South Africa and Rwanda Face Diplomatic Crisis Over DR Congo War

The already strained diplomatic relationship between South Africa and Rwanda has deteriorated further after President Cyril Ramaphosa accused the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group of killing South African peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

As M23 rebels made rapid territorial gains, including capturing large parts of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, South Africa issued a stern warning, stating that any further attacks on its troops would be considered a “declaration of war.”

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In response, Rwandan President Paul Kagame dismissed South Africa’s accusations, calling them distortions and falsehoods. Kagame went further, accusing South Africa of being part of a “belligerent force” that is assisting the DRC’s government in fighting “against its own people.”

The intensifying row between the two African nations raises serious concerns about the future of regional stability and the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, which has already displaced hundreds of thousands and left thousands dead.

South African Peacekeepers Under Attack

Since last week, 13 South African soldiers have been killed as the M23 rebels launched a lightning offensive towards Goma. This follows the deaths of seven other South African peacekeepers last year, making it one of South Africa’s deadliest combat engagements in recent history.

South Africa has a long history of military engagement in DRC. Its troops are part of the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) peacekeeping force, known as SAMIDRC, which was deployed in December 2023 to counter armed groups, including the M23 rebels.

Ramaphosa confirmed he had spoken to Kagame about the escalating violence and stressed the need for a ceasefire and peace talks. However, in a sharp contrast, South Africa’s Defence Minister Angie Motshekga issued a more direct statement, warning that further attacks on South African forces would not go unanswered.

Tensions escalated further when Ramaphosa took to social media, directly accusing the “Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia” of involvement in the attacks. Kagame reacted strongly, calling Ramaphosa’s remarks misleading and dismissing claims that South Africa had given any formal warning.

Kagame also challenged Ramaphosa’s account of the killings, claiming that the South African soldiers had actually been killed by the Congolese army (FARDC), not M23 rebels.

A Long History of Tensions

The South Africa-Rwanda relationship has been marked by years of diplomatic spats.

• In 2014, South Africa expelled three Rwandan diplomats after an attack on the home of an exiled Rwandan dissident in Johannesburg.
• Rwanda retaliated by expelling six South African envoys.
• Relations seemed to improve after Ramaphosa visited Kigali last year for the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide, but recent events have reopened old wounds.

The Role of Coltan and Resource Exploitation

At the heart of this protracted conflict is coltan, a critical mineral used in the production of electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops. The demand for coltan has made eastern DRC a battleground for armed groups seeking to control its extraction and trade.

Reports indicate that Western nations and multinational corporations indirectly fuel the conflict by purchasing illicitly mined coltan, which is often smuggled through Rwanda. Investigations have linked global tech giants to supply chains tainted by conflict minerals, prompting renewed calls for transparent sourcing.

Belgium recently launched a criminal investigation into Apple, following allegations that the company knowingly sourced “blood minerals” from conflict zones in the DRC.

The Fight for DR Congo: Geopolitical Interests and Economic Stakes

South Africa has long framed its involvement in DRC as a regional peacekeeping effort, but analysts note that economic interests also play a key role.

DR Congo is one of South Africa’s major trading partners and is rich in critical minerals, including coltan, used in mobile phones and electric vehicles. Ensuring stability in the mineral-rich region is not just about security—it is also about protecting economic partnerships.

Defence analyst Dean Wingrin told the BBC:

“DRC is a big trading partner for South Africa. We import a lot of minerals… so South Africa has a vested interest in ensuring peace and stability in the region.”

However, South Africa’s military capacity in DRC is now severely weakened due to budget cuts. A decade ago, South African attack helicopters (Rooivalks) played a decisive role in repelling M23 rebels. But today, lack of funding has grounded those aircraft, leaving South African troops without vital air cover.

Military expert Thomas Mandrup has warned that South Africa’s forces are now isolated in their bases, without proper air support or reinforcements:

“They can’t get out, they can’t get aircover, they can’t even get the wounded out.”

This military disadvantage could put South Africa in a difficult position—either continue engagement at great risk or withdraw and face political embarrassment.

Regional Responses and Growing Uncertainty

The growing diplomatic crisis between South Africa and Rwanda comes at a time when other African nations are also reconsidering their military commitments in DRC.

• Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered the withdrawal of Malawian troops from eastern DRC, citing the need to respect a ceasefire declared by M23 rebels.
• Meanwhile, the United Nations has reported that at least 900 bodies have been recovered in Goma, with the death toll expected to be significantly higher.

Although M23 rebels initially announced a ceasefire, they have continued their advance, capturing Nyabibwe, a key mining town in South Kivu province, moving closer to Bukavu, another strategic regional hub.

What Lies Ahead?

With diplomatic tensions at boiling point, South Africa faces a difficult decision—either escalate its military engagement in DRC or withdraw its forces, potentially handing victory to M23 and its alleged Rwandan backers.

Meanwhile, regional leaders, including DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Kagame, are expected to attend a high-stakes summit in Tanzania this weekend, aimed at brokering peace.

However, trust is in short supply. The Congolese government remains deeply sceptical about any ceasefire agreements, while the international community has been slow to act.

The stakes are high—not just for South Africa and Rwanda, but for the entire Great Lakes region.

With tens of thousands displaced, the humanitarian crisis is worsening, and calls for a lasting peace solution are growing louder. But with regional power struggles, economic interests, and deep-seated historical grievances at play, a lasting peace settlement remains elusive.