Rwandan Army and Rebels Engage in Battle around Kigali

Strategic Insights -

Fighting raged around the capital city of Kigali, Rwanda, for the second consecutive day as Rwandan army units clashed with infiltrating rebels. The rebels, part of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), denied reports of a planned truce, with spokesman Wilson Rutayisire stating that they would not negotiate a ceasefire. Meanwhile, the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council, led by President Colin Keating of New Zealand, announced plans for talks between the RPF and the interim government, amidst a city paralyzed by tribal slaughter that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Rwandan army units and RPF rebels engaged in battle around Kigali for the second day running, with mortar and artillery fire echoing throughout the city.
  • The RPF denied a U.N. report that they had agreed to truce talks, with spokesman Wilson Rutayisire stating that they would not negotiate a ceasefire.
  • U.N. Security Council President Colin Keating announced plans for talks between the RPF and the interim government under U.N. auspices.
  • The battle raged as the city struggled to cope with the aftermath of a week of tribal slaughter sparked by the killing of Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana.
  • Belgian paratroopers protecting the French School evacuation point in downtown Kigali pulled out overnight, allowing a group of looters to move in and grab possessions left by fleeing foreigners.
  • The fighting has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, with many more displaced.
  • The Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) is a rebel group seeking to overthrow the current government.
  • Wilson Rutayisire is the spokesman for the RPF.
  • Colin Keating is the U.N. Security Council President.
  • The U.N. plans to facilitate talks between the RPF and the interim government.

Statistics:

  • Ten of thousands of deaths have been reported in the fighting.
  • The battle has raged for at least two days, with no signs of abating.
  • Belgian paratroopers have pulled out of the city, allowing looters to move in.
  • The Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) has denied a U.N. report of a planned truce.

Sources:

  • Reuter, "Rwandan army units and infiltrating rebels battled in and around Kigali on Thursday for the second day running."
  • Reuter, "The rebels denied a U.N. report they had agreed to truce talks."