Tanzania and Rwanda should tone down on the ‘negotiating with the FDLR’ remarks

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.

'Genocide Denial' sends Victoire Ingabire to Jail

Analysis by Nicodemus Minde & Other sources

The jailing of Rwandan political opposition leader Madame Victoire Ingabire by a Rwandan Court is an indication of the not so democratic and enviable leadership of Paul Kagame.  Madame Ingabire has been sentenced to eight years in prison for treason and genocide denial, a charge stemming from the central African nation's murderous ethnic attacks 18 years ago. This protracted trial saw saw her not been able to contest the presidency two years ago. President Kagame faced a weak and disjointed opposition winning the poll by a landslide. Victoire Ingabire returned to Rwanda in 2010 after living abroad for 16 years and quickly visited the country's genocide memorial, where she asked why Hutus killed in the violence were not recognised like the minority Tutsis were. 

 

She was charged for genocide denial, a crime which has been heavily criticised in Rwanda and internationally. This crime is selective and aims to blanket the a true analysis of the genocide that happened in Rwanda in 1994. Ingabire's lawyer, Iain Edwards, said Ingabire will appeal the court's ruling. It is highly unlikely that she will get a fair trial in Rwanda. Speaking to BBC Swahili Service, her lawyer said that they'll invoke the African Commission Charter to seek further redress. I hope that Madame Ingabire will seek further audince with the African Commission of Human and Peoples' Rights to redress her plight.