By Suleman Chitera
Firebrand opposition leader Julius Malema has ignited a political storm after issuing a blunt warning to Rwanda, declaring that South Africa could confront Kigali militarily “at any time” if regional instability persists.
Speaking with unmistakable force, the Economic Freedom Fighters leader urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently ramp up defence spending, modernise military hardware, and expand the ranks of the armed forces. According to Malema, South Africa must be prepared to defend regional peace rather than watch it erode.
Malema directly accused Rwandan President Paul Kagame of presiding over what he described as a brutal regime that fuels instability beyond Rwanda’s borders. He dismissed claims that Rwanda poses no serious threat, insisting it is unacceptable for a small nation to destabilise larger states, including Democratic Republic of Congo.
Escalating his rhetoric, Malema called for a united regional response, urging the Southern African Development Community to act decisively against Rwanda. He alleged that Kigali is being used by Western powers to advance foreign interests and sabotage peace efforts across Africa.
The remarks mark one of Malema’s most aggressive foreign policy interventions to date, injecting fresh tension into already fragile regional politics and raising sharp questions about South Africa’s role as a security heavyweight in southern and central Africa.
