Six Rwandans hailing from Busasamana Sector in Rubavu District have been arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They were detained six days ago by soldiers of the Congolese Army (FARDC) in the plain separating Rwanda and the country.

It is said that the Rwandans were arrested on 22nd August 2022 after illegally crossing into DRC as they collected firewood.

These include four women aged 24,26, 30 and 65 respectively as well as two male children aged below eight years.

On Thursday last week, the Mayor of Rubavu District along with other security officials summoned a meeting with residents during which they advised them against crossing the plain separating both countries for their security.

“You should forget the plain because crossing through the illegal entry point leaves the country in troubles following up what happened to nationals in a foreign country. You have to make possible efforts to turn your backs on the plain and run your activities here in Rwanda,” said the Commander of 63rd Battalion in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Major Gatete.

Major Gatete further reminded residents that Rwanda has enemies in DRC forests which they should consider to cross through authorized borders.

The Mayor of Rubavu District, Ildephonse Kambogo urged residents to abide by laws and avoid crossing through illegal entry points.

The citizens are detained in Goma accused of being spies.

It is said that Congolese soldiers are demanding huge amounts of money to release the six Rwandan nationals.

It has been quite some time since the tension between Rwanda and DRC escalated after the resurgence of rebel group which is fighting Congolese Army.

DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebel group but the latter repeatedly refuted the allegations and accused the neighbouring country of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group comprised of remnant masterminds behind the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

AE News