Clash between DR Congo forces and Rwandan troops near the eastern border

The Democratic Republic of Congo says its forces clashed with their Rwandan counterparts near the eastern border on Monday.

According to an army spokesperson in North Kivu province, Rwandan forces crossed into Congo and tensions culminated into a clash.

“A military company of Rwandan forces reached five kilometres into Congo…You can’t explain how armed forces cross the border firing guns,” Brig Gen Sylvain Ekenge told BBC.

Videos circulating online show locals in panic and fleeing as two forces exchanged gunfire. Rwandan soldiers later retreated back home.

“Fortunately, no one died from the incident”, Gen Ekenge said.

Rwandan forces have yet to comment on these allegations.

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Cross border tensions between the two East African neighbours are common due to illegal trade, lack of clear boundary demarcation and attacks by rebels, BBC News reports.