The Government of Rwanda has said that a Sukhoi-25 fighter jet from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on Wednesday 28th December 2022, violated Rwandan airspace along Lake Kivu in the Western Province of Rwanda at around 12h00, and immediately returned to the DRC after it was shot at.

The incident incident is one in a series of provocations, including a similar airspace violation that occurred on 7th November 2022, when a DRC fighter jet of the same type briefly touched down at Rubavu Airport before flying back to DRC.

The Government of Rwanda has through released statement disclosed that authorities have once again protested to the DRC Government against the violations of Rwandan airspace by DRC fighter jets.

It further reads that these repeated violations are against the spirit of Luanda and Nairobi peace initiatives.

"The authorities in the DRC seem to be emboldened by consistent coddling by some in the international community who repeatedly heap blame on Rwanda for any and all ills in the DRC, while ignoring the transgressions originating from the DRC. These provocations must stop," adds the statement.

Apart from airspace violations, Rwanda reported other provocations this year including the shelling of rockets on Rwandan territory in collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) at different times.

DRC soldiers also crossed into Rwanda shooting at Rwandan security forces at different times but were foiled and shot dead in self-defence.