Suspected Congolese soldier killed after ambush – Rwanda

The Rwandan military says a man thought to be a member of the Democratic Republic of Congo army has been killed after crossing the border and opening fire.

Relations between the two countries have been extremely strained amid accusations that Rwanda has been supporting the M23 rebel group.

On Friday Rwanda’s president, Paul Kagame, said he would use his influence to get the rebels to cease fire and withdraw from recently captured areas.

The Rwandan military described the man who was shot dead as an unidentified soldier.

It said he was believed to be a member of the Congolese armed forces and was firing at Rwandan military positions near the border. Congolese authorities have yet to comment.

It’s not the first time such an incident has happened, and DR Congo has frequently reported the presence of Rwandan soldiers on its side of the border.

It accuses the Kigali government of backing the M23 rebel group and trying to exploit DR Congo’s minerals – something Rwanda denies.

On Monday presidents and ministers from the region are due to meet in the latest effort to get the rebels to withdraw and stop the conflict escalating.