
The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa and the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame held a telephonic discussion on Monday, 27 January 2025.
As of 28 January 2025, the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains dire following the M23 rebel group’s capture of Goma. The offensive has led to significant civilian casualties, and widespread displacement.
Hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed with patients suffering from gunshot, mortar, and shrapnel wounds. Reports indicate that health workers and patients, including infants, are being caught in the crossfire.
In response to these developments, on January 27, 2025, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone conversation with Rwandan President,Paul Kagame. The two leaders discussed the escalating conflict, particularly the deaths of peacekeepers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
They agreed on the urgent need for a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks among all parties involved in the conflict.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the situation. France is seeking support for a UN Security Council resolution that names Rwanda as the backer of the M23 rebels.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for Rwandan forces to cease their support for M23 and withdraw from DRC territory. Protests have erupted in the DRC’s capital, Kinshasa, with demonstrators attacking foreign embassies, notably Rwanda’s, demanding international condemnation of Rwanda’s involvement.
The situation in Goma remains unclear, with blocked roads, disconnected utilities, and disrupted aid efforts exacerbating the crisis.