Pretoria – The recalled South African ambassador to Rwanda has not returned to Kigali, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said Monday � disputing media reports.

Media reports had suggested over the weekend that ambassador Gladstone Dumisani Gwadiso had been cleared to return to Kigali. Pretoria recalled him for what was described then as consultations following a spat with Kigali over the shooting in Johannesburg of exiled Rwandan Gen Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said in statement Monday that it had �noted with regret and dismay� about the reports of Ambassador Gwadiso�s departure for Kigali.

DIRCO never confirmed the departure of Ambassador Gwadiso

“The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has noted with regret and dismay of yesterday�s media report by City Press misrepresenting the department�s position with regard to the departure of Ambassador Gwadiso to Rwanda.
The department would like to categorically clarify that the Ambassador of South Africa to Rwanda is still in South Africa and we still have to finalise as to when he will return to Rwanda.”

For further information please contact Chief Director for Public Diplomacy Mr Saul K. Molobi on +27 82 940 1647, +27 12 351 0083 or email him at [email protected].

In Kigali, President Kagame said after winning reelection on August 09 that relations with South Africa were excellent. The Rwandan envoy there is working without any changes.