Tensions remains high as South Africa and Rwanda appear unwilling to mend deteriorating relations after both countries expelled diplomats. TEA Graphic
Tensions remains high as South Africa and Rwanda appear unwilling to mend deteriorating relations after both countries expelled diplomats in the wake of an attempted hit on an exiled former Rwandan army commander in Johannesburg.
On February 28, South Africa expelled three Rwandan diplomats accusing them of operating killing squads to hunt down Rwandan dissidents while Rwanda expelled six South African diplomats “in reciprocity and concern at South Africa’s harbouring of dissidents responsible for terrorist attacks in Rwanda.”
Earlier this week, South African Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said that his country does not intend to cut ties with Kigali, but there are signals that the diplomatic spat is far from over.
Not only do the two countries remain at loggerheads with no attempt at reconciliatory talks but they also failed to agree on their respective issues of concern.
Kigali maintains that South Africa should first address illegal activities of Rwandan fugitives on its soil, an accusation that Pretoria appears to disregard.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Louise Mushikiwabo remained defiant this week, saying that South Africa cannot continue protecting Rwandan “fugitives” if it wants to pursue good diplomacy.
“South Africa expelling law-abiding Rwandan diplomats was simply wrong and Rwanda has every right to reciprocate… Rwandan fugitives continue to engage in terrorist acts back home. Despite repeated promises from Pretoria, the problem is unresolved,” Minister Mushikiwabo said on her Twitter handle.
Kigali accuses Rwandans in South Africa who have since been granted political asylum, including former army chief Lt Gen Kayumba Nyamwasa, of plotting to destabilise the country. FULL STORY
