The embassy stated that his narratives align with hate speech and ongoing acts of violence targeting Banyamulenge and Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, particularly those of Tutsi descent.
On February 6, 2025, the embassy expressed its concerns via X in response to South African news outlet Newzroom Afrika, which had recently given Kayumba a platform to share what it called his "truth" about the security crisis in eastern DRC.
This controversy stems from growing tensions between Rwanda and South Africa, following remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who labeled the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) as "rebels" and denied key aspects of his discussions with President Kagame regarding the war in eastern DRC.
South African troops are deployed in DRC under the regional military coalition fighting M23 rebels, and some of them were recently killed in clashes.
After interviewing Rwanda's government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, Newzroom Afrika deleted the discussion and instead aired an interview with Kayumba Nyamwasa, where he made inflammatory remarks about Rwanda's leadership.
In a 33-minute and 30-second interview, Kayumba made several accusations against the Rwandan government, even going as far as legitimizing the FDLR, a militia responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, while discrediting M23, which has been fighting for the rights of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
The Rwandan Embassy in South Africa reminded the public that Kayumba, despite his attempts to portray himself as innocent, has been actively involved in destabilizing Rwanda through the Rwandan National Congress (RNC) and its armed wing, P5.
"Since 2012, Kayumba's RNC and its P5 coalition have recruited and trained rebels in eastern DRC with the intent of toppling Rwanda's leadership. Though Kayumba and his associates have failed in their objectives, these rebel groups have contributed to terrorism and targeted attacks against Tutsi Congolese, with support from the Kinshasa government," reads the statement.
The embassy further pointed out that Kayumba's collaboration with genocidal FDLR forces has worsened the humanitarian crisis, forcing many civilians into exile across the region.
"Rwanda urges the media to exercise caution and avoid giving a platform to armed groups that threaten peace and security in our region," the embassy added.
On February 2, 2025, Yolande Makolo also took to X to expose Kayumba's deceptive tactics. She noted that Newzroom Afrika's decision to delete the interview about South African troops and instead air an interview with a fugitive convicted in absentia of a 24-year prison sentence by a Rwandan military court confirmed South Africa's ulterior motives.
Kayumba Nyamwasa was convicted on January 14, 2011, on charges including forming a terrorist group, attempting to destabilize the country, and violating national laws. His crimes date back to 2010, when grenade attacks in Kigali killed multiple civilians.
Over the years, various reports have linked Kayumba to efforts in eastern DRC to recruit fighters for a planned attack on Rwanda.
IGIHE
