Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa
KIGALI, Rwanda – Three simultaneous grenade attacks in Rwanda’s capital have killed one and injured thirty. Five of the injured remain in the hospital in serious condition.
Two of the attacks were in the town center and the other was in the international bus station. Although it is unclear whether or not the explosions were coordinated, each one occurred within a thirty-minute timeframe.
“Three grenades exploded in Kigali … resulting in the death of one person and the injury of thirty,” said police spokesman Eric Kayiranga. “Among them were women and children.”
Kayiranga said that the motive is not yet known. He did say, however, that even 16 years after 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered, Rwanda has maintained its genocide ideology.
The police have two men in custody.
“Two suspects are being held by the national police. We are still investigating what is behind this,” Kayiranga said. “There is a possibility of it being FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), or criminals, or an accident. It can be any of that. We can’t confirm that for now.”
The FDLR is an ethnic Hutu rebel group. The group’s leaders are responsible for the 1994 genocide.
The political temperature in Rwanda has been on the rise as the country prepares for elections in August. It is not clear, however, if there are any links between the elections and the explosions.
Opposition parties have been complaining of harassment.
Human Rights Watch said that attacks against opposition party members has escalated. Amnesty International expressed concern that the recent attacks on opposition party members are aimed at discouraging opposition groups.
Generally, Rwanda has little crime with occasional bombings. In the past two months, however, four people have been killed by a string of grenade attacks.
For more information, please see:
Reuters – Grenade Attacks Kill 1, Wound 30 in Rwandan Capital – 21 February 2010
BBC – Rwandan Capital Kigali Hit by Deadly Grenade Attacks – 20 February 2010
Washington Post – Police: Grenade Attacks in Rwanda’s Capital Kill 1 – 20 February 2010
