KIGALI, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Refugee protests that led to deaths in Western Rwanda in February are caused by different purpose, Rwanda's Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo said Tuesday.

The refugees were not only protesting the reduced food rations, some also wanted to return to home country or to be resettled in Europe and America while maintaining Rwandan citizenship, Mushikiwabo said at a press conference in Kigali, capital of Rwanda.

Some of youth refugees who acted violently in the protests have Rwandan citizenship, which is against the law by having refugee status while maintaining Rwandan citizenship, she said.

The minister, who is also the government spokesperson, urged all refugees in Rwanda to respect the law.

At least five refugees were killed during the protests after they left the Kiziba refugee camp hosting refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.