Congolese in Bukavu town have staged protests at Rusizi I and Rusizi II borders requesting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to close all borders with Rwanda particularly in Rusizi District.
[1] borders are used by Rwandans crossing to DRC for business reasons town and Congolese vice versa.

On 1st June 2021, Congolese turned up in crowds for protests at the two borders with violent reactions voicing concerns that Rwanda is supporting M23 rebel group in clashes with Congolese Army (FARDC) which is collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
FDLR is a rebel outfit comprised of remnant masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.

Congolese involved in protests have been heard yelling, speaking ill of Rwanda and insisting that they want to fight Rwanda.
It is said that the protests began from Nyawera area heading to the office of the Governor of Bukavu while others mounted protests at the borders between Rwanda and DRC and Muramba area.

Those seen protesting include motorcyclists, drivers and pedestrians who angrily yelled that they want to cross the border to fight Rwanda.
Demonstrators also requested DRC to close all borders and halt relations with Rwanda.
The Executive Secretary of Mururu Sector, Joyeux Ingabire has said that the demonstrations did not impede movements for people crossing from both sides.
“It is true that they have staged protests but it happened on the side of Congo. They did not come to Rwanda and have not yet confirmed any case of violence against Rwandans,” she said.

Following the protests ; the Mayor of Rusizi District, Dr. Anaclet Kibirigi has told IGIHE that Rwandans are advised to think twice and confirm whether the situation is normal before crossing to DRC.
IGIHE has learnt a security meeting has been summoned in Rusizi District to discuss possible consequences of the protests to Rwandans.

During the fight with M23 in eastern DRC, the latter in collaboration with FDLR shelled projectiles on Rwandan territory which injured people and left houses destroyed.
The was the second shelling on Rwanda since March 2022.
Rwanda has at different times explained that DRC’s allegations are baseless and insisted that the crisis is an internal matter of DRC which has to be solved without dragging it into the issue.
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