AfroAmerica Network

Today September 23, 2010, US President Barack Obama delivered remarks to the United Nations General Assembly in New York (here) and urged countries like South Africa to support opposition, human rights activists and dissenters across the World.  Building on yesterday’s remarks at the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Summit, President Barack Obama underlined the requirement for nations willing to work with the United States to respect human rights.
“One of the first actions of this General Assembly was to adopt a Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. That Declaration begins by stating that, “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.” The idea is a simple one — that freedom, justice and peace for the world must begin with freedom, justice, and peace in the lives of individual human beings.  And for the United States, this is a matter of moral and pragmatic necessity,” said President Obama
He challenged governments that use short term economic achievements and stability to trample on human rights or defer democratic changes:
“In times of economic unease, there can also be an anxiety about human rights.  Today, as in past times of economic downturn, some put human rights aside for the promise of short term stability or the false notion that economic growth can come at the expense of freedom.  We see leaders abolishing term limits.  We see crackdowns on civil society.  We see corruption smothering entrepreneurship and good governance.  We see democratic reforms deferred indefinitely.”
According to President Obama, respecting human rights a black and white choice: being a friend or a foe of the United States of America:
“So we stand up for universal values because it’s the right thing to do.  But we also know from experience that those who defend these values for their people have been our closest friends and allies, while those who have denied those rights — whether terrorist groups or tyrannical governments — have chosen to be our adversaries.”

Finally, he asked countries, especially South Africa,  to support, like America, human rights activists, political opposition, and dissidents across the world.
“The world that America seeks is not one we can build on our own.  For human rights to reach those who suffer the boot of oppression, we need your voices to speak out.  In particular, I appeal to those nations who emerged from tyranny and inspired the world in the second half of the last century — from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to South America.  Don’t stand idly by, don’t be silent, when dissidents elsewhere are imprisoned and protesters are beaten.  Recall your own history.  Because part of the price of our own freedom is standing up for the freedom of others.”
According to observers, the remarks may have  been especially directed against African dictators, including  presidents or prime ministers of Rwanda, Uganda, Erythrea,  and Ethiopia not long ago labelled by US Administration “the new breed of African leaders,” but who have come recently under harsh criticism from the media, human rights organization, the United Nations,  and Western governments for  stifling democracy, repression against the opposition and those suspected of dissent, grave violations of human rights, and, in the case of the Rwandan dictator Paul Kagame, of genocide against the Hutu majority ethnic group.
The fact that President Obama encourages countries, such as South Africa to support opposition, dissenters,  and human rights activists marks a turning point in how the United States of America will approach human rights, good governance and democracy in Africa. South Africa has given asylum to Rwandan opposition leaders and recently broke diplomatic relations with Rwanda over assassination attempt on former Rwandan General Kayumba Nyamwasa.

©AfroAmerica Network.  All rights reserved. 2010

Durban, South Africa.

As the Spanish  judiciary, after the nod from the Spanish Cabinet on Friday September 17, 2010,  is formally  seeking the extradition to Spain of the former Rwandan General Faustin Nyamwasa, the South African Police has confirmed today that  foreign operatives failed a second assassination attempt on him while in a Johannesburg hospital. General Kayumba Nyamwasa  had been a victim of the first  assassination attempt on June 19, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa where he has sought exile (see our article here ).

After the first assassination attempt, the  South African Government pointed a finger to intelligence operatives from Rwanda as responsible for the failed assassination. The accusation led to a strain in the two governments relations. The South African Government eventually recalled its Ambassador to Rwanda (see our article here   and here).

According to South African  State prosecutor Malose Samuel Monene, it was when General Nyamwasa was recuperating from gun wounds that one of the Rwandan operatives, Pascal Kanyandekwe, sought to strangle him.
In the total ten suspects, mostly from Rwanda, are held in South African prisons, accused of conspiracy to assassinate  General Kayumba Nyamwasa. Another suspect, Francis Gakwere, fled to Rwanda while on a temporary release pending police investigations (see our articles on Gakwerere here).

