MINADEF

8/23/13

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) today strongly condemned the second bombing this week of Rwandan territory by DRC forces.

Five bombs were fired into Busasamana Sector in Rubavu, Western Rwanda along the border with DRC, landing in Bukumu, Kagezi, Kageyo and Rusura Villages successively in a span of three hours from 3:30 to 6:30 hours on Friday afternoon. All were identified as 120mm mortar bombs and the estimated trajectory suggests that they were fired from FARDC positions near Mutaho in Eastern DRC.

In condemning the attacks, Brig Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, the Defence Spokesperson said: "The continued indiscriminate bombing of Rwandan villages by DRC armed forces is unacceptable and must stop immediately.

We have made repeated appeals to EJVM, MONUSCO and the Government of DRC for these grave incidents to cease. Stakeholders signed on to the Peace Framework need to uphold their pledge to move away from conflict and work towards peace."

Today’s bombings follow the firing of a 107mm rocket at Bugu Village in Rubavu District on Thursday. At Rwanda’s request, the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) today visited the site of Thursday’s bombing to carry out investigations.

Brig. Gen Nzabamwita said: "The nature and pattern of these shelling suggests that they are not occurring accidentally. The Government of Rwanda has again asked the EJVM to investigate today’s provocative bombings."

The EJVM, has investigated repeated violations by DRC. Its report of 22 July 2013 confirmed the firing on Rwanda territory on 15 July 2013 from the FARDC position of Kanyarucinya, using a T55 Main Battle Tank.

Brig. Gen. Nzabamwita noted that the Government of Rwanda has avoided being drawn into the current DRC conflict and remains committed and active in the search of sustainable solution. He however pointed out that the RDF remains prepared to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the population and that acts of provocation that endanger the lives of Rwandan citizens will not remain unanswered indefinitely.

Source: www.mod.gov.rw