RWANDA:RNC Condemns Attacks on Paul Rusesabagina by Kagame Regime

Adapted from the Edition and submition by: Jennifer Fierberg, MSW Salem-News.com

The RNC calls upon the Kagame regime to lay off Rwandans who have a different opinion than its own...

Paul Rusesabagina of 'Hotel Rwanda'

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - From the moment the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights announced that Paul Ruseabagina was the choice for the 2011 Lantos Human Rights Award for his role in sheltering Rwandans at Mille Collines Hotel in 1994, Kagame’s regime immediately came out with attacks against him in hopes the award would be withdrawn.

In keeping with its trademark tradition of savaging its opponents, the Kagame regime outed its full arsenal of dirty attacks: using co-opted newspapers to hurl false accusations against him and spew hatred on him, directing associations of those who survived by finding shelter in that same hotel to smear him with lies and slander him, flooding the Lantos organization with written demands that it cancel the award, etc.

The RNC vigorously condemns these despicable attacks the Kagame regime continues to launch against its opponents. These attacks clearly defeat and unmask the sugar-coated rhetoric of the regime that it is serious in pursuing reconciliation among Rwandans and self-esteem.

As a reminder, President Kagame and his senior advisors are on record praising Paul Rusesabagina’s actions after previewing the movie Hotel Rwanda that featured Paul’s heroic feat which continues to receive worldwide acclaim. Attacks against Rusesabagina did not start until he publicly criticized the killings and other gross violations by the Kagame regime.

The RNC calls upon the Kagame regime to lay off Rwandans who have a different opinion than its own, and to allow them to fully enjoy their freedoms, including receiving awards they deserve. Instead, it is President Kagame and his wife the First Lady of Rwanda who must stop their terrible wasteful spending of Rwandan taxpayers’ money by staging self-promoting events and heavy lobbying for undeserved awards and prizes.

The RNC would like to thank the Lantos Foundation for showing concern about peace in Rwanda and reconciliation among Rwandans by recognizing Paul Rusesabagina’s life-saving and heroic action during a time of extreme danger.

Done in Washington, DC on November 8, 2011

Dr. Theogene RUDASINGWA
RNC Interim Coordinator

Rwanda: Opposition gains momentum as two major parties endorse collaboration

Rwanda: Opposition gains momentum as two major parties endorse collaboration

The tiny east African nation’s political landscape and international brand will never be the same after two prominent opposition parties; the newly formed Rwanda National Congress (RNC) and The United Democratic Forces, agreed to work together for a peaceful change in Rwanda, reports 

Formed only six weeks ago in Maryland, US; RNC is the brain child of exiled former senior government and military personalities, including Lt. Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa, Col. Patrick Karegeya, Major Dr Theogene Rudasingwa and Gerald Gahima.

Other faces behind the most prominent opposition group are Gervais Condo, Jerome Nayigiziki, Jonathan Musonera, Dr Emanuel Hakizimana, Joseph Ngarambe and Jean Paul Turayishimye.

Far from barking voices in western capitals that have been the face of Rwandan opposition, the country’s political terrain changed sharply in the run up to the August 2010 Presidential polls, with the emergence of local opposition parties; The PS Imberakuri, Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and later The UDF Inkingi.

But using coercive instruments of the state, President Kagame not only managed to bar the three parties from contesting against him but also threw the party leaders; Ingabire Victoire Umuhoza of the UDF Inkingi and Bernard Ntaganda of the PS Imberakuri, behind the bars.

But as hopes for democratic hopes initiated by these parties slowly dissipated, other stronger opposition groups are emerging; and are seemingly joining hands against a common enemy.

Following a meeting that was held in Brussels on 19 December 2010 , representatives of the Support Committee of FDU-Inkingi held a retreat with representatives of the RNC in Switzerland from 21 to 25 January 2011. According to a communiqué accessed by The Newsline, the purpose of the retreat was to hold consultations on the nature of the critical problems that confront the Rwanda nation today and exchanging ideas as to how the two organizations can harness their collective resources to find appropriate solution to these problems.

The retreat was attended by FDU’s first Vice president, Nkiko Nsengimana; Second Vice Chair Dr JB Mberabahizi, RNC’s Interim coordination Committee advisor Gervais Condo and Gerald Gahima; among others.

Among others, the two organizations re-concretized that the people of Rwanda deserve a democratic state, governed in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, respect of the inherent dignity of every citizen, equality and non-discrimination and promotion of reconciliation, solidarity and mutual respect amongst all Rwandans. They regretfully noted that successive governments that have ruled Rwanda since the 1959 Revolution have proclaimed, in their official documents and statements their commitment to the above principles and values, but the changes they brought about only resulted in change of the outward form, rather than the nature or character, of government.

The two opposition groups further observed that the current system of Rwanda’s government is characterised by dictatorship, discrimination and marginalisation, deception and deplorable conduct such as destruction of citizens property, illegal expropriation of private property, arbitrary arrests and detentions, depriving children of poor citizens of access to university education and forceful implementation of ill-conceived educational reforms without any public consultation.