The South African government, through the spokesman Tlali Tlali,  said today that South Africa has received Spain Government’s official request for extradition. General Kayumba Nyamwasa is accused of war crimes, including the assassination of Spanish missionaries and genocide against Hutu ethnics in the Democratic republic of the Congo.
The Rwandan Government is also seeking his extradition, accusing him of terrorism and seeking to overthrow the government of the Rwandan dictator Paul Kagame.   On August 20, 2010, Rwandan security services arrested
the brother of General Kayumba Nyamwasa,  Lt Colonel  Steven Ngabo Rugigana. His whereabouts remain unknown to date.
On Monday  September 6, 2010 General Kayumba Nyamwasa, Major Dr. Theogene Rudasingwa, Gerard Gahima and Colonel Patrick Karegeya, all founding members of the ruling party Rwandan Patriotic Front, published a memorandum in which they accuse the Rwandan  dictator Paul Kagame of repression, corruption, and ethnic discrimination against the Hutu majority (see related articles).

©AfroAmerica Network, 2010

In the remarks by President Barack Obama at the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Summit at the United Nations in  New York today Sep 22, 2010 (here), US President Barack Obama has renewed the commitment of the US Government to work with governments from developping countries that respect human rights, promote good governance,  are accountable to their people, and move from authoritarian regime to peace and justice. He especially praised Tanzania for good governance and democracy, Liberia and Sudan for transition to peace, Sierra Leone for entrepreneurship.

According to observers, the remarks may have  been particularly directed against the Rwandan Dictator Paul Kagame, the co-chair of the UN MDG initiative,  whose regime is accused of stifling democracy, repression against the opposition and those suspected of dissent, grave violations of human rights, and genocide against the Hutu majority ethnic group.

Repeating his consistent position  that building democratic institutions is  a prerequisite for development, President Obama said: “We know that countries are more likely to prosper when they encourage entrepreneurship; when they invest in their infrastructure; when they expand trade and welcome investment. So we will partner with countries like Sierra Leone to create business environments that are attractive to investment, that don’t scare it away. We’ll work to break down barriers to regional trade and urge nations to open their markets to developing countries. We will keep pushing for a Doha Round that is ambitious and balanced – one that works not just for major emerging economies, but for all economies.

We also know that countries are more likely to prosper when governments are accountable to their people. So we are leading a global effort to combat corruption, which in many places is the single greatest barrier to prosperity, and which is a profound violation of human rights. That’s why we now require oil, gas and mining companies that raise capital in the United States to disclose all payments they make to foreign governments. And it’s why I urged the G20 to put corruption on its agenda and make it harder for corrupt officials to steal from their own people and stifle their nation’s development.

The United States will focus our development efforts on countries like Tanzania that promote good governance and democracy; the rule of law and equal administration of justice; transparent institutions with strong civil societies; and respect for human rights. Because over the long run, democracy and economic growth go hand in hand.

We will reach out to countries making transitions from authoritarianism to democracy, and from war to peace. The people of Liberia, for example, show that even after years of war, great progress can be achieved. And as others show the courage to put war behind them – including, we hope, in Sudan – the United States will stand with those who seek to build and sustain peace.”

We also know that countries are more likely to prosper when they tap the talents of all their people. And that’s why we’re investing in the health, education and rights of women, and working to empower the next generation of women entrepreneurs and leaders. Because when mothers and daughters have access to opportunity, that’s when economies grow, that’s when governance improves.
Already on Friday August 13, 2010, the US National Security Council spokesperson  Mike Hammer  expressed Washington’s deep concerns about the “disturbing events” that happened in the period leading to Rwandan August 9, 2010 presidential  elections (see our article on the elections by clicking here):

“We remain concerned, however, about a series of disturbing events prior to the election, including the suspension of two newspapers, the expulsion of a human rights researcher, the barring of two opposition parties from taking part in the election, and the arrest of journalists,” Mr Hammer said.
Instead of congratulating the winner, Paul Kagame,  he let in known the displeasure of the US Government:

“We have expressed our concerns to the government of Rwanda, and we hope the leadership will take steps toward more democratic governance, increased respect for minority and opposition views, and continued peace.”
©AfroAmerica Network, 2010

New York, Sep 20, 2010- Spanish activists led by the Spanish Senator  from the Balearic Islands,  Pere Sampol, along with the President of Fundacion S’Olivar, Juan Carrero, demonstrated in New York City,  outside the UN headquarters on Monday September 20, 2010.

