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Paul Kagame Issues Chilling Warning to South Africa: “Rwanda Ready for Confrontation Any Day”

Paul Kagame Issues Chilling Warning to South Africa: “Rwanda Ready for Confrontation Any Day”

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has issued a stern warning to South Africa, declaring that his country is prepared for confrontation “any day.” This comes after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent remarks on the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kagame accused South Africa of spreading misinformation, distorting facts, and overstepping its role as a mediator in the crisis, further intensifying diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

Kagame Accuses South Africa of Lies and Distortion

In a series of public statements, Kagame directly responded to Ramaphosa’s claims, accusing South African officials of misrepresenting their private discussions.

“What has been said about these conversations in the media by South African officials and President Ramaphosa himself contains a lot of distortion, deliberate attacks, and even lies,” Kagame asserted.

He defended the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) as a legitimate army, dismissing claims that it operates like a militia. Kagame also criticised the South African-led SAMIDRC force for conducting offensive operations alongside groups such as the FDLR, which Rwanda considers a genocidal threat.

“SAMIDRC is not a peacekeeping force. It was authorised by SADC as a belligerent force engaging in combat operations to help the DRC Government fight against its own people,” Kagame argued.

Kagame expressed concerns that the SAMIDRC force had displaced the East African Community Regional Force, which he described as a genuine peacekeeping mission. He also took a swipe at Ramaphosa’s warning, sarcastically suggesting that it might have been delivered in a language he did not understand.

“President Ramaphosa has never given a ‘warning’ of any kind, unless it was delivered in his local language which I do not understand,” Kagame quipped.

Ramaphosa Defends South Africa’s Role

Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa mourned the loss of 13 South African soldiers in the DRC, blaming the escalation on the M23 rebel group and the RDF.

“We bow our heads in honour of their heroic and gallant fight for peace,” Ramaphosa tweeted.

He reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to peacekeeping efforts and denied any intention of declaring war on Rwanda or any other country.

“South Africa’s military presence in the eastern DRC is not a declaration of war against any country or state,” he clarified.

Ramaphosa called on South Africans to support the country’s peacekeeping forces and emphasised the importance of peace and stability on the continent.

Tensions Mount with Regional Implications

Kagame’s defiant response has heightened tensions between Rwanda and South Africa, raising concerns about further instability in the region.

“If South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day,” Kagame warned.

While Ramaphosa called for renewed diplomatic efforts and an end to hostilities through the Nairobi Process, Kagame’s firm stance indicates Rwanda’s readiness to confront South Africa if necessary.

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging both nations to prioritise peaceful solutions for regional stability.

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