Rwanda security services have recovered leaflets left behind by armed gunmen who killed two people on Sunday morning before escaping back to Burundi
The banners bore inscription, ‘FDD,’ an abbreviation for Forces for the Defense of Democracy.
FDD is member of Burundi’s ruling coalition party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy–Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD).
It remains unclear if this was a diversion or the militants indeed wanted to send a strong signal to Rwanda of possible large scale attacks in future.
The incident occurred at 1:00am in Kabuga village, Ryankana cell, Bugarama Sector in Rusizi district, according to Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) spokesperson, Lt Col René Ngendahimana.
He said one of the killed persons and the wounded were guarding a Health Post, while the second victim is a boy aged 12 years.
Burundi government is yet to speak out on the incident that could escalate tensions between Bujumbura and Kigali.
Residents told said that the attackers were at first intercepted by guards who asked them to present their identification particulars.
“The guards were caught unawares and shot immediately by the attackers,” said a source who preferred anonymity so as to speak freely.
The attackers later descended on a boy, 12, who was taken out of action. Several others fled with bullet wounds.
The suspected trained militia also laid petrol bomb traps in the area before returning to Burundi.
Imbonerakure
A highly placed official said Rwanda suspects the militia group known as Imbonerakure for masterminding the attack.
The Imbonerakure (the Kirundi word for “those that see far”) is the youth wing of the Burundi ruling party, CNDD-FDD.
Imbonerakure members have been accused by United Nations of beatings and injuries, extrajudicial killings, banditry as well as political killings.
The Imbonerakure is also suspected of collaboration with the Burundian authorities in harassing and attacking members of opposition political parties as well as opponents.
Such collusion is allegedly achieved by means of integration into administrative activities at the ground level of the national intelligence service (Service National De Renseignement – SNR) as well as cooperation with the Burundi police and the National Defence Force.
A spokesperson for the Burundi police has repeatedly denied allegations of complicity.
Government officials also insist the youth movement is peaceful and never participates in the alleged killings.
Addressing the terrified civilians in Rusizi, area Mayor Frederic Harelimana appealed for calm.
He said more security forces have been deployed in the area to beef up security and that night patrols would be intensified.
The Mayor told civilians to always report suspected wrong elements in society to allow authorities take preemptive action for common security.
The deceased were identified as Benjamin Manirafasha, 31, Jerome Ntabanganyimana, 12 and Said Ndikuryayo, 27.
Lt Col Ngendahimana said “investigations into the incident have started to establish the identity of the attackers”.
A militia group in Burundi last year crossed into Rwanda before shooting dead a one Jean Kwizera.
Livestock and food were also looted in the process.
The two countries have in recent years made counter accusations of supporting rebel movements.
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