Rwanda has claimed that a fighter jet belonging to the military in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday violated its airspace in an act of provocation which Kigai warned may lead to consequences if repeated.
A Congolese Sukhoi-25 fighter jet briefly touched down at Rubavu Airport in Western Province located near the border with Eastern DR Congo, an official statement obtained by APA in Kigali said.
No military action was taken by Rwanda in response, and the jet returned to DRC, the statement quoted Rwandan authorities as protesting what they called a provocative act by Kinshasa.
It is said that Kinshasa has acknowledged the incident, coming against increasing tension between the two countries as President Felix Tshisekedi accuses Kigali of aiding and abetting M23 rebel advance towards eastern DR Congo.
Kigali has denied the accusation.
Earlier this month, the government in Kinshasa ordered the Rwandan ambassador Vincent Karega, to leave the country within 48 hours, in protest over what it saw as Rwanda’s role in the success of the M23 rebels after they captured the cities of Kiwanja and Rutshuru near their common border.
Meanwhile reports have suggested that M23 have consolidated their hold on key locations in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, and subsequently moved to capture Sake, 25km west of the city.
These reports could not be independently verified.
CU/as/APA