Africa Great Lakes Democracy Watch



Welcome to
Africa Great Lakes Democracy Watch Blog. Our objective is to promote the institutions of democracy,social justice,Human Rights,Peace, Freedom of Expression, and Respect to humanity in Rwanda,Uganda,DR Congo, Burundi,Sudan, Tanzania, Kenya,Ethiopia, and Somalia. We strongly believe that Africa will develop if only our presidents stop being rulers of men and become leaders of citizens. We support Breaking the Silence Campaign for DR Congo since we believe the democracy in Rwanda means peace in DRC. Follow this link to learn more about the origin of the war in both Rwanda and DR Congo:http://www.rwandadocumentsproject.net/gsdl/cgi-bin/library


Friday, September 10, 2010

Victoire Ingabire: The struggle for Democracy Continues

Mrs Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza
Mrs Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza
Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, the Chairperson of the yet to be registered United Democratic Forces Party in Rwanda issues a closing statement on the electoral period in her country. The main real opposition leader, Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza who is still under house arrest since May 2010, was not able to register her party and file a presidential candidate due to pending investigations on “genocidal ideology” and association with “terrorist groups” allegations. She denies all charges. Her supporters want to call her the “Female Mandela” but Rwandan Government and the ruling RPF Party label her a “revisionist”. In her own words, “the journey is still long but don’t lose heart for the future holds better opportunities for each one of us”.
Fellow countrymen, Fellow Rwandans
Elections are over. As you are all aware, elections were marred by gross violations of human rights. Some people were killed others thrown in jail. Those who do not toe the government line were harassed and tortured and the situation has not changed.
Rwandans were not given the opportunity to make a choice between different political programmes and to elect a leader that meets their aspirations. The regime put in place, legal and administrative barriers to ensure that there is no possible challenge. They are determined to hang on power by teeth, hook or crook. They thwarted our attempt to register our political party. Good governance is never a one-man’s rule. It is a system of government of the people, by and for the people and not a travesty imposed by those in power.
The electoral process, including the preparations and the conduct of elections confirmed the founded concerns of FDU INKINGI that the regime was determined to deprive people of their right to get a government of their choice.
It is common knowledge that people are anxious and full of fear and are longing for genuine unity and reconciliation that was long promised to them.
The FDU INKINGI remain committed to pursue, with non violent means, the political struggle until all forms of injustice are uprooted and a genuine democratic system of government underpinned by the rule of law and the respect of human rights is a reality in Rwanda.
Fellow countrymen.
We all know that human rights are not given on a silver plate but fought for.
As I have said before you must do away with fear and fight for a system of government that respects the rights and freedoms of its citizens where people live in harmony, mutual respect and in peace. We must eradicate the habit of oppressing those who hold different views from us. Our different political ideas, ethnic and religious backgrounds should not be a reason to prevent Rwandans to work hand in hand for the best interests of our country and its people. Current Politics based on lies and intrigue cannot augur well for our country to move forward in peace and economic development.
We must always remember that Rwanda is our common motherland. The history will judge us kindly if we work hard to ensure the next generation enjoys a good legacy of unity, respect of human rights, rule of law and genuine reconciliation.
This objective is a duty of all Rwandans. Do not loose hope. The dawn of a new day is pointing in the horizon. Fighting for democracy and freedoms is a task. The cause is worth the unavoidable subsequent sacrifices. Stand up, drop your chains of fear, and and join us in the common endeavour to struggle for democracy. Yes, there will be days for every Rwandan to walk upright and confident to speak out freely without fear of being harassed, killed or arrested for holding views that are different from those in power. The journey is still long but don’t lose heart for the future holds better opportunities for each one of us.
GOD BLESS YOU AND BLESS RWANDA, OUR MOTHERLAND.THANK YOU.
Kigali August 18, 2010
Ms. Victoire INGABIRE UMUHOZA
Chair, FDU-Inkingi
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