Rwanda Accuses Congolese Forces of Cross-border Shelling

Rwanda has accused Congolese forces of launching a rocket strike on their (Rwanda and DRC) border, injuring numerous civilians, and has demanded a "immediate investigation" into the event.

The rockets landed in the Musanze district, which borders DR Congo, according to the Rwandan army, "injuring numerous civilians and demolishing residences."

According to the army, the firing took place on Monday morning and lasted 21 minutes.

"The situation in the area is normal and security is assured," said Rwandan army spokesman Colonel Ronald Rwivanga.

Kigali said it had requested an immediate probe from the expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (JVM), a regional agency that monitors and analyses security incidents in the dangerous Great Lakes area.

"The Rwandan authorities have also contacted their Congolese counterparts about the incident," said Colonel Rwivanga.

The Congolese army did not respond to the Rwandan claims right away.

Rwandan military have also been accused by certain Congolese authorities of assisting armed groups in the mineral-rich eastern Congo, where dozens of such organisations operate.

Rwanda has denied charges that it is assisting Congolese rebels.

Congolese soldiers and an armed group known as M23 are said to be fighting.