DR Congo Army Says It Shot Down Rwandan Drones After Airspace Violation in East

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo said it shot down two drones belonging to the Rwanda Defence Force after they allegedly entered Congolese airspace near Minembwe in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. FARDC described the incident as a violation of the Washington Accord and warned it was ready to defend the country’s sovereignty. The development comes amid escalating tensions linked to the activities of the M23 rebel group, which controls key cities including Goma and Bukavu.

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) on Tuesday said it had shot down two drones belonging to the Rwanda Defence Force and what it described as “their allies” after the unmanned aircraft allegedly crossed into Congolese airspace in the country’s volatile eastern region. The Congolese military said the drones were intercepted and destroyed in Mikenge after they illegally violated Congolese airspace near the Minembwe area, a location that has frequently experienced tension between armed groups and government forces.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, FARDC described the drone activity as an act of aggression and warned that it represented a serious escalation of tensions between the two neighboring countries. The Congolese military said the alleged incursion constituted a violation of the Washington Accord, an agreement aimed at reducing hostilities and improving security cooperation in the region. FARDC added that its troops remain vigilant, disciplined, and prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against any threats.
Officials in Rwanda did not immediately respond to the allegations made by the Congolese army. However, relations between the two countries have remained strained for years due to ongoing violence in eastern Congo and accusations of cross-border interference.
The latest incident comes amid escalating conflict in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where armed groups have been battling government forces for control of territory and resources. In recent months, the M23 rebel group has intensified its operations across parts of the eastern province of South Kivu, advancing into several strategic areas despite diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability.
The renewed fighting follows an agreement signed in Washington on December 4 between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, which was intended to reduce tensions and encourage dialogue between the two governments. However, violence has continued on the ground, with armed groups exploiting the fragile security environment.
The M23 rebels now control significant territory in eastern Congo, including the key provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which they captured earlier in 2025 after a series of rapid advances against government forces. Control of these major cities has given the rebel group a strong strategic position in the region and further complicated efforts to stabilize eastern Congo.
The Congolese government and the United Nations have repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel movement operating inside Congolese territory. According to UN reports and Congolese officials, Rwanda has allegedly provided military backing, equipment, and logistical support to the rebels. The Rwandan government in Kigali has consistently denied these accusations, insisting that it is not involved in supporting the group and accusing the Congolese government of using the claims for political purposes.
Tensions increased further when the United States imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s military and four senior Rwandan officers on March 2, accusing them of backing the M23 insurgency. The sanctions were aimed at pressuring Rwanda to stop any alleged involvement in the conflict and to support diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the violence.
In response to the sanctions, Rwanda expressed regret over the decision and described the measures as “one-sided,” arguing that they ignored the broader security concerns affecting the region. Rwandan authorities also defended their military, stating that the country has legitimate security interests along its borders and has been working to protect its national security.
The situation in eastern Congo remains one of Africa’s most complex and long-running conflicts. For decades, the region has been plagued by armed rebellions, ethnic tensions, competition over mineral resources, and involvement by neighboring countries. Millions of civilians have been displaced by the violence, and humanitarian agencies continue to warn about worsening conditions for communities caught between government forces, rebel groups, and regional rivalries.
The reported drone incident near Minembwe underscores the fragile nature of relations between Congo and Rwanda and highlights the risk that the conflict could escalate further if diplomatic efforts fail to ease tensions between the two countries.