The demonstrators, including Spanish,  Americans, Congolese, and Rwandans, blamed the UN for seeking to launder the image of the Rwandan dictator General Paul Kagame and asked the UN Secretary General to revoke  the appointment of Paul Kagame  as the co-chair of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

“We must remember that the Spanish High Court has accused  Paul Kagame of crimes of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, terrorism, looting and the murder of nine Spanish citizens as well as the assassination of  Rwandan and Burundian Hutu presidents, “  Pere Sampol told the media.

“It is ludicrous that a person indicted by France and Spain for crimes of genocide, among many others, has been appointed to lead the United Nations initiative to fight poverty. This is an attempt by the UN leaders to use the institution of the UN to  launder the image of  the worse dictator and criminal ” Sampol added.

The Balearic Senator Pere Sampol was participated vocal against the UN Secretary General,  Ban Ki-Moon, accusing him of  “trying to censor the  [UN Human Rights] report that gives detailed accounts of  the crimes of genocide committed by Kagame in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

“We want UN Secretary General Ban HKi-Moon to revoke the Chairmanship of Kagame and, instead,  bring him to cooperate with the international justice, including  the Spanish judiciary system.”

©AfroAmerica Network, 2010

New York, September 17, 2010

AfroAmerica Network has learned French President Sarkozy plan to reshuffle their government after the UN Assembly General to be held in New York City next week.

The reshuffle will particularly see the controversial current French Foreign Affairs Minister, Bernard Kushner go.  Bernard Kushner has been particularly targeted byt French  military generals and intelligence services for his role in promoting the interests of his friend, the Rwandan Dictator Paul Kagame to the detriment of French interests in the region. However, the proponents of Bernard Kushner argue that he was instrumental in reestablishing the diplomatic relations with Rwanda, after few years of enmity.

Even this may not be to Kushner’s credit. AfroAmerica Network has learned that when diplomatic relations were severed in November 2006, France maintained active intelligence operatives in the region. Rwanda intelligences were able to infiltrate them and who they were and were located. Then, in 2009 Major Rose Kabuye, the Rwandan Chief of  State Protocol and a close aid to the Rwandan Dictator Paul Kagame was arrested in Germany and extradited to France to face accusations of terrorism and shooting down the plane of Rwandan and Burundian Presidents Juvenal Habyarimana and Cyprien Ntaryamira. Shortly after, Rwandan security services arrested and kidnapped three French Intelligence operatives in Kigali and Bujumbura.

The French government tasked Bernard Kushner to secure the release of the French operatives using his personal relations with Pau Kagame. Paul Kagame gave two conditions: drop all charges against him and his closest aids including Major Rose Kabuye and the resumption of diplomatic relations.  After lengthy negotiations, France accepted to release Major Rose Kabuye, start from scratch  the investigations into the shooting down of President Habyarimana’s plane and resume the diplomatic relations.

As a counterpart, Rwanda released thee French intelligence operatives.

©AfroAmerica Network, 2010

Durban, South Africa, September 17,  2010.

Rwandan and Congolese Mai-Mai rebels have released South African soldiers captured two weeks ago. In the preparation of a major military offensive against rebels in Walikale and Pinga in North-Kivu province of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa Airforce troops operating within the MONUSCO were infiltrated  in Kilembe,  Pinga region by error. They found themselves surrounded by the Rwandan and Congolese Mai-Mai rebels after they were abandoned two weeks ago by Russian helicopter crews in the jungle of the DRC.

The platoon of more than two dozen South African soldiers was captured by Rwandan and Congolese Mai-Mai rebels. After disarming them, the rebels treated them well, allowing them to contact the MONUSCO headquarters and to eventually arrange for a pick-up.  It is in the same area that, a few weeks ago,  Mai-Mai and angry mob of Congolese peasants  allegedly  killed two Indian MONUSCO peacekeepers.

To rescue the South African lost peacekeepers, MONUSCO sent  two South African Airforce Oryx helicopters. The rebels returned the weapons ang ammunitions to them before releasing them.

