DRC, Rwanda: DRC closes all land borders with Rwanda 15:00-06:00 amid uptick of tensions, as of June 18 /update 1

Event

DRC officials announced June 17 the closure of all land borders with Rwanda from 15:00-06:00 until further notice. The move follows an exchange of fire between Congolese and Rwandan security forces at the Petite Barriere border crossing between Goma, DRC, and Gisenyi, Rwanda, early June 17, during which one Congolese soldier was killed.

An increased security presence is likely near the border area in the coming days. Officials could completely close shared border crossings in response to incidents. Related protests are likely in Goma and other urban centers across the country in the coming days and weeks. Persons involved in regular cross-border travel, including traders, may protest the reduced hours at the border crossings. Police may quickly resort to force and riot control tactics to disperse protesters if they are overly disruptive. Similar protests have been met with violence in the past. Localized road and public transportation disruptions are likely near protest locations.

Context

Tensions have increased between Rwanda and the DRC amidst a resurgence in the activities of non-state armed groups, notably M23 rebels.

• Rwanda and DRC accused each other of cross-border rocket fire June 10. While the Congolese authorities have accused Rwanda of deliberately supporting the M23 rebels in eastern DRC, Rwandan authorities also allege that rebels (Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda, FDLR), supported by the Congolese army, attacked Rwandan forces at the border on May 23.

• DRC has suspended operations of Rwandan airline RwandAir (WB). Rwandair has not operated flights to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Goma since May 28.

• The Congolese government announced June 16 the suspension of all agreements signed with the Rwandan government.

Since November 2021, the M23 rebel group has increased its attacks on the armed forces in eastern DRC. The M23 is seeking to pressure the government to honor a peace agreement signed in 2013, including reintegrating the armed forces into society. Renewed activity by M23 militants and new accusations against Rwanda could further inflame regional tensions. The M23 militants will likely maintain a high level of fighting in the coming weeks as the DRC has ruled out the group from any negotiations amid ongoing talks with different armed groups in the east. The group claimed to have shot down a DRC military helicopter June 17.

Advice

Consider deferring nonessential travel to the affected areas until the situation stabilizes. If travel to these areas is essential, exercise heightened vigilance due to the risk of armed clashes and shelling. Carry proper identification and travel documents at all times, and remain polite and nonconfrontational if stopped at a security checkpoint. Avoid all demonstrations. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately, and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Reconfirm the status of border crossings before departure. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.