The Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) has commenced rehabilitation efforts to address the damage caused by shelling from DR Congo, in Rubavu District.

The shelling occurred late January amidst intense fighting between the AFC/M23 rebel group and the Congolese army coalition that includes hundreds of European mercenaries, Rwandan genocidal militias known as FDLR, Congolese ethnic militias called Wazalendo, Burundian armed forces, South African-led SADC forces, as well as UN peacekeepers. FDLR is a DR Congo-based terrorist militia founded by remnants of the masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Its plan is to return to Rwanda, forcefully, and continue its genocidal agenda.

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Following an assessment, the ministry pledged to fully rehabilitate 293 damaged houses and seven schools by May. The assessment also revealed livestock losses of up to 151 chicken, four sheep, and five goats.

"We are launching rehabilitation activities for infrastructure, particularly schools and homes, following the allocation of necessary government funds. This will ensure schools reopen and affected residents can regain their normal lives,” said Philippe Habinshuti, the Permanent Secretary of MINEMA, during a community work exercise in Rubavu, on Saturday, February 22.

"The government has consistently supported the victims of the shelling, covered all needs and ensured their safety."

A budget of Rwf35 million has been allocated for schools’ rehabilitation, while over Rwf400 million will be used in revamping damaged homes and other severely affected properties.

"Families displaced from their homes are being provided with temporary accommodations for three months," Habinshuti added. He also confirmed that water and electricity infrastructure are being restored.

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Parfait d&039;Amour Uwayo, a victim from Mbugangari, Gisenyi Sector, sustained injuries from shrapnel. "There was heavy gunfire and shelling near my home. I was hit by multiple fragments and received treatment at several hospitals. Two fragments have been removed, but four remain. I am grateful for the country's air defence system," he said.

"We have received support, but some health facilities are not fully aware of our situation. We lack official documentation confirming full government coverage, which creates challenges."

Thomas Ngizwenimana, the head of CS Umubano IV, described the children's fear during the shelling, which damaged the school's roofs, five classrooms, and windows. "It was a frightening experience," he said.

"We are grateful for the rehabilitation efforts, which will enable us to recover lost learning time."

At CS Umubano IV, a child was killed, and a teacher was injured by shelling from DR Congo. Ngizwenimana said: "We witnessed the effectiveness of the air defence, which prevented significantly, more damage.”