South Africa to Host Rwanda’s Foreign Minister in Bid to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

South Africa will host Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, for bilateral talks aimed at improving relations between the two countries.

The meeting between Nduhungirehe and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, is scheduled to take place in Pretoria on June 17, 2026.

According to South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, the discussions form part of ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen diplomatic ties between Pretoria and Kigali.

Focus on Cooperation and Engagement

In a statement, South Africa’s foreign ministry said the meeting is one of several initiatives designed to improve relations and expand cooperation between the two nations.

“This meeting is one of several initiatives aimed at rebuilding and strengthening relations between South Africa and Rwanda. Discussions will focus on enhancing diplomatic engagement and promoting cooperation in areas including trade, tourism, health, education, and security,” the ministry said.

Following the discussions, Minister Lamola is expected to brief the media on the outcomes of the meeting and provide details on agreed measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Relations Strained in Recent Years

Relations between Rwanda and South Africa have faced challenges for several years.

Rwanda has repeatedly accused South Africa of hosting individuals linked to activities that threaten Rwanda’s national security. Diplomatic tensions have also been influenced by differing positions regarding the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

South African troops were deployed under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), supporting Congolese government forces against the AFC/M23 rebel movement.

Rwanda has consistently expressed concerns about the mission and warned against involvement in activities it says could undermine its security interests.

Disagreements Over Eastern DRC Conflict

Tensions increased in January 2025 after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that fighting in eastern DRC involved both the AFC/M23 group and the Rwanda Defence Force.

At the time, Ramaphosa said:

“The fighting was initiated by the M23 armed group and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) rebels, who were battling the Congolese army, FARDC. They also launched attacks against SADC peacekeeping forces deployed in the DRC under the SAMIDRC mission.”

President Paul Kagame rejected those remarks, arguing that the RDF is Rwanda’s national army and not a rebel group.

“The RDF is a national army, not a rebel group. SAMIDRC is not a peacekeeping force, nor does it have any mandate to be involved in these matters,” Kagame responded.

Following military setbacks around Goma, troops deployed under the SADC mission requested safe passage through Rwanda during their withdrawal. Rwanda later facilitated their transit back home.

Visa Challenges and Diplomatic Concerns

The strained relationship has also affected travel between the two countries.

Rwandan citizens have continued to face challenges obtaining visas for travel to South Africa, a situation that has been a source of concern for both governments.

Officials from both countries have increasingly emphasized the need for renewed dialogue to address outstanding issues and improve diplomatic cooperation.

Signs of Renewed Engagement

In May 2026, President Ramaphosa acknowledged that relations between South Africa and Rwanda had experienced difficulties.

Speaking during the Africa CEO Forum in Côte d’Ivoire, where he met President Kagame, Ramaphosa suggested that dialogue remained possible despite differences.

“People may think that President Kagame and I are in conflict, and some of you may even imagine that sparks could fly if we were seated next to each other,” Ramaphosa said.

His remarks were widely interpreted as a signal that both countries remain open to engagement and improved cooperation.

Meeting Seen as Important Step Forward

The upcoming meeting between Ministers Lamola and Nduhungirehe is being viewed as an important diplomatic effort to ease tensions and explore new opportunities for cooperation.

Observers say progress in areas such as trade, tourism, education, health and security could help create a stronger foundation for future relations between Rwanda and South Africa.