South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mr Ramaphosa referred to the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) as a "militia" and accused Kigali of backing the M23 rebel group in attacks on peacekeepers.
"The fighting is the result of an escalation by the rebel group M23 and Rwanda Defence Force militia engaging the armed forces of the DR Congo and attacking peacekeepers from the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo," Ramaphosa stated on social media.
By calling Rwanda’s army a "militia," Ramaphosa appears to be questioning its legitimacy and aligning it with the many irregular armed groups operating in the region.
A militia is generally an armed group operating outside the formal military structure of a state, often engaging in guerrilla tactics.
This characterisation implies that Rwanda’s involvement in DR Congo is not a conventional military operation but rather an intervention outside accepted international norms, a statement that could deepen regional tensions and complicate diplomatic efforts.
His remarks come in the wake of intense fighting in the eastern DR Congo, which has claimed the lives of 13 South African soldiers serving under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission.
The comments have sparked diplomatic tensions, as Rwanda denies supporting M23, despite multiple reports from the United Nations and human rights organizations alleging Kigali’s involvement in the conflict.
The DR Congo government has consistently accused Rwanda of backing the rebels in their campaign against Kinshasa’s forces.
In a solemn address, Ramaphosa paid tribute to the fallen South African troops, calling them heroes who died in the pursuit of peace.
"On behalf of the government and the people of our country, I express our sincerest condolences to their families, their loved ones, and colleagues. We bow our heads in honor of their heroic and gallant fight for peace. We honour and mourn them," he said.
South Africa has begun the process of repatriating the remains of the deceased and providing support to their grieving families.
Mr Ramaphosa also acknowledged the losses suffered by other nations participating in the peacekeeping mission, including Malawi and Tanzania, as well as casualties within the United Nations Stabilization Mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO).
"The situation in Goma and Sake, where our troops and their counterparts are stationed, remains very tense, volatile, and unpredictable," he warned.
As the crisis deepens, concerns have emerged about the future of South Africa’s military engagement in the region. Some critics question the risks facing South African troops in a conflict involving complex regional power struggles.
However, Ramaphosa insisted that South Africa’s presence in DR Congo is not an act of aggression against any state but a commitment to regional stability.
"South Africa’s military presence in the eastern DR Congo is not a declaration of war against any country or state. The members of the South African National Defence Force that are in DR Congo are part of both SADC and United Nations efforts to bring peace and protect thousands of lives that are constantly threatened by the conflict in DR Congo," he affirmed.
The South African government has also sought to reassure the public about the conditions of its troops.
Defence minister Angie Motshekga, alongside the SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya and SAMIDRC Force Commander Major General Monwabisi Dyakopu, is working to ensure peacekeepers remain well-equipped and supported in their mission.
"All South Africans must rally behind our brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to bringing peace to our continent," Ramaphosa urged.
The growing conflict has raised alarm globally, with the United Nations Security Council recently convening a special session to address the crisis.
South Africa has welcomed the Council’s resolution calling for an immediate end to hostilities, the withdrawal of external forces, and the resumption of peace talks under the Nairobi Process.
"The territorial integrity of DR Congo must be respected in accordance with the United Nations Charter on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of other states," Ramaphosa emphasized.
He called on all parties, including M23 and Rwanda, to commit to diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a peaceful resolution.
He also reaffirmed South Africa’s support for the Luanda Process, which outlines steps toward de-escalation in the region.
"We must silence the guns on our continent for the attainment of inclusive development and prosperity," he concluded.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed concerns about the potential release of dangerous pathogens from a laboratory in the city due to the ongoing fighting.
Uganda is also bracing for a surge of refugees, fearing an outbreak of infectious diseases such as Mpox, which DR Congo has been battling in recent months.
The region faces a dire humanitarian crisis as thousands flee the conflict.
However, with M23 holding Goma and Kinshasa-Rwanda relations reaching new lows, a peaceful resolution remains uncertain.