Rwanda Sends Back Two Captured Congolese Soldiers

L-R Coparal Molanga Jean Marie Eric and Sergeant Omar Muntu Jean, two officers that were extradited to DRC.

Congolese soldiers are still defying border demarcations and illegally crossing over into Rwanda.

Rwanda today handed over two FARDC soldiers who were arrested on its territory to DRC government.

Cpl. Molanga Jean Marie Eric and Sgt. Omar Muntu Jean, were arrested on November 12 and December 25, 2015 respectively.

The duo had trespassed into Rwanda through Rugerero and Gisenyi sectors of Rubavu district in Rwanda’s West Province.

“We were arrested here knowing we had not crossed into a foreign land. We were confused by the borders which are not well demarcated,” said Omar Muntu, before being sent back to DRC. The duo were arrested after leaving their military camp at Goma airport in Eastern DRC which borders with Rwanda.

The handover exercise was witnessed by Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) – launched by International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), as part of efforts to resolve recurrent conflicts in eastern DRC.

It’s not the first time Rwanda arrest DRC soldiers on its territory.  At least 20 FARDC soldiers, including a commander have been arrested for illegal entry into Rwanda.

While receiving the two FARDC soldiers at the countries border in Rubavu district, Col. Fulbert Okandza, commander of EJVM said, “We commend Rwanda for peacefully dealing with border issues.”

“FARDC should consider identifying their own borders. How can you pretend to protect a country you don’t know its borders?”

Lt. Col. James Cassius, who represented the government, said Rwanda is committed to work with EJVM to address border issues.

Most DRC soldiers arrested in Rwanda cross in civilian attires-an indication of a planned mutiny.

Residents of sectors bordering with Goma have also been reporting cases of lootings by FARDC soldiers.

Rwanda and EJVM Officers sign extradition documents.

Source : KT Press