Schools and businesses in Rubavu town were ordered to close temporary, and students were sent home, as heavy fighting erupted across the border with neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
The intense fighting, which began over the weekend and continued into the afternoon of Monday, January 27, forced businesses to temporary shutdown.
Intermittent gunfire has been heard in Goma since the M23 advance began, continuing until the morning of Monday, January 25. The rebel group has since captured Goma, the biggest city in eastern DR Congo.
Despite the escalating tensions in DR Congo, the government has not imposed any official border closures.
According to Rwanda Defence Force Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, several bombs were fired into Rwandan territory [Rubavu District] by the Congolese army, with support from the genocidal FDLR elements operating in Goma.
This comes following official announcement by M23 claiming to have “successfully liberated” the town.
Shops, restaurants, and hotel-related events like meetings were halted, and residents sought safety.
Justin Nzabonimpa, one of the few taxi drivers still operating, described the chaotic scene: “The situation is volatile. People are fleeing Rubavu, heading towards Musanze, Rutsiro, and other areas outside the district.”
“We are doing our best to assist those stranded and respond to emergency situations.”
Students at the University of Tourism, Technology, and Business Studies (UTB) in Rubavu were also sent home after bullets struck the campus.
“We are waiting for motorcycles to take us home in Busasamana Sector,” said Yvonne Dushimimana, a secondary student at Gisenyi Adventist Secondary School (GASS). “We are terrified. Teachers were running for cover like everyone else.”
In recent weeks, the M23 captured the towns of Minova, in South Kivu, and Masisi, in North Kivu.
The rebels demand direct peace talks with the Congolese government, which has ruled out any possibility of talks with the rebels, calling them a terrorist movement. Regional initiatives have failed to end the war politically, with the Congolese government pursuing a military solution.
