eteran diplomat and former Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, has called for the preservation of bilateral relations between South Africa and Rwanda to prevent further escalation of tensions. Her remarks come in the wake of a sharp diplomatic exchange between the two nations’ leaders, signaling a troubling strain in relations.
Last week, tensions flared when IOL reported an unprecedented public spat between President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Kagame accused Ramaphosa of “distorting facts,” a rare and pointed rebuke that captured attention across the region. The diplomatic fallout intensified with Kagame’s late-night post on X, where he delivered a chilling message: “If South Africa wants to contribute to peaceful solutions, that is well and good, but South Africa is in no position to take on the role of a peacemaker or mediator.” Kagame’s closing words were even more foreboding: “And if South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day.”
Kagame’s message was a direct response to Ramaphosa’s own post mourning the loss of 13 South African soldiers, whom he praised for their dedication and commitment to peace. These soldiers were killed in a fierce conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a region long plagued by violence and instability.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Zulu, who previously served as South Africa’s ambassador to Brazil, stressed the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties with Kigali. “That tension we cannot afford, quite frankly, if we look at the bigger picture of what SADC’s responsibility is, what the government of the DRC’s responsibility is, and what Rwanda’s responsibility is,” she said. “Any tension, any words that might be thrown left, right, and center by one or the other, it is not going to help the situation.”
Zulu emphasized that the path forward lies in continued dialogue between the two presidents, as well as active engagement from their respective ministers of foreign affairs. “We have to go back to the drawing board and have the presidents speaking to each other, the ministers of foreign affairs speaking to each other,” she insisted.
She warned that a “war of words” would do little to assist the people most affected by the ongoing conflict, particularly women and children living in eastern DRC, an area devastated by years of warfare. The humanitarian crisis in the region adds urgency to diplomatic efforts, as the stakes extend far beyond political disagreements.
In a related development, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) released the names of the 14 soldiers who lost their lives in the DRC conflict. The fallen soldiers are: Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola, Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi, Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe, Corporal Matome Justice Malesa, Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani, Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo, Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo, Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi, Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe, Rifleman Derrick Maluleke, Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele, Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi, Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe, and Private Peter Jacobus Strydom.
Addressing social media rumors, Zulu dismissed claims that the bodies of the deceased SANDF soldiers were being held in the DRC due to a blockade by M23 rebels. She assured the public that such allegations were unfounded, emphasizing the need to focus on factual information during such sensitive times.
As the region watches closely, the hope remains that diplomacy will prevail over confrontation, and that the leaders of South Africa and Rwanda can find common ground to ensure peace and stability in the region.
