Rwanda reacts to DRC bombings

Rwanda’ Minister for Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo said that the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo should stop shelling the Rwandan border otherwise this will provoke retaliation.

The minister’s remarks come after tanother two bombs were this August 29, 2013, shelled by the DRC forces (FADRC) on the Rwandan border town of Rubavu district. A series of bomb and rocket attacks on Rwandan soil have now culminated to 34 attacks since November 2012.

“The persistent shelling of Rwandan territory is unacceptable, as it would be to any sovereign nation. Rwandan civilians are being targeted by DRC forces. We have remained restrained for as long as we can but this provocation can no longer be tolerated. We have the capacity to determine who fired at us and will not hesitate to defend our territory. Rwanda has a responsibility to protect its population.” Mushikiwabo said in a press statement.

Mushikiwabo underscored that the government of Rwanda has urged the Government of DRC to stop attacks on its territory but in vain and noted that international community has neglected the situation and kept a blind eye on the killings of Rwandan civilians by the FARDC and FDLR forces.

“The shelling by FARDC and FDLR has been a sustained strategy of provocation designed to draw Rwanda into the conflict. Rwanda is the most willing signatory to the peace and security framework and we have done everything we can to contribute durable peace in the Eastern DRC. But we will not stand by while the army of one of the signatories continues to shell civilian targets in Rwanda.” she said.

 

source:::http://www.uburenganzira.com/2013/08/rwanda-reacts-to-drc-bombings/

Rwanda reacts to DRC bombings