A Rwandan soldier serving as a peacekeeper in the Central African Republic (CAR) recently shot dead four colleagues before killing himself, the Rwandan Defence Ministry has said.
According to the reports, the vicitms served under the UN’s mission in CAR, deployed to support the country’s fragile transitional government.
The country descended into sectarian violence in 2013 when the predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power, prompting reprisals from Christian militia.
An investigation was under way into the incident, which took place in the CAR’s capital Bangui, said Brig-Gen Joseph Nzabamwita.
In his statement, Brig Nzabamwita said
“Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) with deep sorrow announces an unfortunate incident where one of its soldiers serving in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) shot dead four RDF soldiers and injured eight others. The soldier killed himself after shooting his comrades. The incident occurred on 08 August2015 at around 05:45. hours in Bangui, at Rwanda Battalion Headquarters (RWABATT 2) located at 5th Arrondissement SOCATEL M’POKO. The Casualties were immediately evacuated to Level two Hospital in Bangui. Investigations have immediately commenced to establish the motive behind this deplorable shooting of his RDF colleagues. We suspect terrorism without ruling out mental illness to be the cause. RDF sends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the entire RDF fraternity. More details will be communicated later.” ~Republic of Rwanda – Ministry of Defence
Source: BBC
