
Tensions soared as Congo accused Rwanda of orchestrating the assassination of North Kivu’s governor, General Peter Cirimwami.
Military spokesperson Gen. Sylvain Ekenge alleged the governor was targeted by a Rwandan army sniper during an operational visit Friday.
The attack, which also claimed the life of one of Cirimwami’s bodyguards and injured two others, has deepened regional unrest.
“This marks the 25th attempt on his life,” Ekenge declared during a video news conference addressing the growing instability.
Eastern Congo remains gripped by violence as M23 rebels intensified clashes, defying a July ceasefire agreement mediated by Angola.
Ekenge confirmed ongoing battles near Goma, where Congolese troops, aided by UN peacekeepers and SAMIDRC forces, resisted rebel advances.
The Congolese Foreign Ministry took decisive action, recalling diplomats from Kigali and expelling Rwanda’s embassy within 48 hours.
“All diplomatic activities of Rwanda’s embassy in Kinshasa will cease,” stated a ministry communiqué issued Saturday.
Rwanda has yet to officially respond to Congo’s allegations, though past claims of supporting M23 rebels have been denied by Kigali.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe tweeted that their last diplomat had already left Kinshasa, citing security threats.
Meanwhile, the UNHCR reported a surge in displacement, with over 400,000 people uprooted in 2025 as violence escalates.
This latest incident underscores the fragile relations between the two nations, further destabilizing the war-torn region.