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5 Rwandan civilians killed by explosive shells fired by Congolese army in Rubavu

By IGIHE
On 27 January 2025 at 05:52

Five civilians in Rubavu have been confirmed dead, and about 30 others injured, by explosive shells fired by the Congolese army amid ongoing clashes with M23 rebels in eastern Congo.

Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, the spokesperson for the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), confirmed the incident in an interview with IGIHE on Monday, January 27, 2025.

Reports indicate that the artillery was fired by members of the terrorist group FDLR, which opposes the Rwandan government, alongside FARDC forces. Some of the shots were fired under military protection.

Brigadier General Rwivanga noted that the artillery was fired by the forces as they fled Goma, which came under the control of M23 fighters in the early hours of Monday morning.

“The fatalities and injuries are due to artillery fire. Looking at the situation, they are fleeing, setting up their hideouts, and firing blindly into Rwanda, not targeting soldiers but rather civilians," he stated.

The spokesperson further noted that RDF soldiers responded with gunfire to push back the forces and minimize casualties.

“These are not direct attacks on military positions; these are defensive strategies to reduce the impact of the gunfire on civilians. The RDF is simply firing back at the source of the fire," he explained.

The spokesperson reassured the public not to be alarmed, assuring them that security measures will continue as usual to protect citizens.

Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, the spokesperson for the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), confirmed the incident in an interview with IGIHE on Monday, January 27, 2025.

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