In a shocking escalation of diplomatic tensions, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has openly declared that his country is prepared to go to war with South Africa if necessary. This comes after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accused Rwanda’s Defence Force and the M23 rebels of being responsible for the deaths of 13 South African soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Kagame, visibly displeased, did not hold back in his response. He not only dismissed Ramaphosa’s claims but also accused him of distorting facts and misleading the public. According to Kagame, rather than issuing any prior warning about Rwanda’s alleged military activities in the DRC, Ramaphosa had actually sought logistical support from Rwanda while simultaneously positioning South Africa as a peace broker.
“What has been said about these conversations in the media by South African officials and President Ramaphosa himself contains a lot of distortion, deliberate attacks, and even lies,” Kagame stated. “If words can change so much from a conversation to a public statement, it says a lot about how these very important issues are being managed.”
A War on the Horizon?
The standoff raises serious concerns, not just for Rwanda and South Africa but for the entire African continent. Kagame made it clear that South Africa is not in a position to act as a neutral peacemaker, and if Pretoria chooses the path of confrontation, Kigali will not hesitate to respond accordingly.
With tensions rising and accusations flying, the question now is: Will Africa witness an unprecedented military clash between two of its most influential nations? Or is there still room for diplomacy before it’s too late?
One thing is certain, this is no longer just a war of words. The world is watching.
