South Africa: Kabila Accused of Betraying South Africa Over Congo Rebel Links

What the report says

Prince Simon Sindag Mabhena, speaking for traditional leadership under the Transvaal Kingdom State of Monarch, has accused former Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila of betraying South Africa by allegedly passing military information to M23 rebels. The claims, reported by Scrolla and distributed by AllAfrica, remain unverified. The article says there is no confirmed evidence that Kabila shared South African military intelligence or directly caused the deaths of South African soldiers.

The dispute is tied to the January 2025 fighting in eastern Congo, where 14 South African soldiers were killed around Goma and Sake while serving in regional and UN peacekeeping missions. Mabhena said the deaths reopened painful memories for families, and he also criticized African leaders he believes exploit South Africa’s support while acting against its interests. He further alleged that Rwandan President Paul Kagame backed the rebels, though those claims were also not independently confirmed in the report.

The story places the accusations in the context of Kabila’s recent move to openly align with the rebellion against President Félix Tshisekedi. On 12 October 2026, Kabila announced a new political and military alliance, the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, alongside figures linked to the insurgency. His step has raised fresh concern about peace talks, including negotiations in Doha, Qatar, and wider efforts to settle the conflict in eastern Congo.

The article also notes the broader regional significance of the war, including South Africa’s long-standing role in mediation and the continuing humanitarian toll in a mineral-rich area where armed groups control territory and civilians have been displaced.