Rwanda To Investigate Refugee Violence In Kiziba Camp

Press release from Rwanda’s Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugees Affairs (Midimar) confirms police will be soon investigating the violence erupted at the Kiziba Refugee Camp in Karongi District where thousands of Congolese refugees have been taking shelter.

It is learned the protests were followed by the World Food Programme (WFP) decision to reduce food assistance by 25 percent citing funding shortage.

No fatalities have been reported but several people were injured in the violence.

It is learned refugee representatives have been meeting UN partner agencies, local authorities as well as camp management to discuss the cause.

Jean Claude Rwahama, Director of Refugees Affairs in the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugees said, “We are mindful of the rights of refugees but also caution that they must respect the laws of the host county. Police will therefore carry out thorough investigations into this incident, to establish responsibility and ensure it doesn’t re-occur.”

The Kiziba camp was established in 1996 and hosts over 17,000 refugees who had fled from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is one of the five camps set up by Rwanda.

Meanwhile, it is obvious the Rwandan government is committed to ensuring the safety of the refugees in its camps and to continue working with various partners to improve their wellbeing as well.