Presidents Kagame and Ramaphosa Discuss Eastern Congo Conflict, Express Optimism for Collaboration
Griffith Sarah
Apr 9, 2024
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda stated he was "satisfied" after meeting with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, and discussing the war in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
When he came to Kigali for the 30th genocide commemoration ceremony, Ramaphosa met Kagame, but the results of their meeting were not announced.
South Africa is leading a group of forces from the Southern African Community of Nations, SADC, which is assisting the Congolese government forces in fighting against the M23 in the North Kivu province.
The deployment of troops by South Africa did not please the authorities in Kigali, who say that, as UN experts confirm, the Congolese army is joining forces with the FDLR rebels against the Rwandan government.
While UN experts also accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23 group, a claim Kigali continues to deny, many now perceive South Africa and Rwanda as competitors in the Congo war. Ramaphosa's visit to Kigali was significant news.
In a press conference on Monday in Kigali, Kagame said, "We would not spend hours, the president of South Africa and I, not talking about it," referring to the conflict in Congo.
President Kagame stated: “I think we had a good conversation, we understood the situation well, and perhaps there is a better way to work together to solve the problem. I am satisfied.”
Before leaving Rwanda, President Ramaphosa told reporters he was departing with "new energy and determination" to find a "political solution" to the conflict.