A Rwandan civilian by a stray bullet from DRC

A Rwandan civilian was injured by a stray bullet originating from clashes among the coalition of Kinshasa-backed illegal armed groups in eastern DRC, close to the Rwandan border. 

A statement issued by the Office of the Government Spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, said the incident happened on Monday, October 23 at around 12h30, in Rubavu Sector in Rwanda’s Western Province.

“The injured man is receiving treatment at the Cyanzarwe Health Centre in Rubavu,” said the statement. 

Yolande Makolo said that “Rwanda is deeply concerned by the ongoing support and collaboration of the Government of the DRC with FDLR, other illegal armed groups and foreign mercenaries, which is escalating provocative actions along the Rwandan border, in violation of the Luanda and Nairobi processes.”

“Rwanda will maintain defensive and preventive mechanisms to guard against violations of our airspace and borders, and counter any spill-over into Rwanda from any armed group, in order to ensure the security and safety of Rwandan citizens and residents,” the statement reads in part.

Fighting resumed Sunday, October 1, in eastern DR Congo’s North Kivu province pitting the country’s armed forces (FARDC) against the M23 rebel group. (End)