Title: The challenges of securing the border between the DRC and Rwanda
Introduction :
Ongoing tension between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and Rwandan forces on the border between the two countries continues to cause concern. Recently, a FARDC soldier lost his life during an exchange of fire with Rwandan soldiers at the border. These recurring incidents raise questions about securing this sensitive area and require a lasting solution.
The context :
The incident took place in the village of Rutagara, at demarcation markers 13 and 17, in Nyiragongo territory, North Kivu. According to information reported by Lieutenant-Colonel Guillaume Njike Kaiko, spokesperson for the Sokola 2 operation, the Rwandan soldiers violated the limits by entering Congolese soil and chasing the local farmers. The FARDC intervened to protect civilians and were caught in a firefight with Rwandan forces.
A worrying situation:
Clashes between the two armies on the DRC-Rwanda border have become commonplace, with each side accusing each other of boundary violations. These security incidents contribute to instability in the region and hamper the development of the border area.
A durable solution needed:
To put an end to these recurrent clashes, measures must be taken to secure the border between the DRC and Rwanda in a sustainable manner. The deployment of a special unit responsible for the protection of the border area could be an effective solution to prevent incursions and illegal movements.
Nyiragongo’s civil society appeal:
Mambo Kawaya, president of the civil society of Nyiragongo, proposes the deployment of a special force unit to protect the border and put an end to fraudulent traffic and uncontrolled movements. According to him, this would guarantee the safety of the local population and promote the development of the region.
Conclusion :
The recurrent security incidents on the border between the DRC and Rwanda are a major source of concern. A lasting solution, such as the deployment of a special border protection unit, is essential to ensure the safety of the local population and promote the development of the region. It is imperative that the authorities of both countries work together to resolve this issue and establish peace on the border