The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reported the downing of six drones allegedly operated by Rwandan special forces over the conflict-ridden North Kivu province, according to Congolese news agency ACP.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, exacerbated by accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 rebel group. Rwanda has consistently denied any involvement with the movement.
In late July, attempts to establish a ceasefire were initiated after talks facilitated by Angolan President Joao Lourenço. Foreign ministers from both nations agreed on a ceasefire set to begin on August 4, coupled with plans for an enhanced verification mechanism to monitor its implementation. However, subsequent negotiations collapsed, and a scheduled summit to address the conflict was canceled.
The M23 group, which advocates for the Tutsi ethnic minority in the DRC, first launched a rebellion in 2012 but was defeated and disbanded by 2013. It resumed hostilities in 2021, accusing the government of failing to honor agreements to integrate former M23 combatants into the national army.
The eastern DRC has been a hotspot for instability, with rebel activity and regional tensions continuing to disrupt peace efforts. This latest incident involving alleged Rwandan drones underscores the fragility of relations between the two neighboring nations.