Following a lightning onslaught, the rebel forces of M23 movement allegedly backed by Rwanda took control of nearly the whole city of Goma, a vital hub for the trade of minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in late January 2025.

South Africa & Rwanda Meet to Resolve Differences Amid Conflict in DRC

14:19, 31 January 2025

Ekaterina Shilova

Writer / Editor

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Earlier, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa warned Rwandan President Paul Kagame that any armed attack by Rwandan military forces on the South African troop contingent stationed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces would be considered an act of war.

Sputnik

On Thursday, South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola met with Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe to discuss ways to reduce tensions. This meeting came after Rwanda's President Paul Kagame accused South African leaders of spreading misleading information about the conflict in eastern DRC.

"We committed to advancing dialogue on eastern DRC and agreed to pursue the spirit of the ceasefire agreement," Lamola said.

Last week, the M23 rebels launched a major offensive in Goma, DRC, and Congo accused Rwanda of supporting them, which Kigali denied. Regional leaders are urging a ceasefire, citing dozens of people have been killed and hundreds injured in the fighting. M23, led by Corneille Nangaa, claimed control over Goma in a press conference.

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Reports suggest that nearly 100 people have died over the past week, although this information is not confirmed. Thousands of people have been displaced, some of them fleeing to Rwanda, including UN and World Bank staff. Rwanda reports nine citizens killed by cross-border fire, and at least 17 peacekeepers have also died in the violence.