Democratic Republic of Congo had said it will suspend Rwanda Air flights and summoned Kigali’s ambassador as Kinshasha authorities accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23, a militia group that has wrecked havoc in the Eastern part of Congo.
This week, authorities in DRC said Rwanda was backing the March 23 Movement (M23), which Rwanda denies amidst renewed clashes between the Congolese army FARDC and the militia group in the Easter part of Congo neighboring Uganda.
DR Congo authorities said late Friday it would take “conservative measures” against Rwanda, which included blocking flights from the national carrier, an official said. The decision was taken after an extraordinary meeting of the Superior Defesce Council chaired by Congolese President President Felix Tshisekedi.
“It was decided to immediately suspend flights from the RwandaAir aviation company to the Democratic Republic of Congo”, Said communications Minister Patrick Muyaya.
“It was also decided to summon the Rwandan ambassador to notify of the total disapproval of the Congolese government” he added.
To this effect, RwandaAir responded on Saturday by cancelling “with immediate effect” all flights to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Goma in a statement released by the Airline.
Suspension of flights to the Democratic Republic of Congo. pic.twitter.com/FfUPJTx7De
— RwandAir (@FlyRwandAir) May 28, 2022
Rwanda’s friendship with DRC has always been on and off as the later accuses the former of backing several militia groups the latest being M23 that has pushed many Congolese to flee for their lives in the neighboring countries especially Uganda whose army is stationed in the East fighting Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) despite many questions that continue lingering concerning the operation (See Story Here)
This comes at a time when DR Congo is barely two months since it was approved in the East African Community. (See Story Here)
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