A series of actions by the DR Congo continue to undermine regional efforts towards peace, read a statement released by the Government of Rwanda today. According to the statement, on Wednesday morning in Rusura Cell located in Busasamana Sector, a section of the DR Congos army crossed the border to Rwanda where they opened fired on a Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) patrol. The RDF retaliated and the resulting exchange of fire killed one FARDC soldier identified as Hategekimana Boysiro. The RDF immediately called on members of the Extended Joint Verification Mechanism for an independent assessment. Their access was denied by DR Congos authorities. These attacks come less than a year after a series of bombs were launched on Rwandan territory by FARDC . This includes an attack in August 2013 where a bomb launched from DR Congo territory landed in a marketplace in Bugangari killing Vestine Mukagasana and seriously injuring her two-month old son. Louise Mushikiwabo, Rwanda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Government Spokesperson, warned the DR Congos leadership against any further hostilities: These actions by the DR Congo are jeopardising the region’s extensive efforts to ensure peace, stability and development for all our citizens. We urge the leadership of the DR Congo to embrace the logic of peace and end all attacks on the Rwandan territory. Rwanda stands ready to act to protect its citizens. The morning attacks were followed by a second attempt by two FARDC platoons to deploy into Rwanda that resulted in an another exchange of fire leaving four FARDC soldiers dead. In the past three months, the DR Congo has unilaterally closed its border with Rwanda, imposed visa fees despite regional and bilateral agreements and failed to honor their commitment to neutralise the FDLR militia operating in the DR Congo for the last twenty years.
