SOUTHERN PROVINCE

MUHANGA — A soldier of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) strangled himself to death in Ruvumera village, Nyamabuye Sector Muhanga district on the evening of January 12, sources said.

Corporal Celestine Habyarimana of 51st Battalion was found hanging on a rope, according to eye witnesses. 

District and RDF officials in the area confirmed the incident and said the deceased was among the RDF soldiers who had previously served in peace keeping missions in Darfur, Sudan.

Family and neighbours gave different accounts of events leading to his death.Some allege that the soldier took his life after discovering that his fiancée, only identified as Elena, was having an affair with another man.

Others say he decided to commit suicide after discovering that he had contracted HIV/Aids, and was also afraid of being demobilised.

However, area RDF officials said they had not known what motivated Habyarimana’s action and dismissed the demobilisation claims. His body was laid to rest on Wednesday in Kanombe army cemetery. 

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