The government provides inhabitants of Rubavu impacted by DR Congo shelling with its full support

Rwanda’s Deputy Government Spokesperson, Alain Mukuralinda, stated that the government has promised to provide compensation to the people of Rubavu District for the harm caused by the recent severe bombardment from DR Congo.

On Monday, January 27, shelling took place as the M23 militants surrounded Goma city, which was controlled by the FARDC and its coalition, which also comprised the FDLR, other militia groups, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) force.

Rather than confronting the M23, the alliance attacked Rwandan territory, particularly the area surrounding the border town of Rubavu.

Homes, shops, and schools in Rubavu were devastated by the targeted cross-border strikes, especially in the town and Cyanzarwe Sector. Although a thorough evaluation of the damage is still in progress, the government has already promised the impacted areas its full assistance.

Mukuralinda declared, “The government will cover 100 percent of the damages.” This commitment comes after earlier and ongoing efforts to assist the shelling victims, who regrettably lost 16 lives and were injured 177 more.

“While the evaluation is ongoing, we are diligently attending to the victims’ needs.

Mukuralinda clarified, “This includes supporting burial ceremonies, giving bereavement support to families of the deceased, and providing temporary housing [rent] for families whose homes were destroyed.”

According to preliminary data from the Rubavu District, 10 homes were seriously damaged and about 231 dwellings were also damaged by explosives and bullets. Additionally, seven schools were affected, five of them were public institutions.

The DR Congo army’s cross-border offensive in Rubavu, according to Mayor Proper Mulindwa, mostly impacted districts that are physically near to the Goma town boundary, where small weapons fire caused significant damage, including smashed windows and doors.

“The bombardment was intense,” Mulindwa added. “There would have been far more destruction if our nation hadn’t had such a robust defense. Numerous shells were eliminated before they could do more damage.

He pointed out that regions like as Gisenyi Sector’s Mbugangari cell had been severely damaged, with several structures being struck by shells.

According to preliminary statistics from the continuing evaluation, the damage was valued at Rwf 257 million, discounting the loss of cattle that was shot dead.

One of the border inhabitants whose homes were hit by bombs or rockets in Mbugangari, Maria Iradukunda, told The New Times the day after the disaster, “We cannot sleep and stay in such a damaged house.”

“Everything is gone, with the exception of a few chairs and other items we were able to remove. I have no other place to stay and no money to make things better.