The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has admitted that its military jet violated Rwanda’s airspace but explained that the incident happened by accident.
On Monday 7th November 2022, the Government of Rwanda released a statement indicating that a fighter jet Sukhoi-25 belonging to Congolese Army (FARDC) violated its airspace and briefly landed at Rubavu Airport in Western Province.
The jet touched down at the airport at 11h20.
On Monday evening, DRC Ministry of Communication also released a statement acknowledging that the country’s ‘unarmed reconnaissance jet accidentally entered Rwanda’s airspace’.
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The violation followed escalating tensions between Rwanda and DRC over reciprocal accusations related to the fight between Congolese Army and M23 rebel group.
DRC accused Rwanda of supporting the rebel group, a claim which Rwanda has repeatedly rejected but accused DRC of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) during the fighting with M23.
FDLR is a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
