Rwandan Defense Forces Enter DRC, Officials Report

According to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwandan forces have infiltrated the North Kivu cities of Tongo and Rutshuru to reinforce the M23 rebels.

Last year, the rebels captured territory, and they still control the area today. Kigali is criticised by Kinshasa for supporting the Tutsi uprising, and Kinshasa is charged with working with the FDLR. Since October 1, there has been a rise in violence in these places, causing 85,000 people to flee in search of safety.

The massacres in the villages of Ruzenze, Bishishe, and Marangara have been connected to the presence of the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF). Concern over a potential “direct confrontation” between the two nations has been raised by the UN.