A Rwandan soldier opened fire early Wednesday morning in a bar in southwestern Rwanda, killing five civilians, according to the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF). The tragic incident unfolded in an undisclosed town, with the gunman identified as a 39-year-old sergeant. The motive for the shooting remains unclear.

The RDF issued a statement confirming the arrest of the suspect, pledging to pursue “necessary legal action.” This incident adds to past tensions involving military personnel and civilians in Rwanda; in 2020, six soldiers were arrested for allegedly assaulting civilians in Kigali’s Kangondo slum during the Covid-19 lockdown.

This latest occurrence has sparked discussions on military conduct and civilian safety in Rwanda, with calls for accountability and justice for the victims.