The Rwandan government stated it “will not accept responsibility for the bombing of internally displaced people’s (IDP) camps around Goma” in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This statement follows the assertion by the US State Department that mortars, which resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people, were fired from positions held by the Rwandan army and the M23 rebel group. Congolese media also reported that the mortars originated from rebel-held positions.
The attack occurred on Friday, injuring thirty others when mortars struck Lac Vert and Mugunga IDP camps near the eastern Congolese city of Goma.
“The attempt by the US State Department… to immediately blame Rwanda for the loss of lives in the IDP camps without any investigation is unjustified,” stated the Rwandan government.
“Rwanda will not accept responsibility for the bombing of the IDP camps around Goma, nor for the security and governance failures of the DR Congo government.”
DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi shortened a visit to Europe following the attacks.
The Congolese army and the M23, widely believed to be supported by Rwanda, accused each other of the attacks. Rwanda denies supporting the M23.
