IN SUMMARY

  • It was understood that differences between the two countries could spill into the Democratic Republic of Congo, where both countries have interests
The diplomatic between Rwanda and South Africa could have long-term implications, analysts have warned.

It was understood that differences between the two countries could spill into the Democratic Republic of Congo, where both countries have interests.

Sour relations between the two countries began last year when South Africa led the United Nations Intervention Brigade in eastern DR Congo.

The UN backed force led by South African National Defence Forces, pitted South Africa and Tanzania on the one hand, against Rwanda and Uganda.

Zambian scholar Prof Michelo Hansungule, a senior lecturer at Wits University said Rwanda’s plans to pursue its dissidents in South Africa and then react by sending six diplomats after SA expelled three of its own, was aimed at embarrassing President Zuma.

South Africa’s International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said this week that her country followed proper procedures in expelling Rwandan diplomats from Pretoria.

But sources within the government said Kigali is not ready budge despite escalating diplomatic row with Pretoria.

“Rwanda has done more than it could to resolve the matter. There is no mediation going on. In fact, the two countries are treating it as if nothing happened except,” said a well placed within government, dismissing reports that Ugandan President Museveni is leading mediating efforts between the two countries.