Rwanda: French embassy advises against all travel to select areas along the shared border with Uganda and DRC June 13

Event

French officials issued a security alert June 13 advising against all travel to the border areas north of the Ruhengeri (Musanze)-Gisenyi (Rubavu District) axis. Officials cited ongoing armed clashes in the neighboring North Kivu Province, DRC, particularly in the Nyiragongo area.

Increased military operations are likely near border areas along with checkpoints, and random searches of vehicles and persons, over the near term. Armed clashes impacting Rwandan territory and cross-border shelling cannot be ruled out.

Context

The advisory comes as tensions have increased between Rwanda and the DRC in recent days and weeks amidst a resurgence in the activities of non-state armed groups:

• The Rwandan army reported that rockets had landed in Rwandan territory either in the Burera or Musanze districts on March 19, May 23, and June 10. Rwandan authorities also reported that rebels (Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda, FDLR), supported by the Congolese army, attacked Rwandan forces at the border on May 23.

• Congolese authorities have accused Rwanda of deliberately supporting the M23 rebels in eastern DRC and suspended operations of Rwandan airline RwandAir (WB). Rwandair has not operated flights to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Goma since May 28.

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 the reintegration of the armed forces into society. Renewed activity by M23 militants and new accusations against Rwanda could further inflame tensions in the region. The M23 militants are likely to 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.

Advice

Consider deferring nonessential travel to the affected areas over the short term. If travel to these areas is essential, exercise heightened vigilance due to the risk of armed clashes and shelling and carry proper identification and travel documents at all times. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if stopped at a security checkpoint. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.