EFF wants Rwandan embassy closed over SANDF deaths
EFF leader Julius Malema has called for the immediate closure of the Rwandan embassy in Pretoria following the death of 14 South African soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The South African National Defence Force soldiers were killed in eastern DRC last month amid the conflict with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.
The slain soldiers were serving in the region as part of the SAMIDRC and the United Nations peacekeeping deployment (MONUSCO), working to promote peace and stability.
"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 told a media briefing in Johannesburg on Monday.
He said if an investigation finds that the SANDF troops were deliberately targeted, South Africa should cut diplomatic ties with the East African country.
"Should it be established that Rwanda deliberately targeted South African forces, then President Ramaphosa must act decisively. All trade agreements and engagements with the country must be revoked without any hesitation.
"South Africa cannot continue diplomatic and trade relations with a nation that undermines its sovereignty and endangers its citizens.”
Also on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to continue providing support to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the face of nationwide calls to withdraw troops.
"Achieving a lasting peace and security for the eastern DRC and the region requires the collective will of the community of nations," Ramaphosa said in a statement, adding that "South Africa will not let up in its support to the people of the DRC."
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