The diplomatic standoff between South Africa and Rwanda did not come as a surprise. The issues in the tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats are well known, but for many “outsiders,” without the benefit of classified information that state actors on both sides have, it remains a puzzle, as to why the situation has deteriorated to this level.

South Africa has provided asylum and state protection to the high profile Gen Kayumba Nyamwasa and his departed friend Patrick Karegeya.

The two and others were accused of activities in Rwanda aimed at destabilising the state. They were convicted in a military court in absentia and handed lengthy jail terms.

Rwanda requested for their extradition, but South Africa turned a deaf ear. This is most probably borne out of the belief that they are victims of political persecution and cannot get a fair hearing.

It ought to be recalled that South Africa has in the past offered asylum to other high profile politicians from elsewhere like the former President of Haiti Jean Bertrand Aristide, Uganda opposition leader Kizza Besigye and had been proposed as an exile home for the former Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi.

Therefore, some see the presence of Rwandan refugees — many more besides the high profile ones — in South Africa as part of that country’s progressive human rights agenda and record, which is guaranteed by the constitution that came in effect at the end of apartheid. And South Africa, is convinced that the attacks on exiles, is work of the state of Rwanda, something that the latter has vehemently denied.

On the other hand, from Rwanda, for over four years now, we get a sense that in granting asylum and protection to these high profile Rwandans, there is more than meets the eye.

At various times, it has been stated that the former leaders of Rwanda’s military and security services are benefiting from having served South African interests while still in office back home.

Moreover, that some people in positions of authority down in Pretoria have abused their offices to provide protection to fugitives accused of terrorism, simply on basis of personal friendship and ties.

Going by this kind of reasoning, South Africa’s democratic institutions are as weak as the rest of the banana republics that dot this continent, and are used to serve personal interests.

Contradiction

It is this contradiction and reading of issues from different points of view that has led to a breakdown of diplomatic relations, that apparently may end up in the permanent severing of ties between the two countries. Here, there is a problem that arises.

South African companies have substantial business interests in this country. From telecommunications to cement. Many of Rwanda’s elites have interests in South Africa, including accessing specialised healthcare and high school and university education for their children.

More especially, South African universities have been at the fore in providing high end advanced training for young Rwandan professionals some who occupy public offices as ministers and directors.

The level of investment is reason enough why all must be done to avoid the complete breakdown of relations between the two states.

It is hard to locate the national interest in all this quarrelling. These squabbles between ruling elites, should never come to a point where the lives of millions of citizens are affected.

Given all the national interests at stake, where is the role of, for example, the people’s representatives in demanding an explanation, of what is being done to prevent the situation from deteriorating?

Many would have expected parliament to demand an explanation about this developing situation and have an active and visible role in the country’s foreign policy.

Obviously, strong institutions are what is lacking. It is such strong democratic institutions that can draw the line in the sand and help to streamline state relations, where actors can be called to order.

Frank Kagabo is an Erasmus Mundus graduate student of journalism, media and globalisation at Aarhus University, Denmark, and Swansea University, the UK, specialising in war and conflict reporting. E-mail: [email protected]