Rwandan students studying in Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo are facing security threats arising from the ongoing spat between the two neighbouring countries.
DR Congo accuses Rwanda of backing the Congolese M23 rebels and has recently halted all trade and cooperation agreements. Rwanda denies the allegations.
The situation at the border is still tense and this is now causing concerns, with some parents worried for their children studying across the border.
Some students have told the BBC that they risk being targeted for who they are and this has had an impact on their education.
“I live in Rubavu and study medicine just across the border in Goma. When the protests started they chased Rwandese. The director [of my college] said those that have families in Goma can stay in school and those of us who study while crossing back to Rwanda should return home immediately,” a Rwandese student told the BBC.
A parent whose children study in DR Congo told the BBC that there was initially no problem with them studying in Goma and returning to Rwanda “but now we are very concerned”.
The mayor of Rubavu, Ildephonse Kambogo, said Rwanda has cautioned its citizens to observe their safety as a priority and reduce unnecessary travel across the border.
The exact number of Rwandan students studying in Goma is not known but there are thought to be many.
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