Nicodemus Minde
The governments of Tanzania and
Rwanda, through their Foreign Ministries have been embroiled in a heated war of
words over remarks made by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete on the Democratic
Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebels. President Kikwete during the
50th anniversary of the African Union in Addis Ababa, called on Rwanda to
negotiate with the rebel outfit because the military efforts have failed. In a
quick rejoinder Louise Mushikiwabo, the Rwandan Foreign Minister described
Kikwete’s remarks as “aberrant” and “shocking”. His Tanzanian counterpart
Bernard Membe recently told the Tanzanian parliament that President Kikwete
will not apologize or change his opinion over the need for Rwanda to negotiate
with FDLR. This is indeed a sensitive topic within the realm of the region’s
stability. Rwanda negotiating with FDLR will be hard thing to do. This majority
Hutu rebel outfit has based in Eastern DRC has fought the government of President
Kagame and consists of Hutu remnants who fled to DRC after the 1994 Genocide.
President Kikwete only gave a possible avenue for resolving the impasse. The
hyperbolic reactions by the two Foreign Ministers should be toned down.
Tanzania and Rwanda have enjoyed a peaceful and cordial relationship over the
years and this small affairs should not ruin the relationship.
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