Rwanda has, this week alone, received over 754 Congolese refugees fleeing intense fighting between AFC/M23 movement and the DR Congo government coalition forces in South Kivu Province. The new arrivals, mostly women and children, are crossing into Rwanda through Bugarama–Kamanyola border post of Ruzisi District. The tensions increased earlier this week as the DR Congo military coalition launched what the AFC-M23 referred to as deadly attacks against civilians and its frontlines in the province. The DR Congo government coalition forces include the Burundian army, the Rwandan genocidal militia FDLR, Burundi's Imbonerakure militia, and foreign mercenaries. According to the rebels, the attacks are concentrated along key axes, including Katogota-Luvungi, Kaziba-Haut Plateau, Tchivanga-Hombo, and Kasika-Mwenga. Speaking to The New Times on Friday, December 5, Rusizi District Mayor Phanuel Sindayiheba, confirmed that more Congolese nationals continue cross into Rwanda for refuge. “So far, we have received 754 people since this morning,” he stated. “They have been transferred to the Nyarushishi Transit Centre as we remain ready to receive whoever is in need.” The Nyarushishi Transit Centre has the capacity of hosting only about 2,000 people. “Upon arrival at the border, they are received and given water, juice, and biscuits,” added the mayor. As of Friday, according to local authorities in Rusizi District, which borders both DR Congo and Burundi, there is no security incidents seen on the Rwandan side. However, shelling from the Burundian side, in the mountains near Kamanyola, was seen by locals. The shells were landing close to Rwandan territory across the Rusizi River.
