Rebels Gain Control of Gitarama, Rwanda

Strategic Insights -

Rebel forces in Rwanda have driven government troops from the city of Gitarama, a major stronghold of the interim government. The development comes as a new round of cease-fire talks opened in the capital, Kigali, but no immediate breakthroughs were reported. Meanwhile, a brief truce allowed United Nations peacekeepers to escort refugees to safe areas for the first time this month.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rebels, mainly members of the minority Tutsi tribe, have control of Gitarama, a city southwest of Kigali, after driving government troops out.
  • The rebels have been pressing in on Gitarama from three directions for several weeks, forcing most government officials to flee.
  • Major General Paul Kagame, chief of staff of the rebel army, confirmed that the town has been cleared and is under rebel control, with Government troops retreating north towards Ruhengeri.
  • Brigadier General Marcel Gatsinzi, commander of Government forces in the south, claimed he had no news of Gitarama's capture.
  • A brief truce allowed United Nations peacekeepers to escort refugees to safe areas for the first time this month, including a convoy of 400 Tutsi refugees to the village of Kabuga.
  • More than 2,500 people have been moved since the refugee operation began last month, with supplies being trucked in from Uganda for the 450 United Nations peacekeepers and the refugees under their protection.
  • The United Nations Security Council has authorized 5,500 peacekeepers for Rwanda, but they are not expected to arrive for weeks.
  • Rebels have pushed closer to the center of Kigali and have stated they will not agree to a cease-fire until the Government stops the massacre of Tutsi in Government-controlled areas.

Statistics:

  • 10 percent of Rwanda's population are Tutsi, a minority tribe.'
  • Over 2,500 people have been moved since the refugee operation began last month.
  • 450 United Nations peacekeepers are currently stationed in Rwanda.
  • The United Nations Security Council has authorized 5,500 peacekeepers for Rwanda.
  • The UN convoyed 400 Tutsi refugees to the village of Kabuga during a brief truce.
  • 150 Hutu refugees were also moved from King Faisal Hospital to the Government-controlled town of Runda during the same truce.

Sources:

"Rebels in Rwanda said today,"

"Major General Paul Kagame"

"Brigadier General Marcel Gatsinzi"

"Jean-Guy Plante, United Nations military spokesman"