EFF leader Julius Malema has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to shut down the Rwandan Embassy in Pretoria after 14 SA soldiers were killed in the DRC. South Africa - Johannesburg - 03 February 2025 - The Economic Freedom Fighters(EFF) leader Julius Malema, addresses members of the media at the party's headquarters at Winnie Madikizela Mandela House.Picture: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
EFF leader, Julius Malema, demanded that President Cyril Ramaphosa take decisive action against Rwanda, including closing the Rwandan embassy in Pretoria after South African soldiers were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ramaphosa has vowed to continue providing support to the DRC, despite growing calls for the withdrawal of SA troops from the conflict-torn region.
The decision comes amid escalating tensions with Rwanda, which has been accused of backing rebel groups in the DRC.
"The embassy of Rwanda should be closed with immediate effect because we cannot share the soil with the people who have the blood of South Africans on their hands," Malema said during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Monday.
“It is unacceptable for our soldiers to be caught in a conflict where their presence does not serve the interest of peace in the region. Should it be established that Rwanda deliberately targeted South African forces then President Cyril Ramaphosa must act decisively.”
Malema's comments come after 14 South African soldiers were killed in the DRC last month, amid clashes with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.
The SA troops were serving in the region as part of the SAMIDRC and the United Nations peacekeeping deployment (MONUSCO).
Malema has accused Rwanda of deliberately targeting SA forces and has called for Ramaphosa to revoke all trade agreements and engagements with the country.
However, Ramaphosa has defied such calls, saying achieving lasting peace and security in the eastern DRC requires the collective will of the international community. "South Africa will not let up in its support to the people of the DRC," Ramaphosa had said in a statement.
The president's decision has sparked a heated debate, with some critics, including former SANDF generals, arguing that the deployment of SA troops in the DRC is a waste of resources and puts the lives of soldiers at risk.
However, Ramaphosa has maintained that the deployment is necessary to promote peace and stability in the region.
The tensions between South Africa and Rwanda have been escalating in recent weeks, with both countries trading accusations over the conflict in the DRC.
Rwanda has denied allegations that it is backing rebel groups in the DRC, while SA has accused Rwanda of undermining its sovereignty and endangering its citizens.
Malema also took the opportunity to address newly elected US president Donald Trump over his tweets recently that the SA government was “confiscating” land, saying his comments were offensive and undermined SA’s sovereignty.
Trump wrote on social media that he was also considering withdrawing future funds from SA next.
“We want to make it categorically clear to the president of the USA that we are going to expropriate land without compensation and pursue legislative measures to do so and no threat will stop us.
“His misinterpretation of the Expropriation Act, which is a mild and cosmetic intervention, is an assessment of a measure that is going to be pursued through the amendment of our constitution as South Africans.”