©AfroAmerica Network, 2010

Photo: Michele Bachelet

The Woman who will lead the recently created United Nations Women Agency (UN Women)  was appointed today. As predicted by AfroAmerica Network on July 2, 2010 (see our article “UN WOMEN BORN” ), Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile came ahead defeating several candidates. The candidates that had been put forward came from at least eight countries from the South, including Tunisia, Chile, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, Malaysia.
In the recent days, the Rwandan Government had pushed hard and engaged powerful lobby groups to propel the Rwandan Foreign Minister, Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo at the top of the list.  During the meeting between Rwandan Dictator General Paul Kagame and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in Spain in July 2010, Ms. Mushikiwabo’s candidacy was on the agenda, but was not discussed for two reasons: the damning UN Human Rights Report accusing Tutsi extremists leading Rwanda of genocide against Rwandan and Congolese Hutus, and the decision by Spanish Government President Zapatero to shun General Paul Kagame (see our articles “Paul Kagame shunned by Spanish President Zapatero here, “IS MDG STILLBORN here” and “UN Accuses PAUL Kagame and His Army of  Genocide” here).
Chile former President Michele Bachelet, supported by both France and the United States has been the leading candidate after the elimination of candidates from the West, especially after the UNICEF position she wanted was given to the former  US White House Special Envoy William Anthony Kirsopp Lake, aka Tony Lake in March 2010.
The failure of Rwanda to secure the position for Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo is a major blow, as Paul Kagame had sought to get rid of her, for her self-styled, sometimes undiplomatic approach to major global and bilateral issues.  She is ofter accused of being respinsible for the deterioration in the relations with major international players especially South Africa over the attempt assassination of Rwandan exiled General Kayumba Nyamwasa,  United Kingdom over the banning of BBC to broadcast in Rwanda, and the US over the abusive imprisonment of the US Lawyer Peter Erlinder (see our article “Rwandan Foreign Affairs Mushikiwabo on the Way Out?” of  July 10, 2010).
UN Women, created  in July 2010 after four years of the usual politicking, wrangling and intrigues  characteristic of the UN, has merged four UN agencies and offices: the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW), the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues, and the UN International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (UN-INSTRAW).

Speaking to the media to announce the appointment of Ms. Michelle Bachelet, UN Secretary General  Ban Ki-Moon said:  “UN Women will promote the interests of women and girls across the globe, Ms. Bachelet brings to this critical position a history of dynamic global leadership, highly honed political skills and uncommon ability to create consensus and focus among UN agencies and many partners in both the public and private sector. I’m confident that under her strong leadership we can improve the lives of millions of women and girls throughout the world.”

©Copyright AfroAmerica Network, 2010

©AfroAmerica Network, 2010 All Rights Reserved

Photo: Canadian MP Francine Lalonde

The Canadian influent caucus of members of parliaments (MPs) from Quebec has asked the Canadian Federal government to put pressure on Rwandan Dictator Paul Kagame to respect Human Rights and on the UN Secretary General to publish the UN Human Rights Report on the Democratic Republic of Congo. The UN Human Rights Report on the DRC, also known as “DRC Mapping   Exercise- Mapping of the most serious human rights and international humanitarian law violations committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 1993 and 2003,” affirms that the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) led by the Rwandan extremists Tutsi minority conducted a campaign of systematic massacres against civilian Rwandan refugees and congolese from the ethnic Hutu majority; crimes amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity  and, from the overwhelming evidences, to genocide.

Already in April 2010 there was a heated debated in the Canadian Parliament regarding the appalling human rights violations in Rwanda, with the MP asking the government to take action against the Rwanda government. Here is the extract of the exchange:

Question: MP:  Francine Lalonde (Quebec Caucus – La Pointe-de-l’Île, QC) : Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, we were astounded to learn that Victoire Ingabire, who is running in the presidential election scheduled for August, was being held arbitrarily in Rwanda. Despite police harassment, she was trying to get recognition for her party, the FDU, which was founded in exile. More and more, the Rwandan authorities are acting in an authoritarian rather than a democratic way. Canada cannot stand idly by once again.Will the Minister of Foreign Affairs take advantage of the Governor General’s trip to Rwanda to strongly protest this arbitrary detention?

