Rwandan President Kagame Sparks Controversy Over DRC Accusations

Holifil

30 Mar, 2025

Paul Kagame accused South Africa of exploiting mineral resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In a surprising CNN interview, Kagame claimed ignorance about Rwandan troops' presence in the DRC.
Social media users have questioned how Kagame could remain unaware of his army's location.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame accused South Africa of having mineral interests in the DRC. Image: Adek Berry Source: Getty Images

Rwandan President Paul Kagame is once again stirring the pot with some bold accusations against South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This time, it's not just about who killed SANDF soldiers in the DRC. Kagame is now suggesting that South Africa's presence in the region isn't about peacekeeping—it's about securing valuable minerals.

This isn't the first time Kagame has gone after Ramaphosa. Previously, he questioned the South African leader's integrity regarding the DRC conflict. Now, Kagame's claims are raising eyebrows—and not just in South Africa. His comments suggest a growing tension between the two nations, and people are starting to wonder if this is more than just political posturing.

Kagame Accuses South Africa of Mineral Exploitation in the DRC

In a candid interview with CNN’s International Correspondent, Larry Madowo, Kagame made some startling claims. He suggested that South African troops stationed in the eastern DRC are there to secure access to the region's rich mineral resources rather than to maintain peace. "People who are benefitting from minerals of Congo, more than anyone else, are South Africa and these other Europeans who are making noise about it," Kagame boldly stated.

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But Kagame didn't stop there. In the same interview, he admitted that he wasn't entirely sure whether Rwandan troops were currently stationed in the DRC. His response drew immediate skepticism from observers, who found it hard to believe that a head of state wouldn't know where his own army was deployed.

Rwandan Spokesperson Joins the Criticism

It wasn’t just Kagame taking aim at Ramaphosa. Rwanda's government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, also chimed in, using social media to criticize the South African president. Makolo accused Ramaphosa of prioritizing personal mining interests in the DRC over peace efforts. “Please tell your people the truth about the personal interests in mining that you have in the DRC—these are the interests for which, sadly, SANDF soldiers are dying,” she said.

The Rwandan government has accused Ramaphosa of lying about his interests in the DRC. Image: Michael Bulholzer Source: Getty Images

Understanding the Conflict in the DRC

Key Points to Know

The South African National Defence Union (SANDU) has raised concerns about under-resourced SANDF soldiers in the DRC.
Angie Motshekga, South Africa's Education Minister, has faced criticism for her travel expenses while the SANDF struggles with funding.
The SANDF has denied reports that they surrendered to rebel forces in the region.
Families of fallen soldiers describe them as dedicated patriots who gave their lives for their country.

Social Media Reacts to Kagame’s Claims

Kagame's interview has sparked a lively debate on social media, with many users expressing disbelief at his claims. People are questioning how a president could be unaware of his troops' whereabouts. Some are even suggesting that Kagame’s statements might be hiding something deeper.

@Lebza24 asked, “How can he not know if his troops are in the DRC?”

@adoa_ernest added, “I am still perplexed as to how the commander in chief cannot know or confirm the location of his troops.”

@ThaboFresh chimed in, “Come and afford courtesy to South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa to respond. Don’t parade Kagame’s lies as the only story to demonize our president.”

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@mikalo_m weighed in, saying, “He is hiding something.”

@NanaGrantANC questioned, “That’s a shocking claim by Kagame. South Africa’s troops in DRC for minerals, not peace. Is this the new resource war in Africa?”

@MahinduziButoto stated, “A commander-in-chief who doesn’t know if his soldiers are in Congo or not; all lies will be exposed.”

@Ssenkubuge_ joked, “President Paul's response of 'I don’t know' suggests there's more beneath the surface. 😏”

Kagame Threatens Further Confrontation with South Africa

According to reports by Briefly News, Kagame is unhappy with statements made by Ramaphosa regarding the situation in the DRC. He accuses South African media and the president of distorting facts and lying about the conflict. In a bold move, Kagame even suggested that if South Africa wanted to escalate the situation, Rwanda would be ready to respond.

This latest exchange between the two leaders highlights the growing tension between Rwanda and South Africa. As the situation in the DRC continues to evolve, the world watches closely to see how these leaders will navigate the challenges ahead. One thing is certain: the stakes are high, and the consequences could affect the entire region.