Kigali, Rwanda – May 4 – Rwanda fiercely denied accusations by the United States that its troops were responsible for a deadly attack on a displaced persons camp in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Friday.
The assault, which originated from territory controlled by both Rwandan forces and the M23 rebel group they support, left at least nine people dead, according to the U.S. State Department. Washington also expressed deep concern about the recent expansion of Rwandan and M23 influence in eastern Congo.
Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo vehemently rejected the U.S. claims, pointing the finger instead at militia groups backed by the Congolese military. “The RDF, a professional force,” Makolo stated online, “would never target a camp for displaced people. Look to the lawless FDLR and Wazalendo, who receive support from the FARDC (Congolese military), for such atrocities.” The FDLR, a Hutu rebel group, consists of perpetrators who fled Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, while the Wazalendo is a local Christian sect.
The tensions arise amidst a two-year offensive by the M23 rebels, which has pushed closer to the major city of Goma in recent months, displacing thousands who have sought refuge within the city limits.
