Tuesday, September 28, 2010
OPEN LETTER TO AFRICAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS
By Emmanuel T. ZAGBLA Ph.D,
We all think about the multiple challenges of the African continent. The pessimism is everywhere on the continent when regarding the future. Nevertheless, we firmly believe that with determination and courage, Africa will come out of its misery.
We wanted to give a strong signal through the following letter that we send to all Africans.
Please enjoy reading its content but we particularly hope you an excellent awareness about our destiny.
WHEN WILL IT BE FOR AFRICA?
The catastrophic earthquake that rocked hard our brothers and sisters in Haiti, visibly saddened by this situation, takes us to the question as once expressed by the eminent professor, the late Joseph Ki-Zerbo. " WHEN WILL IT BE FOR AFRICA?’’ .
Some may wonder the reason for such a combination. Africa and the situation of Haiti have a common bond. Thus, we will finally try, to give an answer to this question that openly affects the moral and intellectual state of mind of all Africans and African descendants worldwide.
The evocation of the situation in Haiti refers to our new vision for Africa in its widest proportion. The approximation of the links between the mainland and all its sons in the Diaspora is the sine qua non condition to reconsider Africa in the international arena. The continent now has its own responsibilities in relation to its descendants worldwide. It is within this context that we see the Haitian drama. Indeed, Africa should assume the coordination of international assistance to the aid of this sister country, shaken by the severe earthquake. Just as the human rights of all Africans in the world would be the responsibility of the black continent. So, when will it to be for Africa? In his memorable speech in Accra, the first Black President of the United States of America did highlight, in general, the problem of institutional weakness. Several African countries this year celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their independence in a continent still divided by armed conflicts, territorial disputes. A continent that shows its insensitivity related to a common policy, able to radically and positively change their lives. A continent whose youth is investing its future only in mass migration, wiping back the most incredible human humiliation in some host countries. The inaction has already lasted too long. So when will it to be for Africa?
Several African countries are literally sitting on the fire: Somalia, Sudan, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, etc.. In Niger, we have just witnessed the eternal military coup that brings shame on our continent. In Côte d'Ivoire, while the elections of 31 October 2010 are pending, political intolerance reigns as a continuation of the attempt by the failed coup of September 19, 2002. Following the catastrophic failure of the "Machiavellian Linas-Marcoussis agreements," the OPA (the Ouagadougou Peace Agreement) also seems to obviously delay! Again, this country is pushed into the ashes of political uncertainty. Somalia disintegrated and forgotten by his own sons, is heading into an unknown goal. Sudan and Darfur will not make noise any longer since there is nothing new in there.... Democratic Republic of the Congo became the land of greedy predators, remains powerless because of his thousand troublemakers. Should we continue the list? When will it be for Africa? Our land, although blessed by the Nature, let her own offspring suffers of International begging, a social and economic misery that the continent should not have to experience ... Africa is driven into intellectual and moral poverty by his own sons, those then totally lacking of dignity. Some of them cling to power not only to help themselves, but worse, to serve their "bosses" who have already so much! Leaders, opponents, rebels are all guilty of the thousand problems experienced by the continent. And the African people are starving and come to die of most mundane diseases on this earth. No, we cannot accept the indifference, the slow extinction of the continent. We're not all subscribers to the deathly silence that kills our future and that of our children. So, when will it be for Africa? Are we perhaps expecting the savior of our land? A land which is at the same time, the global supply of cheaply raw materials, and where the abundance of trash is dumped in the greater immorality, waste of all kinds and from all sources ... And we continue to kill ourselves as if our world is a circus that only cares and serves for other people’s need of morbid spectacles. Why do we do that?
We have so many potential economic and human resources; from Egypt to South Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia, Libya to Côte d'Ivoire, via Morocco, Congo, Nigeria, Tunisia, Cameroon, Gabon, Rwanda, etc.. Which African country would be there in normal times, totally dispossessed? No! So why such an incredible and awful situation in the continent? Why are we willing to play this scene which is so outrageous while we do deserve the first place on this earth? All around the world, Africans are used to "keep on begging", while bilateral and multilateral development assistance are increasing on the continent over new mining and petroleum sites. So they ask us, when will then come your development?
The first remedy is the mentality. Our schools should teach about Africa. In Europe they are still studying fascism and Nazism, it helps to understand the evils of the past and build the future in an atmosphere of tolerance and peace. In Africa, the themes based on the characters such as Kwame Nkrumah, Patrice Lumumba and Thomas Sankara are hardly taken into account in schools. And why such a denial of our history? Are they revolutionary? Therefore we must explain to our students what all these personalities were and what they meant! In the political area, all recent democracies based on the West style are almost in trouble. If we believe that Western democracy is a hindrance to our growth, then let us take a step back, and return to the past way, opting for democracy under the Baobab. This represents a guarantee of respect for hierarchies at all levels, be it political and social. Otherwise, why do we always copy from some social models? When we speak of mentality, we do well allude to the anarchy created by some political systems in our countries. Democracy as we see in Africa is a great danger against our existence: small countries with over one hundred political parties, not to say a hundred tribal or religious parties! Where are we going to with all this? We are continually struggling in economic areas while our governments’ members are increasing: 20, 30, even 40 ministers, what purpose? Donors and lenders do stimulate us in the process of borrowing more and more: the vicious circle of debt of Africa does not even mention about good governance ... but applauded for this stupid democracy "divide et impera.’’ (Divide and rule).