Answer: Deepak Obhrai Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs:  Mr. Speaker, the visit of the Governor General to Rwanda was a highly successful visit. We will continue monitoring the events in Rwanda as they move forward, and we will get back to the member with more information on that issue.

Question: Johanne Deschamps (Laurentides—Labelle, QC):
Mr. Speaker, Victoire Ingabire is unjustly accused of downplaying the 1994 genocide. This charge is possible under a so-called “genocide ideology” law, a vague and ambiguous statute that makes certain forms of freedom of speech offences, according to Amnesty International.
In view of the recent disturbing abuses by the Rwandan authorities, will the government take action by protesting the arbitrary arrests and demanding that freedom of speech be protected?
Deepak Obhrai Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr. Speaker, as I have just mentioned, we will continue monitoring this case and if it requires intervention, the Government of Canada will intervene. I wish to state again that Canada and Rwanda have a very good relationship and the visit of the Governor General to Rwanda was highly successful.
Below is the letter from the Canadian MPS, in French:

BLOC QUÉBÉCOIS EST INQUIET DE L’ÉTAT DE LA DÉMOCRATIE AU RWANDA

Ottawa, jeudi 2 septembre 2010 – La porte-parole du Bloc Québécois en matière d’affaires étrangères et députée de La Pointe-de-l’Île, Francine Lalonde, a fait part au ministre fédéral des Affaires étrangères, Lawrence Cannon, de ses vives inquiétudes concernant le respect des droits de l’homme et de la démocratie au Rwanda. La députée du Bloc Québécois a demandé en outre au ministre de tout mettre en oeuvre afin que le gouvernement de Paul Kagamé réexamine ses lois sur l’idéologie du génocide et le sectarisme à la lumière du rapport d’Amnistie internationale et qu’il permette au Haut-Commissariat aux droits de l’homme de l’ONU de présenter son rapport final sur les crimes et exactions commis en République démocratique du Congo (RDC).

« L’honorable Lawrence Cannon,
Ministre des Affaires étrangères,
Chambre des communes,
Ottawa

Monsieur le Ministre,

La situation postélectorale au Rwanda est hautement préoccupante pour l’avenir des droits et de la démocratie dans ce pays. Malgré l’élection du 9 août 2010, le Rwanda est sous observation et en accusation.
Alors que le président rwandais, Paul Kagamé, a été réélu le 9 août avec 93,2 % des votes, la publication par le journal Le Monde du 27 août d’« une version quasi définitive » d’un rapport du Haut-Commissariat aux droits de l’homme (HCDH) de l’ONU vient questionner la nature de l’ordre strict maintenu par une main de fer au Rwanda, de même que la responsabilité du Rwanda dans les événements dramatiques qui se sont passés en RDC voisin depuis 1993.
« Redoutée par les principaux acteurs régionaux de l’interminable drame humain dans la région des Grands Lacs, la radiographie sans précédent des crimes jalonnant dix ans de guerre en République démocratique du Congo (RDC, ex-Zaïre) que vient d’établir le Haut-Commissariat des Nations unies aux droits de l’homme (HCDH) est accablante, principalement pour le Rwanda voisin ».

Ainsi commence l’article du Monde avant de conclure « La compilation des rapports existants et la collecte de nouveaux témoignages menée par le HCDH fournissent une base pour des poursuites judiciaires à venir contre les auteurs de ce que le HCDH qualifie de “crimes contre l’humanité, crimes de guerre, voire de génocide”». Et Le Monde ajoute : « Le Rwanda ne s’y est pas trompé. Depuis des semaines, Kigali déploie ses réseaux et son énergie pour tenter d’étouffer ce rapport qui risque d’atteindre le coeur du régime du président Paul Kagamé, l’homme fort du Rwanda depuis 1994. »
Même si le Rwanda a réélu son président Paul Kagamé avec un pourcentage qui rappelle les belles années du régime soviétique et malgré le succès économique du pays, des voix de plus en plus nombreuses se sont fait entendre pour souligner la dérive antidémocratique dans laquelle il s’enlise. Comme si ce n’était pas assez, Amnistie internationale vient de rendre publique, à la fin août, une étude sévère sur les conséquences effrayantes des lois rwandaises sur l’« idéologie du génocide » et le « sectarisme » intitulée Rwanda : il est plus prudent de garder le silence.

