The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has accused neighboring Rwanda of orchestrating a bomb attack at Goma International Airport in North Kivu province. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning when two 81 MM mortar bombs, mounted on commercial drones, struck the airport, causing damage to a Sukhoi-25 fighter jet.
A reliable security source at the airport suspects that the bombs could have been launched from Kibumba in Nyiragongo territory near the Rwanda border, where the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels are reportedly stationed with heavy weapons.
Lieutenant-Colonel Ndjike Kaiko Guillaume, spokesperson for the military in North Kivu province, confirmed the attack, accusing Rwanda of being behind it. He emphasized that the attack violated the DRC’s territorial limits but noted that airport activities continued normally despite the incident.
The Rwandan government has yet to respond to the accusations. The bombing coincides with a mini-summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, along with other African leaders. The summit aims to address the crisis between the DRC and Rwanda and explore possibilities for a ceasefire and direct dialogue.
Meanwhile, fierce fighting between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) soldiers, under their umbrella Wazalendo, and troops under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is ongoing in Mweso, Bashali Mokoto grouping in the Masisi territory.
The DRC government accuses Rwanda of backing M23, while the rebels claim to be fighting against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination in the DRC. The situation remains tense as the conflict escalates, raising concerns about regional stability.
