The Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of assassinating North Kivu Governor General Peter Cirimwami, escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Congolese military spokesperson General Sylvain Ekenge claimed that Cirimwami was killed by a “Rwandan army sniper” while visiting troops.
This accusation comes amid intensified fighting between Congolese forces and the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo, with the M23 making significant territorial gains.
In response to the alleged assassination, the Congolese government has recalled all its diplomats from Kigali and ordered the closure of the Rwandan Embassy in Kinshasa within 48 hours, effectively severing diplomatic relations.
Rwanda has denied these accusations, with Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe stating that the last Rwandan diplomat in Kinshasa had already departed due to security concerns.
The M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group, has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda, a claim that Rwanda consistently denies.
The ongoing conflict has created a significant humanitarian crisis, with over 400,000 people displaced in 2025 alone, according to the UN refugee agency.
This latest escalation in tensions significantly increases the risk of further conflict between the two countries and raises serious concerns about regional stability.