Africa-Press – Rwanda. Authorities in Western Province have urged residents along Rwanda-DR Congo border to disregard misinformation and threats by the FDLR, an UN-sanctioned militia linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, saying the country is protected.
This was said at a meeting of officials, including military leaders, and members residents of Cyanzarwe Sector in Rubavu District on Thursday, August 2, which focused on security in the western borderlands.
It follows the recent capture of a Congolese soldier who had crossed into Rwanda.
“We recently captured a Congolese soldier here,” Maj Gen Eugene Nkubito, Commander of the 3rd Division, which covers Western Province, told the locals. “He was being sheltered by a local person in this village. We have him, and we are still investigating him. What do you think he was doing here?”
Resident of Cyanzarwe and Rubavu Sectors during a meeting on border security in Rubavu District in Thursday, August 21. Photos by Germain Nsanzimana
Nkubito also urged the residents disregard rumors crossing from the neighboring country, spread on social media, by FDLR and its supporters, which claims it will return and overthrow the current Rwandan government.
“Do not consider rumors from DR Congo true, don’t listen to them, those circulating on social media that they will come and take over the power,” he said.
Nkubito said members of the FDLR, such as one of its leaders, ‘Gen’ Pacifique Ntawunguka, should leave the Congolese jungle and return to Rwanda instead of seeking to distabilise the country.
“What comparison could you make from this government supporting his children enrolling in schools up to universities?” Nkubito asked. “I would argue for him, just as his children do, to return home rather than die in the jungles.”
The military general also warned against young people being recruited by militias like Wazalendo in DR Congo, encouraging families to report such incidents to authorities and security organs on time.
Jean-Bosco Ntibitura, the Governor of Western delivers his remarks.
The Governor of Western Province, Jean-Bosco Ntibitura, also encouraged parents to urge their “children who have joined militias in DR Congo to return home.”
“We thank the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) for restoring security here since 1994,” stated Ntibitura.
The governor also noted that the country is well-protected and that the border community should play their part in ensuring no one takes advantage of the security to cause instability.
Residents of both Cyanzarwe and Rubavu Sectors thanked officials, during the interaction session, for the increased security, particularly after recent shelling from DR Congo, which claimed lives and killed livestock.
According to Rubavu District officials, homes damaged by shelling and bullets have been fully rehabilitated and new others have been built for the displaced families.
For More News And Analysis About Rwanda Follow Africa-Press
