Rwanda grenade attack wounds 16 in capital in 2nd rash of grenade blasts in 2 weeks

Rwanda grenade attack wounds 16 in capital

KIGALI, Rwanda — Two grenade blasts wounded 16 people in Rwanda’s capital, police said Friday, in the second wave of grenade attacks to hit Kigali in two weeks.

Police spokesman Eric Kayiranga said the attacks happened around 9 p.m. Thursday and critically wounded two of the 16 people. He could not say if the recent attacks were related to three Feb. 19 grenade attacks, also in Kigali. Those attacks killed one person and injured 30.

“Sixteen people were injured and taken to hospital, two people were critically injured but the rest sustained minor injuries. A number of them have been discharged already,” he said, adding, “All I can tell you now is that investigations are still going on.”

Eyewitness Karim Habimana said he saw someone hurl a grenade from a speeding car next to a bus stop in the suburb of Kimironko.

“I was a few meters away coming from the (bus stop) on my way home when I saw a car speeding off, tires screeching,” he said. “Then a loud explosion followed and the next thing people were screaming while other scampered in fear.”

Rwandan authorities have accused a Rwandan general of committing the February attacks. On Friday, South African authorities said Lt. General Kayumba Nyamwasa had arrived in South Africa on Feb. 27 but could not be arrested because there is no extradition treaty with Rwanda. Rwanda’s government has accused of him terrorism and “threatening state security.”

Nyamwasa’s arrest and extradition would require a formal request from Rwanda’s attorney general, which would then need to be signed by South African President Jacob Zuma.