In a context of very tense relations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Rwandan army announced on Tuesday 16 January that it had killed a Congolese soldier and arrested two others, who it said had crossed the border and opened fire.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) confirmed this report in a press release on Tuesday evening, while confirming that three soldiers “On Patrol” had found themselves “by mistake” On the territory of Rwanda. Earlier in the day, a Congolese security source also confirmed the facts, but then claimed not to know if these were the three men. “Vazalando” (the so-called “Patriot” army) or elements of the FARDC.
The Rwandan army said in a statement that three Congolese entered Rwanda at around 1:10 a.m. on Tuesday from the area around Goma, the main city of eastern DRC. a A soldier was shot while firing at a patrol, she added that she did not regret any injuries among her ranks. members “The FARDC had in their possession an AK-47 rifle, four 105 round magazines, a protective vest and bags of marijuana”Kigali added.
“This is often the case with Congolese or Rwandan soldiers who are lost and captured on Rwandan or Congolese territory”For its part, the Congolese General Staff estimated in its press release signed by its spokesman, General Sylvain Ekenge. “Every time, a joint verification mechanism (Specially responsible for investigation of such border incidents) involved in their repatriation”, we can still read in the text. FARDC “luxury” That one of their soldiers was killed. All three soldiers “Unknowingly crossed the border”Insists on a press release.
“Clash”
In the east of the DRC, bordering Rwanda, the Congolese army, particularly local militias, has been the scene of clashes between the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels supported by foreign private military companies and the Rwandan army. After taking up arms again in late 2021 and routing the Congolese army, the rebellion took control of large parts of the Rutshuru and Masisi regions in the south of North Kivu, intensifying tensions between the two countries.
Last December, during the election campaign, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi – most likely re-elected for a second term – declared that“Slight Collision”, They will bring together both the Houses of Parliament “Declare War on Rwanda”.
The East African Community (EAC) deployed troops to eastern DRC in November 2022 at the invitation of the country’s authorities, but Kinshasa refused to allow their mandate to be extended, accusing them of siding with the rebels rather than fighting them. The DRC has also requested the withdrawal of the Blue Helmets, a UN mission (MONUSCO) that has been present on its soil for twenty-five years, by the end of this year, alleging its ineffectiveness.
To help fight the insurgency, Kinshasa is particularly counting on the force of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which began arriving in Goma in mid-December. “The SADC force has indeed arrived, it is with us and its mission is offensive”Lt. Gen. Phol Sikabwe, coordinator of Congolese military operations in North Kivu, said Tuesday in Goma, after a meeting with officials of the South African force known as “SAMIDRC.”
