First deal with Rwandan criminals on your territory – Rwanda tells SA

The Minister for foreign affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo has challenged South African government to ‘better serve good diplomatic relations’ by addressing illegal activities of protected Rwandan fugitives on their soil.

The Minister was reacting to recent diplomatic reciprocity in which Rwanda expelled six South African diplomats in reprisal to three Rwandan diplomats expelled from Pretoria.

“Good diplomatic relations better served by South Africa addressing illegal activities of protected Rwandan fugitives on their soil. Rwandan fugitives continue to engage in terrorist acts back home. Despite repeated promises from Pretoria, the problem is unresolved” Mushikiwabo posted on her tweeter handle last night.

Rwanda-South Africa diplomatic row erupted early this week, following the alleged attack on the South African residence of a Rwandan fugitive, Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa.

Minister Mushikiwabo added that Rwanda had every right to reciprocate by giving a marching order to South African diplomats.

“South Africa expelling law-abiding Rwandan diplomats was simply wrong and Rwanda has every right to reciprocate,” she said.

Rwandan fugitive, Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa and three others were convicted in Rwanda of being behind a string of grenade attacks that have killed a number of people in Kigali.

Both countries’ diplomatic missions are currently understaffed, with only the High Commissioners untouched by the incident.