By CHIMPREPORTS
Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) have reported the killing of a Congolese soldier amid escalating security tensions between the two neighboring nations.
The incident took place around 1:10 am on Tuesday, with RDF releasing a statement indicating that three armed soldiers from 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).
RDF detailed that two of the soldiers, Sgt Asman Mupenda Termite (30 years) and Cpl Lucien Anyasaka Nkoi (28 years), were apprehended by RDF patrols with support from local neighborhood watch (Irondo). The FARDC soldiers were found in possession of one AK-47 gun, four magazines with 105 rounds, one protective vest, and sachets of cannabis, as stated in the official release.
The statement further revealed that the third soldier was shot dead when he fired at the patrols.
This incident unfolds against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, primarily centered on accusations from Kinshasa, asserting that Rwanda supports the M23 rebel movement to destabilize Congo. In response, Kigali contends that Congolese soldiers continue to aid Rwandan militia groups, committing atrocities against Tutsi communities in Congo and launching attacks on Rwandan territory.
As of now, the Democratic Republic of Congo is yet to issue an official statement regarding the recent border incident. Similar occurrences have taken place in the past, with RDF reporting incidents in June 2022 and March 2023, where unidentified Congolese soldiers crossed the border and engaged in altercations with Rwandan security personnel, resulting in casualties on the Congolese side. Investigations into these incidents are ongoing.
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