« Prohiber le discours haineux est un objectif légitime, mais l’approche retenue par les autorités rwandaises viole le droit international relatif aux droits humains. Les dispositions législatives réprimant l’”idéologie du génocide” et le “divisionnisme”, relevant des lois sur le “sectarisme”, rédigées en termes vagues et ayant une large portée et qui érigent en infraction l’expression orale ou écrite protégée par des traités internationaux, sont contraires aux obligations régionales et internationales du Rwanda en matière de droits humains ainsi qu’à ses engagements en faveur de la liberté d’expression. La formulation vague de ces lois est délibérément utilisée pour violer les droits humains. »

C’est pourquoi, s’appuyant sur les déclarations de l’ONU, de l’Union Européenne, des États-Unis, de l’Espagne, de la France, sans ignorer celles de Human Rights Watch et d’Amnistie internationale, je me suis inquiétée des conditions ayant régné au Rwanda jusqu’aux élections présidentielles du 9 août dernier causant la détérioration continue de la liberté de presse, de la liberté d’expression et d’opinion, de la liberté d’association ou de réunion expliquant l’intimidation constante dont ont été victimes les membres de partis d’opposition rwandais y compris l’avocat Peter Erlinder, citoyen américain qui a été emprisonné après s’être rendu à Kigali pour prendre la défense de Victoire Ingabire, rwandaise revenue des Pays-Bas, à la tête d’un parti d’opposition, pour se présenter à la présidence du pays et offrir aux citoyens une alternative. Elle n’a jamais pu le faire, victime, comme d’autres, d’un harcèlement qu’on ne trouve pas dans un pays démocratique.

Ainsi, malgré les nombreuses pressions internationales et, comme l’ont déploré les observateurs du Commonwealth, les élections rwandaises se sont tenues avec « un manque de voix critiques ». Tant vous, Monsieur le Ministre, que le National Security Council des États-Unis, ont noté que des « évènements troublants » avaient marqué ces élections : la suspension d’une trentaine de médias, les arrestations de candidats d’opposition et de journalistes, l’assassinat d’un membre de l’opposition, le vice-président du parti Vert, André Kagwa Rwisereka et l’assassinat du rédacteur en chef adjoint d’Umuvugizi, Jean-Leonard Rumbambage, pour ne nommer que ces évènements.

Pour moi, la situation postélectorale n’augurerait rien de bon si ce n’était des rapports de l’ONU et d’Amnistie internationale qui peuvent donner une prise à la démocratie. Plusieurs membres de partis de l’opposition demeurent en prison et d’autres sont en liberté provisoire en attente de leur procès. Ainsi, par exemple, Bernard Ntaganda, président et fondateur du parti Social-Imberakuri est toujours détenu en prison depuis le 24 juin. Quant à Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, la présidente du parti FDU-Inkingi, elle est maintenue en résidence surveillée, son passeport confisqué, elle ne peut pas sortir du pays pour aller visiter sa famille aux Pays-Bas. L’interdiction de quitter le territoire est motivée par une enquête judiciaire ouverte notamment pour « négationnisme ». Et, toute la lumière doit être faite sur l’assassinat d’André Kagwa Rwisereka par le biais d’une enquête indépendante et transparente.

Face à ces constats et sachant que votre gouvernement est un des gouvernements qui a appuyé Paul Kagamé, je vous exhorte à tout mettre en oeuvre, de concert avec vos homologues de la communauté internationale, afin que le gouvernement de Paul Kagamé réexamine ses lois sur l’idéologie du génocide et le sectarisme à la lumière du rapport d’Amnistie internationale et qu’il permette au Haut-Commissariat aux droits de l’homme de l’ONU de présenter son rapport final, transparent et indépendant sur les crimes et exactions commis en RDC.

Sachant que vous accorderez à la présente toute l’attention qu’elle mérite, je vous prie de recevoir, Monsieur le Ministre, l’expression de mes sentiments distingués.

