Two Rwandan soldiers seized by FDLR rebels in the Eastern DR Congo

 

Rwanda said the soldiers were kidnapped while on patrol and were being held in eastern DRC [File: Simon Wohlfahrt/AFP]

By  RTN Newsdesk

RTN- KAMPALA, UGANDA- Rwanda says rebels kidnapped two of its soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Saturday, accusing Kinshasa of supporting the FDLR armed organization.

It comes after the Democratic Republic of Congo recalled Rwanda's ambassador and halted flights out of the country after accusing Rwanda of helping the M23 rebel group operating in the country's eastern region.

The Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) stated two of its soldiers were abducted while on patrol and are being detained by rebels from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) in eastern DRC.

In a statement, the RDF said, "We urge on authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo who work closely with these murderous armed organizations to ensure the release of the RDF soldiers."

Corporal Nkundabagenzi Elysee and Private Ntwari Gad were the two troops named by the RDF.

The kidnapping came after a border attack by Congolese military and FDLR rebels earlier this week, according to the RDF.

After accusing Congolese armed forces of firing rockets into Rwandan territory, Rwanda had previously requested an investigation.

Fighting broke out this week in North Kivu, a conflict-torn eastern province of the DRC that borders Rwanda, on many fronts between Congolese forces and M23.

"Conservative measures" are a term used to describe a set of policies that are designed

On Friday, the United Nations reported that 72,000 people had been displaced by the hostilities, warning that those fleeing face violence and home looting.

M23, a predominantly Congolese Tutsi group that is one of more than 120 armed factions roaming eastern DRC, was said to have received Rwandan help, according to the DRC.

 

Kigali has categorically denied any involvement.

Kinshasa announced late Friday that it will take "conservative measures" against Rwanda, including recalling the ambassador and halting flights on Rwanda's national carrier.

RwandAir replied by canceling all flights to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Goma "with immediate effect" on Saturday.

Since the overwhelming entry in the republic of Rwandan Hutus accused of slaying Tutsis during the 1994 Rwanda massacre, the DRC and Rwanda have had a tense relationship.

Rwanda has been accused by Kinshasa of incursions into its territory and of supporting armed factions there.

Relations began to improve after DRC President Felix Tshisekedi took office in 2019, but the reappearance of M23 violence has renewed hostilities.

 

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES