South Kivu’s provincial government has accused Rwanda of sending 750 troops onto Idjwi Island, calling it a violation of Congolese borders. The statement, issued by spokesperson Lugunywa Bashizi Didier Kabi, claimed Rwanda is trying to “annex Congolese land under the cover of M23 operations.”
Authorities argue that M23’s takeover of Idjwi in March 2025 facilitated Rwanda’s military entry. They have asked Kinshasa to present the case to the African Union, the ICGLR, and mediators in Washington and Qatar.
No verifiable evidence has been produced to confirm the deployment. Rwanda, for its part, has not commented on the new claims but maintains that its security actions focus solely on protecting its borders amid renewed fighting in Kalehe and Bukavu.
Idjwi Island, 70 kilometers long and just 10–15 kilometers from Rwanda’s shoreline, is home to half a million people. It has often served as a refuge during waves of violence in South Kivu. The allegations highlight the fragile state of Rwanda–DRC relations, with international partners urging negotiations instead of continued hostilities.
