Rwanda faults US over blame in camp bombing in DRC’s Goma

RWANDA – The Rwandese government has faulted the United States (US) for alleging its involvement in the bombing of a displacement camp in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In a statement dated May 5, The Star reported that Rwanda said laying blame on them without any investigations was unjustified.

Rwanda Government Spokesperson, Yolande Makalo, said they would not carry the blame for the failures of the DRC government.

“Rwanda will not shoulder responsibility for the bombing of the IDP camps around Goma, or the security and governance failures of the government of the DRC.

“Credible investigation and verification should be completed first, to establish what happened,” Makalo said.

She noted that the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) placement of heavy artillery within IDP camps warnings had been issued by organisations in Goma, including Médecins Sans Frontières.

Makalo alleged that the scapegoating of Rwanda for the shortcomings and wrongdoing of the DRC had become a pattern by the US government.

“The position taken by the US government raises serious questions about its credibility as a facilitator in the region, and undermines its ability to play a constructive role towards a peaceful solution,” she said.

Rwanda claimed that there had been a lack of concern for the dramatic military build-up in Eastern DRC, armed conflict and the resulting deplorable humanitarian situation of millions of Congolese citizens.

Makalo said this was despite the international community claims to support regional processes towards a political solution and durable peace.

The US had reportedly blamed the Rwandan army and M23 rebel group for the deadly bombing of an IDP camp in Goma, on Friday.

At least nine people, including seven children, were killed in the strike on the Mugunga camp.

The Congolese army and M23 blamed each other for the attack.

Rwanda has been widely accused of backing the rebel group.

The US State Department said the attack came from positions held by the RDF and M23 group.

A spokesperson said the US was gravely concerned about the recent RDF and M23 expansion in eastern DRC.

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