Francine Lalonde,
Députée de La Pointe-de-l’Île
Porte-parole du Bloc Québécois en matière d’affaires étrangères »

– 30 –

Renseignements : Isabelle Monette, attachée de presse
Aile parlementaire du Bloc Québécois
Tél. : 613 947-2495
Cell. : 613 296-1041
www.blocquebecois.org

AfroAmerica Network has obtained a briefing report  given to the UN Security Council on September 7, 2010 by the UN Deputy Head of the U.N. Department of Peacekeeping  Operations ,  Mr. Atul Khare (see the report here). The briefing follows the trip in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to investigate the mass rapes of Congolese women in Walikale area.

In the report Atul Khare accuses the Rwandan Hutu  rebels of the Democratic  Liberation Forces of  Rwanda (FDLR) and the congolese Mai-Mai Cheka of being responsible for  raping more than 500  women and  men, including minors. The report particularly singles out a FDLR unit under the command of Colonel Seraphin and Mai-Mai Cheka commanded by Colonel Mayele.

Curiously Mr. Atul Khare’s briefing outlines several elements that may contradict his findings or at least cast a doubt on the findings of the report:
He said he talked only to FARDC senior operational officers, apart from the Government officials, but never to the Mai-Mai Cheka or FDLR commanders or officers. What else could he expect?
The victims seem not to confirm who, among the FARDC on the one side and the Mai-Mai Cheka and FDLR,  are responsible for the rapes. They instead  state that they have been in peaceful contact with FDLR before and the Mai-Mai Cheka who hail from the region
Most of the reported rapes and looting happened following attacks by the FARDC troops, not before;
FARDC, FDLR, and Mai-Mai all wear the same uniforms.

AfroAmerica Network has also received  information from people on the ground in the Kivu including congolese and members of NGO that challenge the allegations contained in the briefing by Mr. Atul Khare.

In fact they all confirm that the crimes of massive rapes and looting were committed by FARDC, especially the 112th and 111th brigades composed of former CNDP troops.

Here is the version of the facts as reported to AfroAmerica Network:

On 18 July  2010, a coalition of FDLR and Mai-Mai Cheka attacked the 112 the brigade of FARDC in Kibua  killed several FARDC troops  including a major and other officers and destroyed the headquarter;

On 25 July 2010, the 112th brigade of FARDC was reinforced by the 111th brigade FARDC and launched a counter attack, forcing the FDLR  and Mai-Mai  Cheka to abandon their positions.  They FARDC managed to capture the areas of Pinga, Kibua, and Mpofi. However, given that their headquarters and bivouacs were burned to ground in the preceding week,  they occupied the homes of the villagers and forced the adult males out, alleging security concerns. Once the male were out of the villages, the FARDC troops of the 112th and 111th brigades sealed the villages, creating a security cordon around the occupied areas;

From 25 July 2010 to August 5, 2010, the FARDC troops of the 111th and 112th brigades  occupying the homes in the villages raped the women  who had stayed in these villages after the adult and teenage males  were out;
On August 5, 2010 the villagers who managed to pass through the security cordon alerted MONUSCO and NGOs.
After learning that MONUSCO  and NGO were alerted, the FARDC commanders also reported the rapes but accused the FDLR, and later the FDLR and Mai-Mai Cheka.

During the briefing, Mr. Atul Khare recommended sanctions against the perpetrators of the mass rapes. The US also said they will push for the sanctions. U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice told reporters after the meeting:
“From the U.S. point of view, we will take up the mantle of leadership… in ensuring that the perpetrators of the violence are held accountable, including through our efforts in the sanctions committee — to add them to the list that exists and to ensure that they are sanctioned,”

Mr. Atul Khare recommended the “ imposition of targeted sanctions  on the leaders of FDLR both within and without the country, if a chain of command is proven.”
There is no doubt that perpetrators must be found,  brought to justice and pusnished accordingly. The question is: why the rush to blame FDLR when most of the facts point to FARDC, especially the 111th and 112th brogades composed of former CNDP led by General Bosc Ntaganda, an alleged war criminal and responsible for  systematic similar and worst crimes in the past?

©AfroAmerica Network, 2010