(Washington) The United States on Monday maintained its accusations that Rwanda was behind a deadly bombing Friday on a camp for displaced people in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice in justice.
At least nine people were killed and dozens injured on Friday in a bombing that hit a camp for displaced people on the outskirts of Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where fighting pits government forces against the M23 rebel movement. supported by Rwanda.
Rwanda reacted to this accusation on Saturday by calling it “ridiculous” and “absurd”.
Asked whether the United States stood by its accusation, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said: “Absolutely.”
“The government of Rwanda must investigate this heinous act and hold all those responsible accountable. This is what we made them understand,” he told the press.
The United States has long asserted, like Kinshasa, that the M23 rebellion is supported by Rwanda. But Washington’s accusation of direct involvement by Kigali is unusual.
Rwanda, for its part, is demanding action against Hutu fighters who have taken refuge in the DRC and are suspected of being linked to the perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide which mainly targeted the Tutsis thirty years ago.
The United States has repeatedly attempted to mediate between the two sides, and U.S. National Intelligence Director Avril Haines visited the DRC and Rwanda in November.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame last January.