Britain’s initiative on Congo, Rwanda great
Jul 04, 2004
SIR— Britain has of late been trying to diffuse tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and prevent a possible repeat of a regional conflict that would signal the end of a 14-month-old peace accord.
SIR— Britain has of late been trying to diffuse tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and prevent a possible repeat of a regional conflict that would signal the end of a 14-month-old peace accord.
Indeed Britain is appropriately placed as a peace broker in regard to the misunderstanding between the two countries because of historical and economic reasons.
Unlike France, Britain is without blemish when it comes to accusations of involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. France has since failed or refused to come clean on the evil and it is of no surprise that its former colony has always been suspicious of any French intentions.
Yet Britain is not only innocent, it is one of the most understanding development partners Rwanda has and the two enjoy a cordial relationship, a situation which greatly helps the cause.
However, of great significance to the success of this mission to sustain relative peace in the Great Region too, is the Rwandan leadership itself. President Paul Kagame has distinguished himself as a sober and mature statesman. ironically the stronger his country grows militarily in the region, the humbler his government becomes.
Kigali can take further steps in the direction of diplomacy. But it is an approach Kagame and his team are endeavouring to refine with an impressive level of willingness. Minister Charles Muligande of foreign affairs has been reacting in suitable language and generally the message sent out by government is that of valuing dialogue. It bodes well for conflict resolution efforts because it portrays Rwanda as a n honest party.
Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila has largely been co-operative. He could have found some of the tasks at hand like disarming the interahamwe and ex-FAR so challenging. But overall, I think he is genuine in his promises.
It is for the benefit of the whole region that efforts by Britain and the African Union chairman, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, bear fruit. Most of all it is good for Rwanda and DR Congo.
Ignatius Kabagambe
Makerere University
Indeed Britain is appropriately placed as a peace broker in regard to the misunderstanding between the two countries because of historical and economic reasons.
Unlike France, Britain is without blemish when it comes to accusations of involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. France has since failed or refused to come clean on the evil and it is of no surprise that its former colony has always been suspicious of any French intentions.
Yet Britain is not only innocent, it is one of the most understanding development partners Rwanda has and the two enjoy a cordial relationship, a situation which greatly helps the cause.
However, of great significance to the success of this mission to sustain relative peace in the Great Region too, is the Rwandan leadership itself. President Paul Kagame has distinguished himself as a sober and mature statesman. ironically the stronger his country grows militarily in the region, the humbler his government becomes.
Kigali can take further steps in the direction of diplomacy. But it is an approach Kagame and his team are endeavouring to refine with an impressive level of willingness. Minister Charles Muligande of foreign affairs has been reacting in suitable language and generally the message sent out by government is that of valuing dialogue. It bodes well for conflict resolution efforts because it portrays Rwanda as a n honest party.
Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila has largely been co-operative. He could have found some of the tasks at hand like disarming the interahamwe and ex-FAR so challenging. But overall, I think he is genuine in his promises.
It is for the benefit of the whole region that efforts by Britain and the African Union chairman, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, bear fruit. Most of all it is good for Rwanda and DR Congo.
Ignatius Kabagambe
Makerere University