Congo Army Says Drones by Rwandan Were Shot Down
The military said the unmanned aircraft were intercepted in the area of Mikenge after they crossed into Congolese territory near Minembwe without authorization.
According to the statement, the aircraft were brought down after what officials described as an unlawful intrusion into national airspace.
“This act of aggression constitutes a new provocation and a violation of the Washington Accord,” the army said, adding that Congolese troops “remain vigilant, disciplined, and ready to defend” Congo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The incident comes amid continued instability in eastern Congo. Following an agreement signed in Washington between Congo and Rwanda on Dec. 4, fighters from the M23 rebel group pushed further into several parts of South Kivu province.
The armed movement has taken control of substantial areas in the region, including the key provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which fell under its control earlier in 2025.
Authorities in Congo, along with the United Nations and other international actors, have repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels operating in eastern Congo. The Rwandan government has consistently denied these allegations.
Earlier in March, the United States imposed sanctions on Rwanda’s military along with four high-ranking officers, accusing them of aiding the rebel group.
Kigali responded by expressing regret over the measures, describing the sanctions as “one-sided,” while defending the actions of its armed forces.
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