Well, we're not going to be only criticizing what is wrong. Aware of our deep feelings, we just humbly tell you, with utmost sincerity and greatest intellectual pride that Africa has arrived! Yes, dear brothers and sisters, our continent has arrived with the speech of his first black son, who became President of the greatest world power.
Some have misinterpreted the choice of President Barack Obama on his first visit to black Africa. In his speech, USA president stressed the need to form strong democratic institutions in the continent. By choosing to travel to Ghana, Mr Obama has indirectly asked Africans to follow the unification of Africa advocated by Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana at the time of independence. There is no solution to underdevelopment without political unification of Africa. Hence, the need to form strong institutions, capable of defeating all attempts at destabilization future. Speaking freely to Africans, the American president could not find a better forum that Ghana's inspiration for African Unity.
2010-2020: A DECADE OF CONCRETE ACTIONS
The great African solidarity in view of the Haitian situation demonstrates that we have the capacity to solve our problems without always waiting for external assistance. However, we have seen yet, the dispersion of our forces and energies. Aid to Haiti has not taken any policy coordination. Given this fact, we will take action on the immediate establishment of an independent institution managed by Africans of all political leanings, social and religious. Africa needs all his son to overcome countless challenge. Thus, the first institution that will emerge for the new Africa will be the AFRICAN EMERGENCY AND CO-OPERATION FUND ( AECF) the AFRICAN FUND for simplicity. We do not want to create acronyms, but dynamic and functional services institutions in the image and needs of our people. This fund will eventually be the only institution that takes care of everything, in parallel and independently to all other institutions that operate on the continent. All Africans, all sensitivities are invited to invest in the new vision we intend to make to change the image of the continent. We will not be available to useless talk, or to the attention of everyone, aware of our intentions, look for harmful ways to extinguish the torch of Africa, gathered as one. We want active men and women and people who are keen in helping the continent through their ideals of a respected and united Africa, aware of its strengths.
The first action will be the fight against corruption and the strengthening of justice in every country in Africa. The African Emergency and Cooperation Fund is the case of African Peoples, of all those who suffer in silence between the two faces of a rich continent, but poor at the same time, united but still at war. We will hold governments and state institutions to follow us. Government does work for the people, not against the people. There is no opponent for personal ideas, but to defend the interests of the community. The African Fund will be the wave of the People and the African Diaspora. Yes, Africa has arrived! We intend to conduct an effective war against our poverty, our misery and our divisions.
EFFECTIVE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION
Our action will be awareness to all Africans against endemic corruption that is killing our countries. We will establish in all African countries observatories against all forms of corruption. Our actions will be unlimited, and in all areas:
Corruption, Justice, Education, Health, Foreign Affairs, environment, etc.. Every African individual, from wherever he or she is, must contribute.
So, dear brothers and sisters, we invite you to already take in account the new African reality. Nobody will work for free for the happiness of Africans. We tend to talk about technology transfer. You should know what to do with technology. What could we do with the technology of a highly industrialized country? We cannot transfer nuclear technology to use to harvest our cocoa or our coffee! The technology adapts to an appropriate situation. It is up to Africans to produce the technology necessary to work on coffee and cocoa crops, as well as the conservation of plantain or yam. We have the raw materials, the products of the basement and then let us train our researchers so they can find the right tool for the processing of these products. That is what the new Africa intends to do. Our pride in being African passes through the adoption of new attitudes of cooperation. We would be even prouder when we see Algerians and Egyptians all united, Ethiopians and Eritreans, Rwandans and Burundians, Libyans and Chadians, Muslims and Christians in Nigeria, all united around a common development project for Africa. That is our mission, that of cooperation in peace for the respect of Africa and Africans worldwide.
By Emmanuel T. ZAGBLA
Ph.D, International Relations
University of Padua, Italy
ezagbla@yahoo.com
We all think about the multiple challenges of the African continent. The pessimism is everywhere on the continent when regarding the future. Nevertheless, we firmly believe that with determination and courage, Africa will come out of its misery.
We wanted to give a strong signal through the following letter that we send to all Africans.
Please enjoy reading its content but we particularly hope you an excellent awareness about our destiny.
WHEN WILL IT BE FOR AFRICA?
The catastrophic earthquake that rocked hard our brothers and sisters in Haiti, visibly saddened by this situation, takes us to the question as once expressed by the eminent professor, the late Joseph Ki-Zerbo. " WHEN WILL IT BE FOR AFRICA?’’ .
Some may wonder the reason for such a combination. Africa and the situation of Haiti have a common bond. Thus, we will finally try, to give an answer to this question that openly affects the moral and intellectual state of mind of all Africans and African descendants worldwide.
The evocation of the situation in Haiti refers to our new vision for Africa in its widest proportion. The approximation of the links between the mainland and all its sons in the Diaspora is the sine qua non condition to reconsider Africa in the international arena. The continent now has its own responsibilities in relation to its descendants worldwide. It is within this context that we see the Haitian drama. Indeed, Africa should assume the coordination of international assistance to the aid of this sister country, shaken by the severe earthquake. Just as the human rights of all Africans in the world would be the responsibility of the black continent. So, when will it to be for Africa? In his memorable speech in Accra, the first Black President of the United States of America did highlight, in general, the problem of institutional weakness. Several African countries this year celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of their independence in a continent still divided by armed conflicts, territorial disputes. A continent that shows its insensitivity related to a common policy, able to radically and positively change their lives. A continent whose youth is investing its future only in mass migration, wiping back the most incredible human humiliation in some host countries. The inaction has already lasted too long. So when will it to be for Africa?
Several African countries are literally sitting on the fire: Somalia, Sudan, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, etc.. In Niger, we have just witnessed the eternal military coup that brings shame on our continent. In Côte d'Ivoire, while the elections of 31 October 2010 are pending, political intolerance reigns as a continuation of the attempt by the failed coup of September 19, 2002. Following the catastrophic failure of the "Machiavellian Linas-Marcoussis agreements," the OPA (the Ouagadougou Peace Agreement) also seems to obviously delay! Again, this country is pushed into the ashes of political uncertainty. Somalia disintegrated and forgotten by his own sons, is heading into an unknown goal. Sudan and Darfur will not make noise any longer since there is nothing new in there.... Democratic Republic of the Congo became the land of greedy predators, remains powerless because of his thousand troublemakers. Should we continue the list? When will it be for Africa? Our land, although blessed by the Nature, let her own offspring suffers of International begging, a social and economic misery that the continent should not have to experience ... Africa is driven into intellectual and moral poverty by his own sons, those then totally lacking of dignity. Some of them cling to power not only to help themselves, but worse, to serve their "bosses" who have already so much! Leaders, opponents, rebels are all guilty of the thousand problems experienced by the continent. And the African people are starving and come to die of most mundane diseases on this earth. No, we cannot accept the indifference, the slow extinction of the continent. We're not all subscribers to the deathly silence that kills our future and that of our children. So, when will it be for Africa? Are we perhaps expecting the savior of our land? A land which is at the same time, the global supply of cheaply raw materials, and where the abundance of trash is dumped in the greater immorality, waste of all kinds and from all sources ... And we continue to kill ourselves as if our world is a circus that only cares and serves for other people’s need of morbid spectacles. Why do we do that?
We have so many potential economic and human resources; from Egypt to South Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia, Libya to Côte d'Ivoire, via Morocco, Congo, Nigeria, Tunisia, Cameroon, Gabon, Rwanda, etc.. Which African country would be there in normal times, totally dispossessed? No! So why such an incredible and awful situation in the continent? Why are we willing to play this scene which is so outrageous while we do deserve the first place on this earth? All around the world, Africans are used to "keep on begging", while bilateral and multilateral development assistance are increasing on the continent over new mining and petroleum sites. So they ask us, when will then come your development?
The first remedy is the mentality. Our schools should teach about Africa. In Europe they are still studying fascism and Nazism, it helps to understand the evils of the past and build the future in an atmosphere of tolerance and peace. In Africa, the themes based on the characters such as Kwame Nkrumah, Patrice Lumumba and Thomas Sankara are hardly taken into account in schools. And why such a denial of our history? Are they revolutionary? Therefore we must explain to our students what all these personalities were and what they meant! In the political area, all recent democracies based on the West style are almost in trouble. If we believe that Western democracy is a hindrance to our growth, then let us take a step back, and return to the past way, opting for democracy under the Baobab. This represents a guarantee of respect for hierarchies at all levels, be it political and social. Otherwise, why do we always copy from some social models? When we speak of mentality, we do well allude to the anarchy created by some political systems in our countries. Democracy as we see in Africa is a great danger against our existence: small countries with over one hundred political parties, not to say a hundred tribal or religious parties! Where are we going to with all this? We are continually struggling in economic areas while our governments’ members are increasing: 20, 30, even 40 ministers, what purpose? Donors and lenders do stimulate us in the process of borrowing more and more: the vicious circle of debt of Africa does not even mention about good governance ... but applauded for this stupid democracy "divide et impera.’’ (Divide and rule).
Well, we're not going to be only criticizing what is wrong. Aware of our deep feelings, we just humbly tell you, with utmost sincerity and greatest intellectual pride that Africa has arrived! Yes, dear brothers and sisters, our continent has arrived with the speech of his first black son, who became President of the greatest world power.
Some have misinterpreted the choice of President Barack Obama on his first visit to black Africa. In his speech, USA president stressed the need to form strong democratic institutions in the continent. By choosing to travel to Ghana, Mr Obama has indirectly asked Africans to follow the unification of Africa advocated by Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana at the time of independence. There is no solution to underdevelopment without political unification of Africa. Hence, the need to form strong institutions, capable of defeating all attempts at destabilization future. Speaking freely to Africans, the American president could not find a better forum that Ghana's inspiration for African Unity.
2010-2020: A DECADE OF CONCRETE ACTIONS
The great African solidarity in view of the Haitian situation demonstrates that we have the capacity to solve our problems without always waiting for external assistance. However, we have seen yet, the dispersion of our forces and energies. Aid to Haiti has not taken any policy coordination. Given this fact, we will take action on the immediate establishment of an independent institution managed by Africans of all political leanings, social and religious. Africa needs all his son to overcome countless challenge. Thus, the first institution that will emerge for the new Africa will be the AFRICAN EMERGENCY AND CO-OPERATION FUND ( AECF) the AFRICAN FUND for simplicity. We do not want to create acronyms, but dynamic and functional services institutions in the image and needs of our people. This fund will eventually be the only institution that takes care of everything, in parallel and independently to all other institutions that operate on the continent. All Africans, all sensitivities are invited to invest in the new vision we intend to make to change the image of the continent. We will not be available to useless talk, or to the attention of everyone, aware of our intentions, look for harmful ways to extinguish the torch of Africa, gathered as one. We want active men and women and people who are keen in helping the continent through their ideals of a respected and united Africa, aware of its strengths.
The first action will be the fight against corruption and the strengthening of justice in every country in Africa. The African Emergency and Cooperation Fund is the case of African Peoples, of all those who suffer in silence between the two faces of a rich continent, but poor at the same time, united but still at war. We will hold governments and state institutions to follow us. Government does work for the people, not against the people. There is no opponent for personal ideas, but to defend the interests of the community. The African Fund will be the wave of the People and the African Diaspora. Yes, Africa has arrived! We intend to conduct an effective war against our poverty, our misery and our divisions.
EFFECTIVE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION
Our action will be awareness to all Africans against endemic corruption that is killing our countries. We will establish in all African countries observatories against all forms of corruption. Our actions will be unlimited, and in all areas:
Corruption, Justice, Education, Health, Foreign Affairs, environment, etc.. Every African individual, from wherever he or she is, must contribute.
So, dear brothers and sisters, we invite you to already take in account the new African reality. Nobody will work for free for the happiness of Africans. We tend to talk about technology transfer. You should know what to do with technology. What could we do with the technology of a highly industrialized country? We cannot transfer nuclear technology to use to harvest our cocoa or our coffee! The technology adapts to an appropriate situation. It is up to Africans to produce the technology necessary to work on coffee and cocoa crops, as well as the conservation of plantain or yam. We have the raw materials, the products of the basement and then let us train our researchers so they can find the right tool for the processing of these products. That is what the new Africa intends to do. Our pride in being African passes through the adoption of new attitudes of cooperation. We would be even prouder when we see Algerians and Egyptians all united, Ethiopians and Eritreans, Rwandans and Burundians, Libyans and Chadians, Muslims and Christians in Nigeria, all united around a common development project for Africa. That is our mission, that of cooperation in peace for the respect of Africa and Africans worldwide.
By Emmanuel T. ZAGBLA
Ph.D, International Relations
University of Padua, Italy
ezagbla@yahoo.com
Friday, September 24, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
ANOTHER SHAMEFUL UNITED NATIONS' REPORT
Recently, the UN has been threatening to publish a Report accusing Rwandan army of killing hutus refugees in DRC. Instead of ensuring the security of people in Eastern Congo as promised, they are once again shifting the attention of the media and turning back on people, this time publishing what is well known to be a false Report about Rwandan soldiers' involvement in the so called genocide of Hutus in Congo.
The Congolese army, the Mayi Mayi militia, and FDLR genociders continue to do what they have been doing for years_killing,raping and looting in DRC. However, none of this seem to matter for UN. There has not been any report of UN of such atrocities by the above mentions elements, even in a time where they work closely with them under MONUC.
It is upseting but not surprisingly so, to notice how the UN would give any credibility to a report by a biaised, so called human right organization that falsely accuse a well known disciplined armed Rwandan forces to involve themselves in gross human right violation in Congo during their mission to overthrow the notorious dictator in DRC. Mobutu who was a channel of Congolese wealth to Western power was pretty much a good asset for the world's sherrif. Overthrowing him was indeed the most unforgiveable act that one can do. Guess who did it again? the same force that stopped another shameful act that seemed to catch no interest for the UN and the world's powers.
Only a blind, deaf and ignorant person with little or no knowledge of Congolese army, and militias such as Mayi Mayi would clear them from massive violation that they are known for. That too,is what the so called UN report is attempting to do.
To remove the responsibility of Congolese and militia forces, and blame the victim. One has to wonder to whom the so called UN report will be reported and for what purpose?
Everyone knows the immorality and corruption of Congolese military whose regular activities involve looting, and raping even as the report was being written. It is commonly acceptable behaviour for Congolese soldiers to rape women and kill innocent civilians not to mention corruption causing even more hunger and poverty related deaths. These shameful acts, have been a part of their culture and identity. Those who are looking for those responsible for the killing of hutu refugies victims of cholera, and other related diseases should start by investigating who were the refugees, why were they and who was responsible to take care of them. It does not seem to bother UN that the majority of the so called hutu refugees were mass murderers with blood all over their hands, and guns on their backs, who were fighting for the Mobutu government while benefiting the UNHCR protection as «refugees».
Should we assume that the UN had no knowledge of these fighting soldiers who were on their payrol? Or,it would rather pre-emptively strike before someone asked why would the UN feed and host a group of rebel/militia accused of genocide under the umbrella of «refugees». In fact,if there is any critic to the Rwandan government in this matter, mine would be why did they shy away from accusing the UN for promoting and supporting militias such as interahamwe by calling them refugees while they were openly fighting against them supporting Mobutu regime? But there again, knowing that the accused is at the same time the juge, my critic would be quickly withdrawn.
Moreover, it does not take a genius to know that hundreds of thousands of Congolese and refugees died as a direct result of war related death such as malnutrion, untreated diseases, cholera, rapes and violence mostly done by Congolese army and rebels such as Mayi Mayi, and interahamwe. Rwandan soldiers are known to have stopped genocide in Rwanda, and overthrawn the dictator Mobutu in a very short period of time. That is why they were in DRC. All those who know them very well including the UN, they know how disciplined, and professional they are beside being brave. It is by the way the same reason why the UN has ccontracted them in some of the most important UN missions of to day.
It is also important to underline a question of motive and intent, that disqualify and questions the credibility of the so called UN Report. The Rwandan army had no intention nor motive to kill refugees in Congo or civilian refugees. It is well known that they did not even venge themselves against the Hutus who clearly and publicly massacred their brothers and sisters, when they had the power and reason to do so. Why would they kill Hutu refugee civilians while they were protecting a good part of them in Rwanda?
In fact, it is well known that the Congolese soldiers who were under the leadership of Rwandan soldiers were always punished and reprimanded for violating the rights of civilians. Despite a well guided and endoctrined hatred against Rwandans and Tutsis in particular among Congolese, every honest congolese admit that only Rwandan soldiers would not hurt or harm civilian population on their way to battle, contrary to their Congolese counterparts. The UN recruitment of Rwandan soldiers serves a good example of this truth.
The same misguided sources of UN report had always shouted loud lies to whoever wanted to listen to their lies how the Rwandan army raped Congolese women,even though the facts and undeniable evidences clearly testified that it was the Congolese army and militias. Furthermore, even from cultural perspective, it is a fact that Rwandans rarely marry Congolese women, while the Congolese dream of marrying Rwandan women. Not only that Rwandan soldiers are deeply disciplined, but, there is also social and cultural evidence that suggest that there is even less interest in Congolese women in the first place leave alone rape them. The Rwandan soldiers were accustomed to a policy of Zero tolerance to not only rape which guaranteed a death penalty, but even adultery during the period of war was harshly punished. The same cannot be said about Congolese soldiers and hutu rebels whose daily routine is raping Congolese women even today.
In light of these facts, it is desappointing that the UN, and some human right organizations have allowed themselves to be manipulated by their extremist workers or anti-semitist who lack professional objectivity in their misguided and politically motivated reporting. These organizations while claiming to be human right oriented, they have been deceived over and over by extremist Congolese and Hutus who either work for them or lobby them. Not to mention that they really got what they were craving for, namely, reasons to peinte Rwanda with a tarnishing image.
It is also sad that they have taken adventage of the naivity of Rwandan government and Rwandan Civil society who ignored multiple false reports by these misguided hardcore haters of Rwanda and Tutsis both regionally and internationally. They decided to be silent to the propaganda of extremist media, as though everyone in the world would also pay no attention. In Rwanda, people seem to not pay a close attention to what the extremist have been doing using the media as their weapon.
In fact Rwanda should have seen this coming when they neglect to quickly react to false reports from extremist media, to the point of getting UN stamp as credible sources. Knowing the facts is not enough, the burden to clear one's name against false accusation showing the facts is on the shoulder of the accused not the accuser.
It should also be mentioned that this UN Report is another way for the western powers to fight against the current Rwandan government that they very much would rather see collapsing or ineffective like many other African governments. Rwanda is now a success story in the world for its development, growth, and leadership that has been focused on the well being of its people contrary to many countries in Africa. The western powers that have enjoyed the corruption and incompency of much of African leaders, cannot stand to see an African nation proving them wrong. Only a naive person would believe that the western powers including the UN wish to see a responsible government in Africa.
When it became evident that Rwanda was in its way to development, western nations started by withdrawing their so called Aids in order to make it harder for the Rwandan government to prosper, and to sabbotage Kagame's Regime. They cannot also tolerate an African president who does not adore or worship them as they are always used to elsewhere in Africa. This is a whiteman's complex, to be revered as the best despite their hypocrical and selfish policies contradicting their publicity of saving angels. President Kagame is known for his stand on complaisancy. He does not hide under the rug, and suck up the hypocritical treatement of the Westerners. That too seems to be another reason not to tolerate his regime. He puts the westerners in their right place, which is why they always look for reasons to cut the Aid assistance to Rwanda, despite Rwanda being a good example that should be rewarded if it wasn't for the Western hypocrisy.
