Rwanda Accuses DR Congo of Violating Air Space

Rwanda’s government has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo of briefly violating its airspace.

Report says a fighter jet from the Democratic Republic of Congo enter Rwanda.

This is the latest accusation to fly between the two countries whose relations have frayed this year.

Rwandan government spokesperson, Yolande Makolo said, “These repeated violations are against the spirit of Luanda and Nairobi peace initiatives,”

“The authorities in Congo seem to be emboldened by consistent coddling by some in the international community who repeatedly heap blame on Rwanda for any and all ills in Congo while ignoring the transgressions originating from Congo,” Makolo added

Congo’s government and army spokesmen did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, Western powers and United Nations experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23 rebels in eastern Congo, who have seized several towns and villages in offensives this year.

Rwanda denies any involvement, saying the allegations are a tactic to cover up Congo’s security failures.

However, in July Congo’s president and his Rwandan counterpart agreed at a summit in Angola’s capital, Luanda, to de-escalate tensions, but the M23 rebels continued to advance.

While on Friday the M23 rebels withdrew from a small portion of territories they had seized, as part of what they described as a goodwill gesture in a ceasefire brokered by East African regional leaders.

REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere