{{The Rwanda Defence Force has confirmed that five further bombs were fired on Rwandan territory from DRC military positions on Friday. }}
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 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, Defence Spokesman,
Brig Gen. Joseph Nzabamwita said: “The continued bombing of Rwandan villages by DRC armed forces is unacceptable. We again urge MONUSCO and the government of the DRC to intervene immediately to stop these attacks. Signatories to the Peace Framework must uphold their pledge to move away from conflict and work towards peace.”
Today’s bombings follows 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 accidental. The Government of Rwanda has again asked the EJVM to investigate today’s provocative bombings. We are also briefing bilateral partners on these repeated incidents.”
The EJVM, which is a mechanism of International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) has investigated repeated violations by the DRC. The EJVM 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: MOD
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