Rwanda : Rwandans held hostage in Congo
As the rift of insecurity continues to widen in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwandan government officials have apparently reported that there are some Rwandan who have been held hostage in Congo.
These claims come a few weeks after a handful of Rwandan business men and women were beaten and looted of their property while doing business in Goma region (DR Congo side) which borders Rwanda in Rubavu district (western province of Rwanda).
The mayor of Rubavu district, Sheikh Hassan Bahame says that at least four hostages have been held and tortured by the Congolese government and dialogue on release of these captives has not yielded any fruits.
In the meantime, one of the captives has been reported dead after suffering from serious injuries during the hostage situation.
The two borders have a long history of cross border trade between the two communities close to the two borders. The alleged torture of Rwandans has however been as a result of renegade Rwandan-Congolese rebels picking up ground in the region and taking charge of some parts of the east and west parts of Congo.
Reports indicate that Rwandans are not wanted in Congo and Congolese residents have demanded that they return to Rwanda while accusing them for being spies to the Rwandan government.
Apparently Congolese residents have been sighted on the Rwanda border side, most of them coming for business, pleasure and relaxation around the trading centers in Rubavu district.
