The United States strongly condemned the attack launched on May 3 by “the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) and M23 positions” against the Mugunga and Lushagala camps for displaced people near Goma in North Kivu.
This attack caused the death of at least 14 people and injured at least 33 others, including many women and children, according to a provisional report from local authorities.
The US State Department says it is “gravely concerned by the recent expansion of the RDF and M23 in eastern DRC, which has contributed to the displacement of more than 2.5 million people”, we can read in the press release from the American State Department, published a few hours after the bombing.
It calls on both parties to respect human rights and adhere to applicable obligations under international humanitarian law.
« It is essential that all states respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and hold all actors accountable for human rights violations committed in the conflict in eastern DRC », Indicates the press release.
And added: “We continue to support regional diplomatic efforts and call on all parties to take measures to ease tensions, avoid endangering civilian populations and participate constructively in dialogue to create the conditions for a negotiated solution and lasting peace.
Rwanda rejects accusations of this attack on IDP camps. Its spokesperson, Yollande Makolo, affirmed on her Twitter account that “the RDF, a professional army, would never attack a camp for displaced people”.