South Africa condemns claims by Mr Kayumba Nyamwasa a former General in the Rwandan Armed Forces.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has noted with regret and dismay that certain Rwandan citizens claim to have engaged in unfortunate political activities against the Government of the Republic of Rwanda “with the approval of the South African Government”.  

It should be noted that South Africa and Rwanda maintain friendly diplomatic relations therefore such statements and claims are devoid of all truth. The South African Government views the comments attributed to Mr Kayumba Nyamwasa (a former General in the Rwandan armed forces) in an article in City Press of 29 July 2012 in a serious light.

It is regrettable that these irresponsible and libelous comments as well as suggestions of plotting regime change, have been made against a country with which South Africa maintains diplomatic relations, and they are therefore    condemned in the strongest terms.

Furthermore it is worth noting that Mr Nyamwasa is a refugee in South Africa and in terms of the law governing refugees, the South African Refugee Act, number 130 of 1998, he is required to refrain from engaging in any political activity or subversive action against any government as this would constitute a breach of the law and he could be liable to lose his refugee status.

For further information, please contact Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974.

Issued by: The Department of International Relations and Cooperation

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