The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has accused Rwanda of messing with satellite navigation systems, which has disrupted flights in the eastern part of DR Congo.
According to DR Congo’s government, Rwanda’s army is interfering with aircraft GPS signals using techniques called “jamming” and “spoofing.”
This creates a serious risk for both commercial and humanitarian flights, which bring essential aid to conflict victims. Rwanda has not yet responded to these accusations.
A recent UN report said that Rwanda has up to 4,000 troops in DR Congo to support the M23 rebel group against the government forces.
Rwanda did not deny this and claimed that the DR Congo government lacks the political will to solve the crisis in the east, which is rich in minerals.
The M23 rebels have taken control of much of the eastern region, particularly in North Kivu province, and are setting up their own administration.
They claim to fight for the rights of the Tutsi minority, the same ethnic group as Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame.
The ongoing conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of families. Despite numerous peace efforts and the presence of UN and regional troops, the fighting continues.
In a statement on X, DR Congo’s government said a “technical investigation” confirmed that the jamming was done by Rwanda’s army and the M23 rebels, violating international law.
The government mentioned that GPS signals over parts of North Kivu, especially the capital Goma, have been affected, along with nearby areas like Beni and Butembo.
DR Congo has filed a complaint with the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization, seeking sanctions against Rwanda.
The BBC reported this information, highlighting the serious accusations and the complex situation in the region .
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c19kxg3vz8eo