East African Community (EAC) got its first test of the rift between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the ban of RwandAir from flying into DRC on claims that Rwanda is funding rebels in the eastern province of Kivu.

RwandAir issued a statement announcing the suspension of flights into Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and  Goma among other towns in DRC.

“Following the decision of the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to suspend RwandAir flights. RwandAir has decided to cancel all flights to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Goma”, the airline said in a press statement.

The airline apologized to its customers over the inconveniences caused by the cancellation of the flights saying it will also refund it’s customers and keep them informed in case of further developments on the matter.

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience and disruption this may cause to our customers And we will waive change of reservation fees and offer refunds for those affected,” said RwandAir.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) formally joined the East African Community (EAC) on April 8, 2022 after signing the Treaty of Accession in Nairobi, Kenya. The conflict which has been going on for several years, portends a new challenge that must be quickly tackled to promote trade with the Central African nation.

Last year, Jambojet started a flight service to the eastern Democratic Republic.