Oct 2026: Fighting between Congolese forces and AFC/M23 rebels continues in eastern DRC near Rwanda’s western border, and front lines remain fluid. The conflict raises the risk of military activity near the border.

See OPSGROUP Briefing: Africa Airspace Risk: Jet Shot in Rwanda - 2023

The primary risk is spillover from the conflict in eastern DRC. UK and Canadian warnings cite anti-aircraft weapons, but apply to specified areas within the FZZA/Kinshasa FIR in DRC, not the HRYR/Kigali FIR in Rwanda.



Major events:
Jan 2026: Fighting continued in eastern DRC despite diplomatic efforts, with rebels active near the Rwandan and Burundian borders.
Feb 2025: DRC closed its airspace to Rwandan-registered and Rwanda-based aircraft. RwandAir rerouted affected flights.
Jan 2025: M23 rebel forces took control of Goma and its airport, FZNA/Goma, during heavy fighting.
Jan 2023: Rwandan forces fired on a DRC fighter near Goma, saying it had entered Rwandan airspace. The damaged aircraft landed at FZNA/Goma.