Rwanda and South Africa are preparing to take an important step toward improving their diplomatic relations as senior officials from both countries are scheduled to meet in Pretoria on June 17, 2026. The discussions will bring together South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, in what both sides view as an opportunity to strengthen engagement and rebuild ties that have experienced significant challenges in recent years.
According to South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, the meeting forms part of ongoing efforts aimed at restoring and reinforcing relations between the two nations. The talks are expected to focus on expanding diplomatic dialogue and enhancing cooperation in key sectors including trade, tourism, health, education, and security. Officials believe these areas offer important opportunities for mutual benefit and could help create a stronger foundation for future collaboration.
South Africa’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that the meeting is one of several initiatives designed to revitalize bilateral relations and encourage closer engagement between Pretoria and Kigali. Following the discussions, Minister Lamola is expected to brief the media on the outcomes of the meeting and provide details regarding any agreements, understandings, or future measures adopted to advance cooperation between the two countries.
The upcoming talks take place against the backdrop of a relationship that has faced periods of tension over several years. Rwanda has repeatedly expressed concerns regarding individuals it alleges are being hosted in South Africa while pursuing activities that threaten Rwanda’s national security. These concerns have remained a recurring point of disagreement between the two governments and have contributed to a cooling of diplomatic relations.
Relations have also been affected by developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where South African troops participated in military operations alongside Congolese government forces and regional allies against the AFC/M23 movement. Rwanda has consistently voiced objections to aspects of the conflict, arguing that certain military actions and alliances within the region were connected to broader security threats directed toward Rwanda.
Those concerns became more pronounced following the capture of the city of Goma by AFC/M23 forces. Rwandan officials pointed to the discovery of large quantities of weapons in the city as evidence supporting their longstanding warnings about activities they viewed as posing a danger to Rwanda’s security interests.
Diplomatic tensions intensified further in January 2025 when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa referred to the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) as a rebel force while discussing the conflict in eastern Congo. His remarks generated a strong response from Kigali. President Paul Kagame publicly rejected the characterization, stating that the RDF is the national army of Rwanda and not a rebel movement. Kagame also challenged descriptions of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC), arguing that the force did not constitute a peacekeeping mission and had no legitimate role in the circumstances being discussed.
The military setbacks experienced by SAMIDRC and other regional forces in Goma added another dimension to the strained relationship. Following their withdrawal, South African troops and soldiers from other SADC member states were granted passage through Rwanda as they returned to their respective countries. While the arrangement demonstrated a level of practical cooperation, it did little to resolve the broader political disagreements that had emerged between the two governments.
The deterioration in relations has also had tangible consequences for ordinary citizens. Many Rwandans have reported difficulties obtaining visas to travel to South Africa, reflecting the wider diplomatic challenges that have persisted between the two nations.
Despite these disagreements, recent developments suggest that both governments recognize the importance of maintaining dialogue. During the Africa CEO Forum held in Côte d’Ivoire in May 2026, President Ramaphosa openly acknowledged that challenges existed in the relationship between Rwanda and South Africa. However, he also emphasized that diplomatic engagement remained possible despite the tensions.
Addressing attendees at the forum, Ramaphosa remarked that some observers might assume that he and President Kagame were in serious disagreement and might even expect confrontation when they met. Nevertheless, his comments reflected a willingness to engage constructively and underscored the value of continued communication between the two leaders.
The meeting between Ministers Lamola and Nduhungirehe is therefore being closely watched as a potentially significant moment in efforts to rebuild trust and reopen channels of cooperation. While longstanding issues remain unresolved, the discussions in Pretoria may provide an opportunity for both countries to identify common interests, reduce tensions, and chart a more positive course for Rwanda–South Africa relations in the years ahead.
