Diplomatic relationships between Rwanda and South Africa are taking strain after SA President Cyril Ramaphosa called out Rwanda’s backing of M23 rebels in a conflict that has its roots in the Rwandan genocide. 

Rwandan President Paul Kagame responded angrily on X to a post by Ramaphosa, noting Rwanda was responsible for an escalation in fighting by the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which led to at least 13 of our soldiers dead, without the supplies and weapons they needed. 

Kagame responded via Twitter on Thursday, effectively challenging South Africa. “If South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day.”

Rwanda has consistently denied allegations of supporting the M23 rebels in the DRC—an accusation long made by the UN.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has had an active presence in the DRC since December 2023 as part of a regional peacekeeping force. This was deployed to stabilise the conflict-ridden eastern DRC, where armed groups, including M23 rebels reportedly backed by Rwanda, have been fighting for control of territory rich in minerals. 

A City Press report on Sunday revealed that the SANDF is outgunned, facing an enemy equipped with drones, missiles, and jamming equipment. Meanwhile, attempts to send reinforcements and supplies have been blocked by M23’s rapid advance, leaving troops cut off. To make matters worse, many more are wounded and unable to get medical attention.  Many South Africans are rightfully upset about the situation. 

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has been criticised for her handling of the crisis by opposition parties and others. She has pushed back against claims that SANDF troops are out of ammunition, insisting that during her visit, troops told her they had sufficient supplies. However, this contradicts reports from the ground, raising concerns about transparency.

With fighting still ongoing and SANDF troops effectively trapped, South Africa now faces serious questions about how—and whether—it can safely extract its soldiers from one of its most dangerous military entanglements in years.