A soldier of the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF), identified as Sgt. Gervais Minani, was arrested following the fatal shooting of five civilians at a bar in Nyamasheke District on the morning of Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

According to an official statement posted by the RDF on X (formerly Twitter), the incident occurred at a bar in Rusharara Cell, Karambi Sector of Nyamasheke District.

“The Rwanda Defence Force deeply regrets the tragic incident that occurred in a bar in Rusharara Cell, Karambi Sector, Nyamasheke District, where Sgt. Minani Gervais, 39, allegedly fatally shot five civilians,” the RDF said. “The RDF has arrested the suspect and will take necessary legal action against him.”

RDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga reassured the local community, stating, “There is no reason that could justify the shooting of innocent people. We will take all necessary measures to pursue legal action against him, and the RDF extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.”

While authorities have yet to release an official statement on the cause of the shooting, sources from Umuryango  suggest that the incident may have been preceded by a confrontation.

According to the report, tensions reportedly flared between the soldier and the bar owner, along with other individuals present at the scene. After the altercation, the soldier left the bar but later returned and opened fire, fatally shooting five civilians.