Published on: 17.06.2022 – 14:52
Tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda remain high. An incident occurred on June 17, 2022 at the border between the two countries. In the city of Goma, there was an exchange of fire between the security forces at the “Petite Barrière” post. At least one Congolese soldier was killed.
The incident happened just before 9 a.m. on Friday morning in the Petite Barrière. from Goma, a border crossing point between the two countries. According to witnesses, a Congolese soldier who was at the border moved towards the Rwandan post, crossing the neutral zone separating the two posts while firing in the direction of Rwanda. Opposite, a Rwandan soldier answered and killed the Congolese soldier immediately. According to witnesses, there was still an exchange of fire.
The outcome is still uncertain. A local radio reported four deaths, a number that has not yet been verified. In a statement, Kigali confirmed that two of those soldiers were injured in the exchange, as well as an unspecified number of civilians who were at the border. Kigali claims the Rwandan officer fired in self-defense and that the Congolese soldier was on Rwandan territory.
No reaction from Congolese officials
No reaction from the Congolese authorities. But by the end of the morning, police and Congolese army chiefs crossed the border to recover the body. More than a hundred people tried to demonstrate in front of the border post, a gathering that was broken up.
This incident occurs when Relations between the two countries are particularly strained since the resurgence of the M23 rebel movement and the intensification of fighting in the region in recent weeks. Kigali is accused of supporting this rebellion. In addition, an anti-Rwanda demonstration gathered several thousand people in Goma this week.