Rwanda: Suspected rebel attack in Nyamagabe (south) /update 1

Event

A group of unidentified armed men reportedly set fire to three vehicles in the southern district of Nyamagabe (Southern Province) on Sunday, December 16, killing two civilians and injuring eight others. An investigation is ongoing to find the assailants, which are suspected to be rebels coming from neighboring Burundi.

Context

Cross-border attacks by rebel groups have been rare in recent years. However, on December 9, suspected members of the Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) attacked a village in Rubavu district, killing at least two members of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). The RDF successfully repelled the attackers, killing at least four of the rebels. According to military officials, the rebels crossed the border from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

These recent attacks highlight the persisting tensions between Rwanda, and neighboring Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Advice

Individuals along the DRC and Burundi borders are advised to monitor the situation and remain vigilant.