DR Congo bombshells murdered five Rwandans and wounded thirty-five others

The Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) reports that bombshells from the Democratic Republic of the Congo killed at least five Rwandans on Monday, January 27.

The New Times received confirmation of the death toll from RDF Spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga on Monday afternoon.

With assistance from the murderous FDLR troops operating in the border city of Goma, which was taken by M23 rebels on Sunday night, the Congolese army launched multiple bombs into Rubavu District.

Bombs dropped in the heart of the Rwandan border city of Rubavu, prompting the closure of businesses and schools and the sending of children home.

With the murder of Peter Cirimwami, the military governor of North Kivu Province, and the seizure of further territory last week, the M23 rebels—who have been engaged in combat with the Congolese army since late 2021—dealt severe blows to the government.

The primary escalation since the start of the conflict is the conquest of Goma, which is inhabited by around two million people.

Relations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which accuses its neighbor of aiding the rebels, have been impacted by the conflict.

Rwanda denies these charges, outlining its security concerns over the Congolese army’s cooperation with the FDLR, a terrorist organization recognized by the UN and established by those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

As the Congolese army consolidated its coalition forces, which include the FDLR, Wazalendo militias, 10,000 Burundian forces, 1,600 European mercenaries, and South Africa-led SADC forces, Rwanda faced a “unprecedented threat” from DR Congo, Rwanda’s ambassador to the UN, Ernest Rwamucyo, told the Security Council on Sunday.

Rwamucyo added that Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi’s warning of regime change was taken seriously in Kigali.

“It is not a matter to be taken lightly to declare regime change in another country,” Rwamucyo stated.

“This rhetoric is unacceptable and destabilizing, especially when combined with the coalition’s substantial military presence along Rwanda’s border.”

On Sunday, Kenyan President William Ruto said that the heads of state from the East African Community will meet within the next 48 hours to discuss the growing issue.

Speaking to Congolese leader Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Ruto demanded an immediate end to hostilities.

The African Union “must not remain passive in the face of this escalating crisis,” according to the Kenyan leader.