Unfortunately for them, that too failed. Rwanda proved them wrong once again with their resiliency and their sens of leadership, despite million of challenges. They manage to do more with less. No wonder this report is given an undeserving attention. It is desappointing that U N gives less attention to alarming and warning reports of human rights violence such as potential massacres, or genocide before they happen, and enjoys watching them unfolding, and shamefully blaming the victims afterwards.
This organization needs to review its moral mandate and its damaged credibility due to such kinds of politically motivated reports.
One can only finish by telling Rwandans that this too will pass; because it is not surprising that an organization that ignored, encouraged, and facilitated the implementation of genocide for 100 days would conspire to defeat those who bravely did what they failed to do. Rwandan forces saved lives of million lives who would also have perished had it been left to UN's wish and willingness. That is a fact. To UN, one can only say shame on you for your persisting immoral actions and cowardness. This report will only emplify your immorality and prove your insensitivity and cruelt to Rwandan survivors of a UN supported genocided.
UN ignored its reports warning for a potential genocide, and let the genocide happen on its watch, until RPF stoped it, that too, is a fact. But, this shameful report shall pass too!!! The UN might be strong, but the truth and integrity is much stronger.
By
Muhoza
Journal Minembwe
Email: journalminembwe@yahoo.ca
http://www.mulenge.blogspot.com
A RENEWED VIOLENCE AGAINST BANYAMULENGE PEOPLE
Militia attacks including Mayi Mayi and Interahamwe have resumed and the insecurity situation continues to worsen in Minembwe.
In the first week of September, a suspected armed man who could have been either a militia or a government soldier broke into an office of a local NGO, ( UGEAF ) and lotted but thankfully no one was killed during what appeared like the armed robbery.
In addition, in another area of Mulenge, more than 200 hundred cows were forcefully taken away from their owners by Interahamwe militias after killing one person and gravely wouding others including Mr. Musoni, the father of Pastor Camarade who was taking care of cows in Mibunda.
In the meantime, another 28 years old young man,Mr. Mukiza Bidogo, the son of Mr. Elias Ndacyahwa was assassinated by a government soldier who was stealing sheep in Kahololo village.
Furthere more, in recent weeks, a group of armed forces of Burundian hutu group was reported to have arrived in Malungu (Mulenge), claiming to be looking for a base so that they might attack Burundi. The arrival of these armed militias has once again made the Banyamulenge worried about their safety as their territory is becoming once again a combat field.
The local population is calling the Congolese government to take action as swiftly as possibly or make it clear whose side are they on.
By
Muhoza
Editor in Chief
Journal Minembwe
http://www.mulenge.blogspot.com
In the first week of September, a suspected armed man who could have been either a militia or a government soldier broke into an office of a local NGO, ( UGEAF ) and lotted but thankfully no one was killed during what appeared like the armed robbery.
In addition, in another area of Mulenge, more than 200 hundred cows were forcefully taken away from their owners by Interahamwe militias after killing one person and gravely wouding others including Mr. Musoni, the father of Pastor Camarade who was taking care of cows in Mibunda.
In the meantime, another 28 years old young man,Mr. Mukiza Bidogo, the son of Mr. Elias Ndacyahwa was assassinated by a government soldier who was stealing sheep in Kahololo village.
Furthere more, in recent weeks, a group of armed forces of Burundian hutu group was reported to have arrived in Malungu (Mulenge), claiming to be looking for a base so that they might attack Burundi. The arrival of these armed militias has once again made the Banyamulenge worried about their safety as their territory is becoming once again a combat field.
The local population is calling the Congolese government to take action as swiftly as possibly or make it clear whose side are they on.
By
Muhoza
Editor in Chief
Journal Minembwe
http://www.mulenge.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
UNE AUTRE ATTAQUE A MINEMBWE
Le 2 Septembre vers 21heures 2010 des hommes armés ont attaqué un bureau d'une ONG locale du nom de UGEAFI, et ont commencé de terrer des balles sur la porte et L'interieur du Bureau. Selon les informations sur terrain, certains des aggresseurs parlaient la langue Kinyarwanda, ce qui fait les gens a` conclurer qu'ils sont plus probablement les hommes de PARECO qui sont actuellement a` Minembwe dans le cadre de KIMIA II ou les membres du FDLR.
Depuis 2002, des violentes persécutions anti-Banyamulenge ont éclaté dans l’Est du Congo, plus précisement dans le territoire de Minembwe. Des maisons ont été brûlées, des bien pillés, des femmes et filles constament violées, des gens massacrées, des troupeaux ainsi que leurs belgers tués par des differents forces negatives inclus mais pas necessairement limités aux forces de Mai Mai, des FARDC, et autres ennemis de Banyamulenge, rebelles comme gouvernementales.
Comme conséquence, des centaines de villageois ont été forcés de se réfugier dans des camps des refugies aux pays limitropha pour leurs securité après des attaques répétées.
Ce récent événement dramatique qui eut lieu a' la veille de l'ouverture school a amené nombre de gens à se questionner sur la motivation de ces attaques. « Ces attaquants ne sont pas des bandits ordinaires, ils semblent obéir à une mission » témoigne un des ressortissants de Minembwe.
“Nous pensons qu’il pourrait y avoir quelque chose à voir avec l'agenda de déstabiliser les habitants de Minembwe, qui ont stigmatisé les forces negatives et gouvernementales” suggere un des éditeurs du Journal Minembwe.
Techniquement, d’après le rapport d’enquête sur terrain, les éléments de Mai Mai, PARECO, FARDC entrent d’abord dans un village. Ils rejoignent ensuite les autres troupes en place, les autres suivent ensuite et commencent leur travail de destruction massive. On se demande quels sont les rapports scholaires avec les rebels, ces enfants Banyamulenge qui eux aussi ont droits a` l'éducation ? Ils méritent eux aussi d’être bien traités et respectés.
Le Journal Minembwe dénonce avec toutes ses energies ces actes ignobles et demande au gouvernement du RDC d'intervenir le plutot possible si jamais il n'est pas aussi impliqué. Les Banyamulenge et les habitants de Minembwe ont aussi besoin de la paix et la sécurité. Leurs enfants doivent aussi étudiés comme les autres.
Par
M. AChim
Pour le Journal Minembwe
http://www.mulenge.blogspot.com
Depuis 2002, des violentes persécutions anti-Banyamulenge ont éclaté dans l’Est du Congo, plus précisement dans le territoire de Minembwe. Des maisons ont été brûlées, des bien pillés, des femmes et filles constament violées, des gens massacrées, des troupeaux ainsi que leurs belgers tués par des differents forces negatives inclus mais pas necessairement limités aux forces de Mai Mai, des FARDC, et autres ennemis de Banyamulenge, rebelles comme gouvernementales.
Comme conséquence, des centaines de villageois ont été forcés de se réfugier dans des camps des refugies aux pays limitropha pour leurs securité après des attaques répétées.
Ce récent événement dramatique qui eut lieu a' la veille de l'ouverture school a amené nombre de gens à se questionner sur la motivation de ces attaques. « Ces attaquants ne sont pas des bandits ordinaires, ils semblent obéir à une mission » témoigne un des ressortissants de Minembwe.
“Nous pensons qu’il pourrait y avoir quelque chose à voir avec l'agenda de déstabiliser les habitants de Minembwe, qui ont stigmatisé les forces negatives et gouvernementales” suggere un des éditeurs du Journal Minembwe.
Techniquement, d’après le rapport d’enquête sur terrain, les éléments de Mai Mai, PARECO, FARDC entrent d’abord dans un village. Ils rejoignent ensuite les autres troupes en place, les autres suivent ensuite et commencent leur travail de destruction massive. On se demande quels sont les rapports scholaires avec les rebels, ces enfants Banyamulenge qui eux aussi ont droits a` l'éducation ? Ils méritent eux aussi d’être bien traités et respectés.
Le Journal Minembwe dénonce avec toutes ses energies ces actes ignobles et demande au gouvernement du RDC d'intervenir le plutot possible si jamais il n'est pas aussi impliqué. Les Banyamulenge et les habitants de Minembwe ont aussi besoin de la paix et la sécurité. Leurs enfants doivent aussi étudiés comme les autres.
Par
M. AChim
Pour le Journal Minembwe
http://www.mulenge.blogspot.com
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
PRESS RELEASE
SURVIVORS AND VICTIMS OF GATUMBA MASSACRE OF BANYAMULENGE REFUGEES IN BURUNDI DESERVE JUSTICE
Six years have passed since 164 Congolese citizens under the protection of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in the Gatumba refugee camp in Burundi were killed, some burned alive, on 13 August 2004. Hundreds of others were injured. The overwhelming majority of victims – many of them women and children - belonged to the Banyamulenge community. The victims had sought refuge in Burundi to escape from political oppression in South Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
A report dated 18 October 2004 jointly produced by the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) concluded that the attack was clearly directed against the Banyamulenge refugees and, apparently, ethnically and politically motivated. Various sources, including the above UN report but also a report by Human Rights Watch, compiled credible evidence leaving little doubts over the responsibilities in the massacre. The available evidence clearly indicated that the Burundian Forces Nationales de Libération (PALIPEHUTU-FNL), the Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda (FDLR), the Congolese army (FARDC) and Mayi Mayi militia were directly involved in the Gatumba massacre. The UN report asserted that many of these foreign armed groups operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi border region harbour resentments against the targeted group and others such as FARDC and Mayi Mayi militia may have political motives for preventing the refugees from returning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. PALIPEHUTU-FNL, then a rebel movement led by Agathon Rwasa, openly confessed its responsibility in this massacre. The ideology underlying the commission of the genocide in Rwanda one decade earlier was evident in the perpetration of the Gatumba massacre in August 2004. The UN report documented the fact that the attackers chanted such slogans as “we will exterminate all the Tutsis in Central Africa”; “kill these dogs, these Tutsis”; “today, you Tutsis, whether you are Rwandese, Congolese or Burundian, you will be killed”.
