The Rwanda Army has said it’s 2 soldiers captured last month inside Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and accused of supporting a rebel offensive, have been released.
The two soldiers were released following mediation by Angolan President Joao Lourenco, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) said in a statement.
“Following the kidnap of two RDF soldiers on patrol along the Rwanda-DRC border on 28 May 2022, and the subsequent diplomatic interventions between the Heads of State of Angola, DRC and Rwanda, the RDF is pleased to announce that the two soldiers are now safely back in Rwanda.” the June 11 statement reads.
Congo said the two soldiers were detained inside its territory, which it cited as evidence Rwanda is backing the ongoing offensive by M23 rebels. On Thursday, it escalated its accusations, blaming Rwanda for sending 500 special forces in disguise into eastern Congo.
Rwanda has denied any involvement in the M23 attacks and said the two soldiers were kidnapped by Congolese forces inside Rwanda.
The escalating disputes between the two East African countries evokes long-standing conflicts with every side accusing the other of armed attacks and supporting rebels from both sides.
Congo and Rwanda accused each other on Friday of firing rockets across their shared border, including a strike that Congo’s army said killed two Congolese children.
“The RDF is grateful for the efforts invested in securing the release of the two soldiers.” RDF noted.