Africa-Press – Rwanda. The government is assessing damages caused by recent heavy shelling from DR Congo following tight fighting between its army and the M23 armed group in the neighboring town to Rwanda.
The fighting, on Monday, January 27, not only claimed the lives of Rwandans but also left a trail of destructions, with homes, schools, and businesses bearing the scars of the cross-border attack in Rubavu town, close to the border with Goma.
According to Alain Mukuralinda, Rwanda’s Deputy Government Spokesperson, there is an ongoing assessment, to evaluate the full extent of the damage and categorizing it for a recovery programme.
“The assessment is being conducted by government entities,” Mukuralinda stated. “Officials will categorise the damages so that the government considers support to the victims.”
Mukuralinda noted that schools were also assessed and categorized to determine the level of emergency support needed.
Residents of Mbugangari Cell are among the many victims whose homes were destroyed by heavy shelling. Some buildings sustained minor damage, with roofs blown off, windows shattered, and walls damaged by explosions.
“This was destroyed by a bomb from Goma, a very big one,: recounted Murasira Nzaramba, a security guard at GS Nyarubande, a school near the border. “It’s messy, window glasses are broken, a lot of bullets were fired here continuously and angrily by Congolese soldiers.”
Maria Iradukunda, whose home was struck by a bomb and damaged with bullets, now faces an uncertain future.
“We cannot sleep and stay in such a damaged house,” she lamented. “Everything is gone except a few things we managed to get out, including chairs. I don’t have anywhere else to stay or get the resources to renovate it.”
Deceased receive dignified burial
The spokesperson confirmed that the government provided support for the funerals of the victims, covering everything including transport of those attended burial ceremonies from far.
On the other hand, those who are injured in the shelling, many of whom have now been discharged from hospitals, will continue being supported by the government until they recover.
As of Tuesday, the death toll had risen to 13, with victims either succumbing to their injuries or being killed by shelling from DR Congo. More than 35 people sustained injuries.
While normalcy has returned to Rubavu town, with businesses reopening, the memory of the attack remains fresh though shelling or sporadic gunfire could not be heard any more from nearby Goma side.
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