Rwanda refuted accusations from the U.S. that its forces were responsible for an attack on a displaced persons’ camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Instead, Rwanda pointed fingers at militias allegedly supported by the Congolese military for carrying out the assault.
The U.S. State Department strongly condemned the attack, which resulted in the death of at least nine individuals, according to their statement released on Friday.
According to the U.S., the attack originated from positions held by the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group. The U.S. expressed deep concern regarding the reported expansion of RDF and M23 influence in eastern Congo.
However, Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo refuted these claims, asserting that the RDF would never target displaced persons. Instead, she pointed to the lawless activities of groups like the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and Wazalendo, allegedly supported by the Congolese military, as responsible for such atrocities.
The FDLR, a Hutu group formed by individuals who fled Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, and Wazalendo, a Christian sect, were mentioned in connection to the attack.
In recent months, an offensive by M23 rebels has advanced closer to the eastern Congolese city of Goma, leading to an influx of thousands seeking refuge in the city from surrounding areas.