The massacre was widely condemned by several countries from around the globe as well as by supranational institutions such as the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations. Many of them pledged to support endeavours aimed at bringing the perpetrators to justice. The United Nations urged the countries in the sub-region to cooperate in investigating the massacre and bringing perpetrators to justice. Six years after the event, no single step has been taken to deliver justice for the slain and surviving victims of the Gatumba massacre. The uproar that accompanied the commission of the crime has faded and victims face the sad prospect of never seeing justice done. The peculiar circumstances of a crime committed against Congolese citizens, on Burundian territory, by Congolese national army and armed groups reportedly originating from three different or neighbouring countries of the region complicate, if not annihilate any prospects of domestic prosecutions against perpetrators of the crime. Victims are nonetheless still crying for justice. The inaction of Burundian, Congolese and other sub-regional authorities imposes a duty on the international community to get actively involved in delivering on the promise of justice made to them in the aftermath of the crime.
UBUNTU is one of the only few actors who have constantly tried to remind the international community of this unfulfilled promise. It is an international peace-building and non-profit organization based in Brussels. The organization aims at promoting sustainable peace and development in the Great Lakes region. Since its creation, UBUNTU has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at preventing violence, sustainable peace and conflict resolution in the Great Lakes region of Africa. UBUNTU membership includes individuals who survived the massacre.
Taking note of the fact that perpetrators of this massacre continue to enjoy impunity, UBUNTU, on the sixth anniversary commemoration of the Gatumba Massacre of Banyamulenge Refugees in Burundi, urges:
The international community to deliver on the promise of justice made to survivors of the Gatumba atrocities.
The United Nations to use all appropriate means to bring Agathon Rwasa and other perpetrators of the massacres to justice.
The Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other sub-regional countries to cooperate in rehabilitating the victims.
UBUNTU – INITIATIVE FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT
Six years have passed since 164 Congolese citizens under the protection of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in the Gatumba refugee camp in Burundi were killed, some burned alive, on 13 August 2004. Hundreds of others were injured. The overwhelming majority of victims – many of them women and children - belonged to the Banyamulenge community. The victims had sought refuge in Burundi to escape from political oppression in South Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
A report dated 18 October 2004 jointly produced by the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) concluded that the attack was clearly directed against the Banyamulenge refugees and, apparently, ethnically and politically motivated. Various sources, including the above UN report but also a report by Human Rights Watch, compiled credible evidence leaving little doubts over the responsibilities in the massacre. The available evidence clearly indicated that the Burundian Forces Nationales de Libération (PALIPEHUTU-FNL), the Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda (FDLR), the Congolese army (FARDC) and Mayi Mayi militia were directly involved in the Gatumba massacre. The UN report asserted that many of these foreign armed groups operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi border region harbour resentments against the targeted group and others such as FARDC and Mayi Mayi militia may have political motives for preventing the refugees from returning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. PALIPEHUTU-FNL, then a rebel movement led by Agathon Rwasa, openly confessed its responsibility in this massacre. The ideology underlying the commission of the genocide in Rwanda one decade earlier was evident in the perpetration of the Gatumba massacre in August 2004. The UN report documented the fact that the attackers chanted such slogans as “we will exterminate all the Tutsis in Central Africa”; “kill these dogs, these Tutsis”; “today, you Tutsis, whether you are Rwandese, Congolese or Burundian, you will be killed”.
The massacre was widely condemned by several countries from around the globe as well as by supranational institutions such as the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations. Many of them pledged to support endeavours aimed at bringing the perpetrators to justice. The United Nations urged the countries in the sub-region to cooperate in investigating the massacre and bringing perpetrators to justice. Six years after the event, no single step has been taken to deliver justice for the slain and surviving victims of the Gatumba massacre. The uproar that accompanied the commission of the crime has faded and victims face the sad prospect of never seeing justice done. The peculiar circumstances of a crime committed against Congolese citizens, on Burundian territory, by Congolese national army and armed groups reportedly originating from three different or neighbouring countries of the region complicate, if not annihilate any prospects of domestic prosecutions against perpetrators of the crime. Victims are nonetheless still crying for justice. The inaction of Burundian, Congolese and other sub-regional authorities imposes a duty on the international community to get actively involved in delivering on the promise of justice made to them in the aftermath of the crime.
UBUNTU is one of the only few actors who have constantly tried to remind the international community of this unfulfilled promise. It is an international peace-building and non-profit organization based in Brussels. The organization aims at promoting sustainable peace and development in the Great Lakes region. Since its creation, UBUNTU has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at preventing violence, sustainable peace and conflict resolution in the Great Lakes region of Africa. UBUNTU membership includes individuals who survived the massacre.
Taking note of the fact that perpetrators of this massacre continue to enjoy impunity, UBUNTU, on the sixth anniversary commemoration of the Gatumba Massacre of Banyamulenge Refugees in Burundi, urges:
The international community to deliver on the promise of justice made to survivors of the Gatumba atrocities.
The United Nations to use all appropriate means to bring Agathon Rwasa and other perpetrators of the massacres to justice.
The Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other sub-regional countries to cooperate in rehabilitating the victims.
UBUNTU – INITIATIVE FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT