DR Congo Suspends RwandAir over M23

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has suspended RwandAir flights to the Congolese Territory.

The Kinshasa government accuses the Rwandan Government of supporting the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels.

“In view of Rwanda’s support for the M23 terrorists, it has been decided to immediately suspend RwandAir flights to our country,” said Communications Minister, Patrick Muyaya, in a press briefing Saturday.

“The Superior Council of Defence has cautioned the Rwandan government against disrupting the peace process,” he added.

The decision was taken after an extraordinary meeting of the Superior Defence Council on Friday chaired by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi.

“It was decided to immediately suspend flights from the RwandAir aviation company to the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Muyaya noted.

He added: “It was also decided to summon the Rwandan ambassador to notify him of the total disapproval of the Congolese government.”

In response, RwandAir issued a statement on Saturday announcing flight suspensions to the cities of Kinshasa, Goma and Lumbubashi.

The statement said the decision would take immediate effect.