Summary:
- Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) killed a Congolese soldier during rising tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The incident involved three FARDC soldiers crossing into Rwanda, with two arrested and one fatally shot by RDF patrols.
Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) have killed a Congolese soldier amid rising security tensions between the two neighbours.
The incident occurred at around 1:10am on Tuesday.
RDF said in a statement that three armed soldiers of the Democratic Republic of Congo armed forces (FARDC) crossed the border from the DRC into Rwanda at Rubavu District (in Rubavu Sector/Rukoko Cell/Isangano Village).
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“Two of the soldiers, Sgt Asman Mupenda Termite (30 years) and Cpl Lucien Anyasaka Nkoi (28 years), were arrested by RDF patrols supported by local neighbourhood watch (Irondo),” said RDF.
“The FARDC soldiers had in their possession one AK-47 gun, four magazines with 105 rounds, one protective vest, and cannabis sachets,” the statement said.
“The third soldier was shot dead when he fired at the patrols”.
The shooting comes at a time of deteriorating relations between DRC and Rwanda over support of armed movements in eastern Congo.
Tensions
Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of arming M23 rebel movement to destabilise Congo.
Kigali says Congolese soldiers continue to support Rwandan militia groups to commit atrocities against Tutsi communities in Congo and also attack Rwandan territory.
DRC is yet to issue a statement on today’s border incident.
Such incidents have happened in the past.
In June 2022, RDF said an unidentified Congolese soldier armed with an AK 47 rifle crossed the “Petite Barrière” border in Rubavu District and began shooting at Rwandan security personnel and civilians crossing the border, injuring two Rwandan police officers. He was shot dead.
In March 2023, another Congolese soldier reportedly opened fire at Rwandan security personnel across the border before he was shot dead.
RDF said, “No one on the Rwandan side was injured,” adding, “Further investigations are ongoing.”
