Government denies claims M23 rebels 'went undetected,' defends Peace Dialogue protocols

The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has pushed back against allegations that representatives of the M23 rebel group entered South Africa undetected to attend a peace dialogue.

The department responded after former Dirco deputy minister Marius Fransman sharply criticised the government following revelations that representatives of the sanctioned M23 rebel group recently attended a high-level African peace dialogue in Magaliesburg, Gauteng, without proper vetting or detection.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Fransman called on President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister Lamola to issue a public apology, warning that South Africa’s credibility on the continent is at stake.

He added that he was deeply concerned by government officials' admissions, including Minister Ronald Lamola's statements, that they were unaware of the group’s presence.

In response, on Monday, Dirco Spokesperson Chrisphin Phiri told IOL that the claim that the M23 delegation gained access to the country "does not imply that any individual's entry went undetected”.

“The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation notes reports and headlines regarding the 2nd Annual Peace and Security Dialogue hosted by the Former President Thabo Mbeki Foundation.

“While the details of participant lists for such dialogues fall outside the Minister’s purview—as event hosts are not required to disclose attendees - this does not imply that any individual's entry into South Africa went undetected. 

He argued that the country's border management and screening protocols operate according to international law and domestic immigration policies.

Phiri added that the Ministry continues to support inclusive dialogue as a necessary means to advance peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za

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