Tensions are rising between South Africa and Rwanda as accusations of support for the M23 rebel group escalate after the deaths of South African peacekeepers in DR Congo. South Africa has warned of severe consequences for further attacks, while Rwanda accuses South Africa of unauthorized military actions. Economic interests and long-term conflicts inform South Africa’s military presence in DR Congo, leading to increased scrutiny of its peacekeeping efforts amid ongoing hostility.
Diplomatic tensions between South Africa and Rwanda have escalated following accusations from President Cyril Ramaphosa that the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group is responsible for the deaths of South African peacekeepers in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). As M23 gained significant ground, including the capture of Goma, South Africa declared that any further attacks on its troops would be treated as a “declaration of war.” In response, Rwandan President Paul Kagame accused South Africa of being a “belligerent force” involved in offensive operations against the Congolese populace.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of 13 South African soldiers in a recent surge of violence, with historical context revealing that seven South African soldiers were killed in DR Congo last year. This spike in hostilities coincides with a period of difficult relations between South Africa and Rwanda, which included the expulsion of diplomats from both nations in 2014 over an attack on an exiled Rwandan dissident in Johannesburg. Though tensions appeared to ease after Ramaphosa’s visit to Rwanda in 2022, the current circumstances have reignited disputes following the controversial deployment of South African troops under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mandate.
Initially, Ramaphosa’s statements indicated a commitment to a ceasefire and dialogue, though he later claimed the deaths were at the hands of M23 rebels and Rwandan forces. Kagame swiftly countered these assertions, labeling them as false and misrepresentative. Kagame pointedly noted that the Rwandan Defence Force constitutes an army rather than a militia and accused South Africa of colluding with groups that oppose Rwanda.
While South African involvement in DR Congo dates back to the mid-1990s after the apartheid regime’s end, analysts suggest that economic interests, particularly in mineral resources, are significant motivating factors behind its military presence. The South African military’s capabilities have significantly declined over the years, complicating its current role. The absence of air cover diminishes the effectiveness of the peacekeeping mission, leading to calls for serious reflection on the purpose and costs associated with South Africa’s military engagement in the region.
The longstanding conflict in the eastern DR Congo is heavily influenced by regional dynamics, with various armed groups vying for control, particularly in mineral-rich areas. The M23, a prominent rebel group, has been accused of receiving backing from Rwanda, further complicating political relations in the region. South Africa’s military involvement has evolved over decades, transitioning from a peacekeeping force established post-apartheid to a participant in ongoing combat scenarios. Calls for a reassessment of South Africa’s troop deployments arise amid concerns regarding military efficacy and the implications of further casualties.
The intensifying conflict between South Africa and Rwanda highlights the complexities of diplomacy and military engagement in the DR Congo. Following the death of South African peacekeepers at the hands of the M23 and their Rwandan supporters, both countries have engaged in a public relations battle. As pressures mount, South Africa faces critical decisions regarding its military presence in DR Congo amid heightened risks and calls for introspection on its intervention strategy.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
