DRC and Republic of the Congo launch inquiry into naval border incident

The governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of the Congo have initiated diplomatic efforts to resolve a naval incident on the Makoloko islet near the Congo River. The confrontation, which reportedly involved an exchange of gunfire between Congolese marine/gendarmerie patrols and DRC military elements based in Yumbi, occurred around August 26.

Reports indicate the clash resulted in casualties, including the death of a 15-year-old in the DRC. Additionally, there were reports of Congolese military personnel being captured or going missing during the encounter.

In response, the DRC's Vice-Prime Minister for National Defense, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, announced an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances and responsibilities of the event. As a gesture of appeasement, two Congolese soldiers were escorted by high-ranking DRC military officials to Kinshasa to be returned to Brazzaville. Both nations have expressed a commitment to maintaining solid military cooperation and strengthening coordination mechanisms to prevent future border tensions.