STRATEGY 13: Progressive Foreign Policy Based on Common Values and
Interests, Adherence to International Law, and Mutual Respect Between
States
Rwanda has a deplorable record of relations with the
international community, in general, and its neighboring states, in
particular. The Rwandan state has fueled endless and deadly conflict in
the Democratic Republic of Congo and has engaged in premeditated schemes
to destabilize other states in the region. President Kagame‟s arrogant
and often predatory approach to relations with Rwanda‟s neighours has
undermined the efforts of the international community to bring peace and
stability to the Great Lakes region.
Rwanda‟s policies towards
its neighbours have also antagonized governments of the region and
generated bitter hatred against people of Rwandese descent in some
countries. Rwanda owes its disproportionate blame in the Great Lakes
region to efforts on the part of the international community to contain
Rwanda‟s aggressive posture and to dissuade Rwanda from continuing its
role of a “spoiler,” ever eager to undermine regional peace, especially
in the DRC. Rwanda‟s relations with states farther afield lack a
principled basis. Its relationship with the West, for example, has been
built on the foundation of exploiting the West‟s guilt over its failures
in relation to the 1994 genocide.
Rwanda‟s policies and
actions undermine peace and security in the Great Lakes region, as
various United Nations reports, including the recent report on mapping
of human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo have
demonstrated. Rwanda‟s utter disregard for international law and the
sovereignty of other states, its direct aggression towards neighboring
states, its sponsorship of proxy groups to wage war against legitimate
governments, and President Kagame‟s gratuitous arrogance towards the
leaders and peoples of nations in the Great Lakes region fuel
instability, conflict and immense suffering in the region. Rwanda‟s
policies towards neighboring states are also a very significant
hindrance to regional economic cooperation, as well as Rwanda‟s own
security and development needs. As a result of Rwanda‟s foreign
policies, Rwanda is deeply isolated in the region and its relations with
major development partners continue to deteriorate.
Rwanda‟s
prospects for long-term stability, peace and economic prosperity require
an urgent review of the foundations of its relations with the
international community. Rwanda‟s security and development is best
served by peace and stability and good relations with its neighbors.
Rwanda‟s image as a predatory and aggressive rogue state is detrimental
to the long-term interests of nations in the Great Lakes region.
The Rwanda National Congress will endeavor to promote reconciliation
and harmonious relations with neighboring states – based on mutual
respect and respect of the sovereignty of other states – and peace in
the Great Lakes region. The RNC will seek to strengthen regional
organizations in which Rwanda is a member and to enhance Rwanda‟s
positive contributions to promoting regional peace and advancing
economic and cultural cooperation between Rwanda and her neighbors. The
RNC will support the establishment of relations with the wider
international community based on shared values and interests, rather
than exploitation of the guilt over the failures of other nations with
regard to the 1994 genocide.
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