Rwanda accuse DR Congo fighter jet of trespassing its airspace
Rwandan authorities claimed that a fighter jet from the Democratic Republic of Congo violated its airspace today morning, barely 48 hours after the two countries agreed to accelerate efforts to de-escalate tensions.
According to a statement from the Rwandan government, a Sukhoi-25 fighter plane from DR Congo temporarily landed at Rubavu Airport in Rwanda’s Western Province today morning.
“Rwandan authorities condemned this provocation to the DRC Government, who confirmed the incident,” the statement read.
News sources reveal that the warplane made its way back to Congo with no military action taken.
Sources indicate that since M23 rebels intensified their offensives in east Congo this year, conflict has existed between DR Congo and Rwanda.
The Tutsi-led militia, which began its third onslaught on October 20 this year in North Kivu region, has long been charged by Congolese authorities with receiving support from Rwanda.
Days later, in reprisal for this supposed support, they expelled the Rwandan ambassador.
However, Rwanda opposes the accusations claiming they are a ruse to hide security lapses in the DR Congo.
On Saturday, representatives from the two nations met in Angola to discuss measures on how to resolve the political impasse.
East Congo, a mineral-rich region plagued by militia activity, has experienced months of relative tranquility before being rocked by unrest in North Kivu.
Since war started, army forces and M23 rebels have engaged in many clashes that have forced more than 90,000 people from their homes.
Despite attempts to drive them back, militants took control of Kiwanja, effectively cutting off the province’s upper half.
On October 31, tens of thousands demonstrated against Rwanda in the city of Goma in the east.
In July, weeks after the M23 group launched its most significant offensive since a 2012–2013 rebellion that captured large swaths of territory, Congo and Rwanda had previously agreed to halt hostilities and expel M23 fighters from Congo.
