The incident took place in Gasutamo Village, Mbugangari Cell of Gisenyi Sector in Rubavu District.

A statement released by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) reads that the soldier believed to be from Congolese Army (FARDC) crossed the small border and started shooting at Rwandan soldiers’ guard towers.

“On Saturday, 19 November 2022, at 0100hrs, an unidentified soldier believed to be from the FARDC [DR Congo armed forces] crossed the Rwandan border at the ‘petite barrière’ in Rubavu district, and started shooting at Rwanda Defence Force guard towers. He was shot dead by RDF patrol before causing any casualties,” reads the statement in part.

RDF has further revealed that the regional Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) has been informed of the incident and is expected to investigate the border violation.

“The RDF reassures the public and confirms that the situation at the border remains calm,” adds the statement.

The Spokesperson of RDF, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga has told IGIHE that he cannot confirm whether the soldier is from FARDC because he might also be from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (RDF).

The soldier was shot dead in 50 meters from no man’s land.

The soldier suspected to be from DRC is the third shot dead at the border between the two countries.

The first was shot dead in June as he crossed into Rwanda with a rapid fire on Rwandan police personnel and residents crossing the border.

The second was shot dead in Busasamana Sector of Rubavu District early August.

His death follows protests by Congolese accusing Rwanda of supporting M23 rebel group in clashes with Congolese Army.

Rwanda has however denied the allegations and accuses DRC of working with FDLR in the fight with M23.

Rwandan security forces rushed to the scene to assess the situation.