July 1,1996

The Rally for the Return of Refugees and Democracy in Rwanda had alerted the international community in its press release dated June 17,1996 on a planned combined attack on rwandan refugee camps in Zaire by Ugandan-rwandan forces. It also pointed out that trial raids and infiltration were being carried out.

RDR would like to point out the latest military raid in Kibumba camp in Goma-Zaire that took place on the 26th June 1996, in order to alert once again the international community on the seriousness of the threat.

In the night of the 26th June 1996, a group of around 40 heavily armed men crossed from Rwanda and attacked Kibumba refugee camp in Coma-Zaire. During the attack 3 zairean soldiers including a captain, commander of the zairean contingent guarding the camp were killed while 3 others were wounded. In the same attack, 3 guards of the stores of the International Committee of the Red Cross are alleged to have been killed. Two refugees were killed and others injured.

According to the UNHCR representative in Goma, who spoke to BBC focus on Africa on Friday 28, 1996, the motive of the killing of the zairean military officer could have been that the said officer had been very efficient and tough in stopping infiltrations from Rwanda into Goma, Zaire. He added that the attackers lost one man during the attack. He rejected suggestions that the attack could have been the work of Interahamwe explaining that the latter had no interest whatsoever in attacking and killing zairean soldiers and fellow refugees.

Once again the RPF wants to throw panic among the refugees and aid agencies and to test the resolve of the zairean government in defending its citizens and territorial integrity of Zaire before it can embark on a full scale assault.

RDR would like once again to call on the international community to pre-empt the evil plan being hatched by forces from Uganda and Rwanda. After tha latest attacks on Bunagana and Kibumba, this threat can no longer be taken lightly.