Rwanda deployed its army and police personnel to Cabo Delgado at the request of Mozambique.

Ramaphosa now risks becoming the third ANC leader forced out since the party came to power after the end of apartheid in 1994.

Ramaphosa was Thursday said to be in meetings with close allies to take advice on the matter.

The affair has tarnished Ramaphosa's reputation and overshadowed his bid for re-election as ruling party leader.