Rwanda Denies Involvement in Grenade Attack in Burundi's Economic Hub

KIGALI, RWANDA — The Rwandan government has refuted claims that it supported a rebel group accused of launching a grenade attack in Bujumbura, Burundi's economic center.

The attack, which occurred on Friday, resulted in injuries to at least 38 people, according to Burundi's interior ministry spokesperson, Pierre Nkurikiye.

Nkurikiye has charged that the perpetrators of the attack were "recruited, trained, and even equipped with weapons in Rwanda and by Rwanda." However, Rwanda's government issued a strong denial on Sunday, stating it "has absolutely no connection" with the incident and "no reason to be involved" in such actions.

In a formal statement, the Rwandan government urged Burundi to address its internal issues independently and refrain from implicating Rwanda in "such despicable matters."

The denial also comes amid ongoing tensions between Rwanda and its neighbors, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, both of which have accused Rwanda of supporting rebel activities within their borders. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations.

Additionally, the Red Tabara group, accused of carrying out the grenade attack, has denied any involvement, asserting that it "does not attack innocent civilians."

This denial adds another layer of complexity to the regional conflicts and the challenges of establishing accountability in such cross-border accusations.