Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
The South African Government wishes to reiterate its serious concern at the escalating violence in Rwanda, which led to a further 37 unnecessary deaths and 30 persons being wounded during the last 48 hours in the northwestern part of the country.
These acts of senseless violence are condemned, in the strongest terms by the South African Government. It calls on the people of Rwanda and the international community to isolate and refrain from assisting those involved in such acts of violence and to ensure that they are brought to justice.
The vital tasks of national reconciliation and the construction of a functioning democratic system in Rwanda, which will ensure equal rights and opportunities to all in the country, regardless of ethnic origin, are continuously delayed as a result of the ongoing violence in the country. There is also the very real danger that the situation might deteriorate to the point where the violence will again spill over into neighbouring countries, given the fact that conflicts in the region are closely interlinked.
The South African Government will make every endeavour, through the OAU and elsewhere, to ensure that the violence in Rwanda is brought to an end. It therefore appeals to the international community to assist the Rwandan Government in bringing the violence to an end and constructing a democratic Rwanda in which all its citizens can live in peace and harmony.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 20 JANUARY 1998