The Southern African Development Community intervention force in the mission in the DRC is outgunned and outmanned.

Rwanda says it is open to talks with Pretoria over a fallout regarding Rwanda's involvement in conflict in the DRC which has claimed the lives of 13 South African soldiers. This comes as South Africa's armed forces and defence industry leaders rally to raise funds for the families of the fallen troops.

Kagame's comments clearly suggested that he wants South Africa to back off from DR Congo, where its military involvement dates back to the late 1990s. It first joined the UN's peacekeeping mission, Monusco, following the end of the racist system of apartheid in 1994.

They may be on opposite sides of the Congolese battlefield only by proxy, but Pretoria and Kigali are now trading undiplomatic warnings. The war in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is also stirring up old disputes between the two countries.

Rwanda President Paul Kagame has warned South Africa that although Rwanda prefers peace, it will, without doubt, respond to any “confrontation” from any force that threatens its sovereignty or defence forces.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned Rwandan President Paul Kagame that failing to halt an assault by Rwanda-backed rebels in Democratic Republic of Congo will carry consequences.