As tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda escalate, Congolese aviation authorities have officially closed the country’s airspace to all flights registered in Rwanda or departing from Rwandan territory. According to an internal directive obtained by ACP RDCongo, the ban took immediate effect and applies to both civil and state aircraft.
The new restrictions mean that Rwandan aircraft are prohibited from flying over Congolese territory or landing at any airport within the DRC. This move is expected to disrupt travel and cargo transport between the two neighboring countries, further straining an already tense relationship.
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Congolese officials cited security reasons as the primary justification for the airspace closure. The DRC has long accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, which has been involved in ongoing armed conflict in eastern Congo. The situation has led to increased instability in the region, with Congolese authorities attributing recent escalations to alleged Rwandan support for militias operating within its borders.
This latest move by Kinshasa stresses the deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two nations. While Rwanda has consistently denied supporting the M23 rebels and interfering in its neighbor’s political atmosphere, tensions have remained high, with repeated accusations and border clashes threatening regional stability.
The closure of airspace to Rwandan flights is expected to have far-reaching consequences, particularly for trade and regional travel. Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir, which operates routes to the DRC, will be directly impacted, along with businesses relying on air cargo transport between the two countries.
