The Rwandan government has denied claims that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a warning during two recent phone calls with Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
Earlier reports, including one from IOL, suggested that Defence Minister Angie Motshekga had stated Ramaphosa warned Rwanda that any further aggression against South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members would be considered an act of war. This came after 13 South African soldiers were killed in a battle with the M23 rebel group, while the United Nations confirmed the deaths of three Malawian soldiers and one Uruguayan peacekeeper.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied accusations of supporting the M23 rebels, but tensions remain high. On Thursday, a Rwandan government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, clarified the situation, asserting that there was no warning issued during the phone call between the two presidents.
According to Makolo, the conversation was misrepresented, particularly regarding the source of the attack on SANDF forces. She also emphasized that the SAMIDRC, which includes SANDF troops, is not a peacekeeping mission, but an offensive force engaged in active combat.
Makolo further highlighted that the situation is complicated by the presence of various militant groups and foreign mercenaries in the region, noting Rwanda’s proximity to the conflict.
She also expressed Rwanda’s openness to future discussions with South Africa, despite the misinformation that has been circulated.
In response to Ramaphosa’s comments, Kagame took to social media, accusing the South African president of distorting the facts. Kagame stated that while Rwanda was open to peace efforts, the country would not hesitate to handle any confrontation with South Africa if necessary.
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