Members of Rwandan opposition and armed groups operating in South Africa are at crossroads; as of January 1, the Refugees Act, which took effect then, bans them from engaging in political activities.

It is quite a big blow for the likes of Kayumba Nyamwasa and his RNC group that had found the perfect base for their operations.

Previously, they had some allies in government circles, but with the departure of President Jacob Zuma, the precious asset left a huge vacuum as far as protection was concerned. And as the saying goes; Misfortunes never come singly.

Just as RNC was still recovering from the nightmares it encountered in Eastern DR Congo, they find that their operating kibali to operate in South Africa is no more. Add on the fact that there is an open rebellion within the terrorist organisation, especially following the unexplained disappearance in Uganda of Ben Rutabana, a senior RNC member; it will be interesting to see how they will navigate around these obstacles.

The new South African Refugee Act is very unforgiving; it gives the authorities powers to detain politically-active refugees and asylum seekers as a threat to national security. But there is more.

If refugees "re-availed” themselves of the protection of their country of origin, such as seeking consular services at any diplomatic mission representing the country of origin, they lose their refugee status.

That includes applying for any official document, such as a travel document or citizen-related document, at a diplomatic mission or presenting themselves on their premises.

Recently there was a lot of excitement in Kayumba’s camp when the African Court ruled in their favour that they regain their travel documents. But it is highly unlikely that they will be in a hurry to execute that judgement. These are interesting times indeed.