DR Congo Army Shells Rwanda Territory Amidst Tension
By Agencies
Kigali
RUBAVU, RWANDA – The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has spilled into Rwandan territory, as at least two bombs landed in Mbugangari on the outskirts of Rubavu town Monday, injuring 15 civilians.
The shelling came just hours after M23 rebels captured Goma, driving Congolese soldiers to flee into neighboring Rwanda and Bukavu.
The incident was confirmed by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga.
“Several bombs have been fired into Rwanda by FARDC and genocidal FDLR elements operating in Goma,” Rwivanga told the media on Monday.
Shelling in Mbugangari
Residents of Mbugangari, a densely populated neighborhood on the outskirts of Rubavu town, described scenes of panic and chaos as the bombs struck.
Among the 15 injured civilians, several have sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment at local health facilities.
“Our community was caught off guard. There was a loud explosion, and people started running in all directions,” a witness told reporters.
“This is a frightening development, and we fear for our safety.”
Rwandan authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and are monitoring the situation closely.
Security has been heightened in Rubavu to protect residents from further cross-border attacks.
This latest development escalates already heightened tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels—a charge Kigali denies—while Rwanda has accused the DRC of collaborating with the FDLR, a militia made up of remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The shelling underscores the fragile security situation in the border region following the capture of Goma.
The cross-border attack adds to the dire humanitarian situation caused by the fall of Goma. Tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced, many fleeing toward Rwanda and Bukavu.
Rubavu, already hosting Congolese soldiers who fled into Rwanda on Monday, now faces additional strain as it deals with the aftermath of the shelling.
The DRC’s Armed Forces (FARDC) have not commented on the shelling, but international observers have raised concerns over the apparent indiscriminate nature of the attack, which targeted civilian areas in Rwanda.
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