The groups share a common goal: to undermine Rwanda by any means possible. For instance, since its formation, the RNC has attempted multiple operations that disrupted national security.
Between March 2010 and January 2013, these activities were widespread. During this period, Kayumba Nyamwasa and Patrick Karegeya, leaders of the RNC, appointed individuals to recruit at least 100 former FDLR members to support their terrorist operations.
On several occasions, IGIHE has interviewed people affected by these frequent attacks.
During the trial of Lt Joel Mutabazi, the involvement of the RNC led by Kayumba Nyamwasa, in the plot was highlighted. It was revealed that in June 2013, members of the RNC and FDLR met at the Mamba Point Bar in Kampala, Uganda, to plan attacks in Kigali during the parliamentary elections scheduled for September, as well as other attacks planned for the Christmas and New Year period.
Among the grenades thrown in Kigali in 2010, one exploded at 'Kwa Rubangura' in downtown Kigali, while another grenade was thrown at 'Chez Venant,' where taxis bound for various parts of the city were waiting. A third grenade was thrown at the Nyabugogo bus terminal.
On May 15, 2010, another grenade attack in downtown Kigali killed two people and severely injured approximately 32 others. Grenade attacks were not limited to Kigali; other areas, including Nyamagabe, Gisagara, Muhanga, Huye, and Rubavu, were also targeted. In Muhanga City, at a location known as 'Jacques,' a grenade exploded on January 24, 2010, injuring 16 people, some of whom later died in hospital.
Personal accounts of victims
Barahira Rwema Issa and Mukayiranga Annonciata were among those injured by grenades in Kigali during 2010. While not all injuries were severe, victims continue to suffer from shrapnel-related pain and permanent scars.
Rwema was injured by a grenade at 'Kwa Rubangura' on February 19, 2010, while about to board a vehicle to return to Muhanga. He recalls: 'I had just dropped off a passenger and was about to go home to Muhanga when I asked if I could leave. As I was leaving Rubangura, I was walking near the SP station, where bus companies like Horizon operate. That's when I heard a loud noise and saw a flash of lightâ€"the grenade exploded.'
Mukayiranga was injured on July 11, 2010, while running errands for her brother's upcoming wedding.
She explained: 'The first taxi came, but people rushed and took it from me. I went back and stood there, then decided to take a motorcycle around 1:30 PM. When the motorcycle arrived, a girl nearby handed it to me. That's the last thing I remember. Then, there was a sudden blast. People fell to the ground. When I regained consciousness, I saw the motorcycle on the ground and the girl bleeding heavily. She must have been cut in half.'
Rwema added, 'It was terrifying. I didn't even know I had been hit by grenade shrapnel in my back. I felt a burning sensation, and someone at Horizon told me I was bleeding heavily. He helped me near my spine.'
Mukayiranga recounted, 'Right after the explosion, there were many injured people. I didn't realise I was hurt until someone near the BK headquarters told me. I rushed to CHUK for treatment for my leg wounds and received a tetanus shot. I felt dizzy, thinking it was fear, but later realised my shoes were slippery because they were filled with blood. There were so many wounded people, I couldn't tell the exact number.'
Attacks by FLN in 2018
In 2018, the FLN carried out attacks in areas near the Nyungwe Forest, looting populations, killing civilians, and destroying infrastructure. These attacks occurred on various dates, including June 3, June 19, July 1, July 13, and November 15, 2018.
Reports indicate that some individuals within the Burundian government supported these attacks, although they were carried out covertly. The group killed citizens, looted shops and livestock, kidnapped people, injured others, and destroyed homes and vehicles.
Josephine Mukashyaka, from Nyabimata Sector in Nyaruguru District, lost her husband, Fidèle Munyaneza, in these attacks.
'My husband was the breadwinner of our home. He was my pride and the pride of our children. Life is hard now because he is no longer here," she said.
Marie Chantal Ingabire, from Kibeho Sector, lost her husband, Anathole Maniraho, leaving her with two children. On the night of Tuesday, June 19, 2018, the group attacked the Nyabimata Sector offices, injuring the Sector Executive Secretary and burned his car.
During the same attack, they killed Fidèle Munyaneza, Anathole Maniraho, and a local resident, Joseph Habimana. The Nyaruguru District authorities reported that the attacks occurred between 07:30 PM and midnight.
In 2021, the FLN attempted another attack on Rwanda via Nyungwe. However, their fighters were neutralised.
FDLR and RUD Urunana attacks
Since 1994, FDLR attacks on Rwanda have been continuous, primarily targeting the northwestern regions along the DRC border. Their objective has consistently been to return to Rwanda and resume the genocide agenda they fled from.
In October 2019, RUD-Urunana fighters attacked Musanze District, targeting Kinigi and Musanze Sectors. Fourteen people were killed, 18 were injured, and community infrastructures, including homes, were destroyed.
In March, May, and June 2022, FDLR forces, reportedly collaborating with DRC military units, shelled Musanze District using mortar bombs. In January 2025, they shelled Rubavu District, killing 16 people.
IGIHE
