Ramaphosa vs Kagame: The Entangled Web of Influence in the DRC Crisis

Ramaphosa vs Kagame: The Entangled Web of Influence in the DRC Crisis

February 1, 2025
The recent assault on Goma by M23 rebels has resulted in the tragic loss of 13 South African soldiers, members of SAMIDRC. This is raising alarms back home and questioning the wisdom of military intervention in a foreign land. To worsen things, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accused the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group of killing the peacekeepers.
South Africa's role has been crucial in this fight since it is the largest contributor to the SAMIDRC (Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic of Congo). Launched on 15th December 2023, SAMIDRC is a regional peacekeeping mission operated by the Southern African Development Community formed to restore peace and security in the eastern regions of the country.
President Cyril Ramaphosa clarified the intent behind the deployment of the military, stating, “South Africa’s military presence in the eastern DRC is not a declaration of war against any country or state.” He also did not shy away from condemning the actions of the M23 rebels and their Rwandan allies, labeling them as a threat to peacekeepers.
This move did not mesh with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and he harshly dismissed accusations of his country's involvement and views South Africa's military presence as an aggressive act. He accused South Africa of being part of a “belligerent force” involved in “offensive combat operations” to aid the Congolese government “fight against its own people”.
The situation on the ground is rife with danger and President Ramaphosa has emphasized on working hand in hand with SAMIDRC forces to maintain peace and unity. He has also assured that all necessary support is being provided to the families of both the deceased and injured soldiers. The repatriation process for the remains of the fallen soldiers is currently underway.
In this high-stakes game of geopolitics, South Africa and SAMIDRC must tread carefully, for the path to peace laden with lots of risk.
@kushconcertseries

More Articles You Might Like

A Costly Mistake? How a New $250 Visa Fee Puts a $9.4 Billion US Tourism Industry at Risk
International Desk

A Costly Mistake? How a New $250 Visa Fee Puts a $9.4 Billion US Tourism Industry at Risk

A new $250 visa fee is poised to create a significant financial barrier for African tourists, potentially costing the US economy a staggering $9.4 billion. This article explores the economic fallout of this policy, its impact on travel, and the wider implications for US-Africa relations.

14 hours ago
Discover Why the African Union is Abandoning the Colonial Map
International Desk

Discover Why the African Union is Abandoning the Colonial Map

The African Union has called for a monumental shift, urging the world to replace the centuries-old Mercator map with a new, more accurate projection. This article explores the history of the distorted map, the symbolic power of this change, and the broader debate over what truly defines Africa’s place in the world.

14 hours ago
DIRCO Fires Back: Why South Africa is Disputing the US Human Rights Report
International Desk

DIRCO Fires Back: Why South Africa is Disputing the US Human Rights Report

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has officially denounced the “South Africa 2024 Human Rights Report” from the United States as inaccurate and deeply flawed. This article explores the core disagreements between the two nations, from land expropriation and extrajudicial killings to the differing views of the UN, and the ongoing diplomatic friction caused by the report.

5 days ago