{{A FARDC (Congolese Army) Senior Non-Commissioned Officer, Sergeant Major Kusakana Munanga Andre, service number (matricule): 1-72-88-93460-89 arrested on Rwanda territory on 15 September 2013 in suspicious activities was handed today to the EJVM. This is a regional military experts ‘team tasked to monitor security along DRC’s border with its eastern neighbors.}}
“He trespassed and was arrested. Keeping him here wasn’t in our interest, we handed him to the EJVM as a gesture of goodwill and good relations with our neighbors,” Brig. Gen. Joseph Nzabamwita, the Defence and Military spokesperson said.
The EJVM deputy coordinator, Col Leon Mahoungou confirmed the soldier was handed to his team. “Rwanda handed the soldier over to us and in turn we handed him over to FARDC (Congolese army). By the time we handed him to DRC, he was in good health; he was well treated by the Rwandan authorities and he also confirmed it,” said Mahoungou.
Rwanda Security Organs arrested Sgt Major Kusakana Munanga Andre at Mbuga Ngali village, border town of Rubavu on 15 September 2013. He was heavily armed, dressed in full battle dress, carrying all sorts of military gear.
Following the arrest the EJVM was called to investigate the case at Rwanda’s request. The inquiry team interrogated Sgt Maj Munanga and spoke to several people on either side of the border. They took Sgt Maj Munanga to show where he was arrested and he showed near Petite Barriere, Rubavu border, on Rwanda territory.
The inquiry team that investigated the case comprised 13 senior military officers from the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia. It was led by EJVM deputy coordinator, Col Leon Mahoungou from Congo Brazaville.
On 29 August 2013 FARDC deliberately fired a rocket that killed Mukagasana Vestine injuring her two months old baby at Mbuga Ngali village, Rubavu Town. A total of 38 rockets and bombs were fired in Rubavu District, by FARDC from 15 July to 29 August 2013.
Also on 3 November 2012 two FARDC and FDLR fighters conducted combined armed reconnaissance at Busasamana, Rubavu District in Rwanda. Cpl Nzaza Nyabigoro, a suspected FDLR fighter embedded in 391 Reconnaissance Battalion of FARDC was killed. His remains were handed over to the FARDC 8 Military Region Commander, Col Evariste Somo Kakule.
EJVM investigated this incident of 3 November 2012 which was a reconnaissance for FDLR attack on Rwanda territory.
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