Rawanda President challenges to take over South Africa?

Introduction

The recent exchange between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa does not indicate any challenge by Rwanda to take over South Africa.

Instead, their dispute centers on the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Here are the key points of the current situation

Escalating Tensions

President Kagame strongly criticized President Ramaphosa’s statements regarding the conflict in the DRC.

Kagame accused South African officials, including Ramaphosa, of distorting their conversations and spreading “deliberate attacks and even lies”.

Key Points of Contention

M23 and Rwandan Involvement

Ramaphosa blamed the M23 rebel group and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) for escalating violence in the DRC.

Kagame vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that the RDF is a legitimate army, not a militia.

Peacekeeping Role

Kagame dismissed the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) as a “belligerent force” rather than a peacekeeping mission.

He accused SAMIDRC of collaborating with groups that target Rwanda.

Kagame’s Warning

Kagame stated that South Africa is not in a position to act as a mediator or peacemaker in the DRC conflict.

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

Conclusion

It’s important to note that this exchange represents a diplomatic dispute and heightened tensions between Rwanda and South Africa over their involvement in the DRC conflict. There is no indication of Rwanda challenging to take over South Africa. The situation remains focused on the complex regional dynamics in central Africa, particularly concerning the ongoing crisis in the eastern DRC.