Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
The South African Government strongly condemns the killing of 9 Roman Catholic nuns in Rwanda's North-Western Province.
The South African Government has viewed with concern the increasing frequency of terrorist actions carried out by Hutu extremists in Rwanda and the concomitant loss of life and worsening security and stability of the country. A government prison in Gitarama was attacked during December 1997, in the course of which scores of people lost their lives. Only days ago, 40 people are said to have died as result of an armed incursion into the same area by a terrorist group, and a further 52 people were reported killed near Nyakabanda in central Rwanda.
The Rwandan Government, through its activities has clearly demonstrated its commitment to peace and reconciliation. However, the very forces who were responsible for the genocide in Rwanda in 1994 are now intensifying their terrorist campaign. It is vital that the international community takes urgent action to support the Rwandan Government and isolate the extremists.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 14 JANUARY 1998