South Africa recalls ambassador in Rwanda for consultations before elections next week

South Africa recalls Rwanda diplomat

JOHANNESBURG — The foreign ministry says it has recalled South Africa’s ambassador to Rwanda for consultations surrounding the central African country’s elections next week.

Ministry official Mahlatse Mnilele says the diplomat was headed home Friday. He says South Africa was not severing diplomatic relations with Rwanda.

Relations between the two countries have been strained over reported election violence and the wounding in South Africa of an exiled Rwandan general.

Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa was shot and wounded in South Africa in June. Five men are being held on attempted murder charges that Nyamwasa insists was assassination attempt. Rwanda had demanded his extradition and denied involvement in the shooting.

Rwanda’s elections are being held Aug. 9.

(This versioncorrects dateline spelling.)