Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Peter Fabricius
Published on 2024-04-12 11:05:20
Could South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s efforts to rekindle ties between his country and Rwanda also help resolve the dangerous standoff between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)? Or vice versa?
President Ramaphosa recently met with President Paul Kagame on April 6th to address the longstanding issues in the South Africa-Rwanda relationship, while attending the 30th-anniversary commemoration of the genocide in Rwanda. One of the main points of tension between the two nations is the unresolved matter of assassinations or attempted assassinations of Rwandan dissidents in South Africa, as well as Kigali’s concerns regarding individuals allegedly plotting against Kagame’s government being harbored in Pretoria.
The latest dispute arises from South Africa’s involvement in the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) aimed at combating the M23 rebels in eastern DRC, who reportedly receive support from Rwanda. Recent attacks on SAMIDRC troops have resulted in casualties, highlighting the dangerous nature of the conflict.
President Ramaphosa and President Kagame have been attempting to address these complex issues for over six years, with no clear resolution in sight. The situation further escalated in 2014 following the murder of Kagame’s former intelligence chief in Johannesburg and assassination attempts on other high-profile figures, leading to diplomatic expulsions and strained relations that continue to this day.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC, particularly involving the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, adds another layer of complexity to the South Africa-Rwanda relationship. South Africa played a critical role in defeating the M23 rebels previously but their resurgence has prompted renewed military action, including the deployment of SAMIDRC.
During their discussions, Ramaphosa and Kagame expressed their commitment to a peaceful political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC, emphasizing the need to halt incursions by certain groups into Rwanda. However, Kagame defended Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels, citing ethnic Tutsis being denied citizenship in the DRC as a reason for their backing.
Former President Thabo Mbeki, who was also in Kigali for the genocide commemoration, emphasized the need for peace talks and disengagement of military forces in the DRC conflict. Mbeki highlighted a previous peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC, which called for disarmament of rebel groups and the withdrawal of foreign troops from the region.
The potential for a peaceful resolution lies in disengaging military forces and focusing on disarming rebel groups like the FDLR. However, the complexities of the conflict, including economic interests and shifting power dynamics, present significant challenges to achieving lasting peace in the region.
President Ramaphosa’s efforts to promote peace in the DRC and address regional tensions may be driven by a desire to show leadership and stability ahead of upcoming elections, as well as a genuine commitment to peace as a guiding principle for South Africa’s foreign policy.
In conclusion, the path to resolving the conflict between Rwanda, the DRC, and South Africa remains complex and uncertain. However, diplomatic efforts and a focus on peaceful solutions are essential to mitigate further violence and instability in the region.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
