Rwanda protests violation of air space by Congolese military jet

Rwanda has accused neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of violating its airspace by flying a fighter jet over its territory amid growing diplomatic tension between the two countries, Kinshasa calling for removing President Paul Kagame.

“A Sukhoi-25 fighter jet from the Democratic Republic of Congo violated Rwandan airspace along Lake Kivu in the Western Province of Rwanda today at around 12:00 pm, and immediately returned to the DRC,” the Rwandan government said on Twitter.

The latest intrusion is the second so far this year. Similar airspace violation occurred on Nov. 27 when a DRC fighter jet touched down inside Rwanda at Rubavu airport before flying back.

“The authorities in the DRC seem to be emboldened by consistent coddling by some in the international community who repeatedly heap blame on Rwanda for any and all ills in the DRC, while ignoring the transgressions originating from the DRC,” the statement added.

Congo has repeatedly held Rwanda responsible for support for rebel groups including M23 in the east of the country.

This week, the Congolese army said it busted in capital Kinshasa a network spying for Rwanda. Kigali has not commented on the announcement yet. The United Nations and the United States have also said that they believe Rwanda backs the M23 group.