The government has said nothing will hold it back in the defence of its population as new threats emerge in the northern parts of the country. Several persons have been arrested and weapons seized as security officials attempt to curb recruitment and infiltrations by members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) militia and its allies. In a meeting with diplomats early this week, the government informed them that FDLR’s actions were meant to terrorise the population and undermine security. A statement from the government said all those arrested had been treated within the realms of the law and dismissed allegations that some had “disappeared.” “In all instances, police and security agencies in Rwanda have acted lawfully. Accused individuals are entitled to, and receive, due process — suggestions otherwise, including claims of ‘disappearances,’ are false,” the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Government spokesperson said. She added that those spreading false information were exposing the population to more danger. The human rights watch and US State department issued statements regarding the arrests of FDLR suspects. But in a statement, Mushikiwabo said: “We call on all parties to refrain from discourse and actions that embolden the FDLR and its allies, and thereby endanger the lives of Rwandans.” Reports of insecurity Government officials have toured the Northern and Western Provinces several times in the last few months, following reports of mounting insecurity caused by the DR Congo-based FDLR militia. The FDLR, designated as a terrorist outfit by the UN, and despite several assurances by the world body the militia will be forcefully disbanded, it continues to carry out cross-border operations. “Rwandan authorities, like in any other country, will act swiftly and decisively to address such threats. The people of Rwanda deserve no less,” the minister warned. FDLR’s highly-touted and publicised announcement that it intended to lay down their arms and surrender to the UN May 30, has seen nothing of it except for about 100 sickly combatants and their families.
