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Rwandan forces report killing of Congolese soldier in illegal crossing

Soldiers from the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) accompany journalists into areas under the control of March 23 Movement (M23) in Bunagana, Democratic Republic of Congo, on April 19, 2023. (Photo: Glody Murhabazi/ AFP)

By Foreign Correspondent | 16 Jan 2024

The confrontation in Rubavu District, Northwestern Rwanda led to the arrest of two other Congolese soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC).

In a concerning escalation of border tensions, the Rwandan Defence Force reported an incident where a Congolese soldier was killed after illegally crossing the border and exchanging gunfire with local security forces on Tuesday.

The confrontation in Rubavu District, Northwestern Rwanda led to the arrest of two other Congolese soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC).

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The incident unfolded at 1.10am on Tuesday when the three armed soldiers from the DRC crossed into Rwanda, prompting Rwandan forces to respond.

According to a statement released by the Rwandan Defence Force, Sergeant Asman Mupenda and Corporal Anyaska Nkoi Lucien were apprehended by Rwandan patrols, with the support of neighborhood watch groups.

This development is expected to heighten tensions between the two East African Community member states.

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi previously issued strong statements during his final campaign, threatening to declare war on Rwanda if provoked. He expressed frustration about Kigali's alleged support for M23 rebels and vowed to seek parliamentary authorisation for a declaration of war if re-elected.

The resurgence of the M23 in November 2021 has exacerbated violence in the volatile eastern region of DRC, home to over 100 armed groups. The recent border incident raises concerns about the potential for further hostilities between the neighboring nations.

In response to growing disputes within the EAC, chairperson Salva Kiir of South Sudan announced plans to dispatch special envoys to regional capitals. They will carry messages of concern and engage with leaders to seek resolutions within the framework of the community.

The EAC highlighted Kiir's worries regarding political and security dynamics between member states, emphasising the need for urgent intervention.

Kinshasa has not officially communicated its stance on the reported killing and apprehension of Congolese soldiers by Kigali.