23 rebels, who are exacerbating the ongoing crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Kagame denounced Ramaphosa’s claims as false and issued warnings of potential “confrontation.” South African soldiers are currently deployed in the DRC as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission, along with forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which aim to assist Congolese troops.
The military engagement in eastern Congo is part of a protracted conflict lasting over three decades, tracing back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Displaced individuals from the genocide currently pose a perceived security threat to Rwanda. Accusations have emerged against Kigali, suggesting that it seeks to exploit the region’s mineral resources amidst ongoing strife.
This escalating conflict between South Africa and Rwanda underscores the complex dynamics of regional security and historical grievances in the Great Lakes Region. Diplomatic efforts are now more crucial than ever to address the root causes of the violence and prevent further military engagement that threatens regional stability.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