Agreeing in totality that Rwanda is headed for a catastrophic tragedy unless the system of political governance in Rwanda changes; the two organisations outlined strategies that would avert the catastrophe, namely; fighting genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and other gross violations of human rights; establish a genuinely democratic system of government, based on plurality of political parties; establishing a system of independent and impartial administration of justice, eradicating impunity once and for all; preparing a national dialogue bringing together Rwandans of all backgrounds and political persuasions to discuss a peaceful future of Rwanda.

Other strategies include building a nation in which discrimination and marginalisation of any kind have no place, assuring every citizen access to equal opportunity; promoting gender equality; resolving the chronic problem of Rwandan refugees; promoting genuine reconciliation amongst Rwandan of all backgrounds and to repair the psychological wounds that the conflict Rwanda has experienced have left.

Among others, the two parties agreed to support political change in Rwanda by peaceful means; establish a common coordination mechanism to facilitate their collaboration in mobilising the people of Rwanda for democratic change and sensitise other organisations that are struggling for peaceful democratic change to join them in working together to promote that objective.

The participants reiterated their appreciation of the courage and sacrifice of incarcerated UDF leader, Victoire Ingabire, in the struggle for democracy in Rwanda, and demanded that President Kagame release her from detention without pre-conditions. The participants equally demanded that all other political prisoners, including Bernard Ntaganda, President of PS-Imberakuri; Déo Mushayidi (President, PDP Imanzi); Dr. Théoneste Niyitegeka and Charles Ntakirutinka.

The participants in the meeting deplore the manner in which the government continues to use judicial institutions to eliminate political dissent, criticism, and opposition, The participants, in particular, condemned the parody of justice conducted by the Rwanda Military High Court that led to its judgement of 14 January 2011 against General Kayumba Nyamwasa, Dr. Théogène Rudasingwa, Colonel Karegeya Patrick and Dr. Gerald Gahima, whose objective is to persecute and defame the said individuals on account of their political views.

Take charge of your destiny

Calling on foreign governments and international organizations to more strongly support democratic change in Rwanda, the participants in the meetings encouraged all Rwandans to rise, to overcome fear and understand that the struggle to liberate their motherland is their responsibility. Whether the Rwandans and the international community have the power and willingness to heed the call is another subject, and so is whether ‘peaceful change’ in Rwanda is really realistic or idealistic.

Didas Gasana

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GERARD GAHIMA blasts Kagame's RPF evil system in Louisville, KY, USA

By Robert Kayinamura
Democracy Human Rights 3rd Annual Memorial Service in Louisville, Kentucky,

USA for the Victims of Violence, War and Genocide in Africa

Photo: Louisville Slugger Field.
On Saturday April 9, 2011, around 100 Africans from Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC, and Sudan who have experienced untold violence in their home countries, came together in Louisville, Kentucky, for a memorial service led by Most Reverend Joseph Kurtz, the Archbishop of Louisville, to remember all those who have been killed in the last 2 decades of unending conflict and violence, and make a solemn appeal for peace in the whole region.

Also present were Gerald Gahima and Gervais Condo of the Rwanda National Congress (RNC), who made the trip from Washington to partake in this annual commemoration service, the third since 2009.

The Archbishop exhorted the congregants to pray for peace and exert all means necessary to collectively promote peace and unity, and shun violence and those who advocate it.

In a meeting that followed the service, members of the Rwandan and Burundian community were extensively briefed by Gahima and Condo about the progress the RNC has made since coming into existence last December, and its goal of joining hands with other Rwandans in the opposition to put an end to the RPF dictatorial regime in Kigali and bring about democracy, equitable justice and genuine reconciliation among Rwandans.

Gahima came out forcefully against what he calls a deeply flawed justice system in Rwanda, including the notorious Gacaca courts which he never believed in from the beginning, railed against the persecution, incarceration, demonization and killing of political opponents, condemned the killings of ethnic Hutus inside Rwanda and the DRC by the RPF army as documented by human rights groups, experts teams reports including the U.N. Mapping report, and blasted the insensitive, blind political exploitation of genocide memorial sites throughout Rwanda where bones and skulls of simple and unknown Rwandans are exposed while relatives of those in power are buried in dignity.

Gahima regretted not having left the RPF a lot sooner, and also regretted defending the RPF human rights record in international fora as he was blindsided by his position from atrocities being committed by the RPF army and by President Kagame and the powerful clique around him. However, Gahima vividly reminded all present that for there to be genuine reconciliation in Rwanda, Tutsis and Hutus must candidly accept the truth of the tragedy that took place in our country, and collectively move forward from there. He said that while Tutsis must accept that the RPF did kill Hutus in perhaps even bigger numbers than are made public, Hutus must also accept the reality that genocide did happen because “all those Tutsis who died did not kill themselves”.

He concluded by insisting that if Hutus and Tutsis come together as brothers and endeavor to build a common future, there is no doubt that they will defeat the RPF’s evil system put in place by President Paul Kagame. The movement for democracy has started and it will not be stopped.

Related Materials:
On The Legacy of Numerous Genocide Memorials in Rwanda


Theogene Rudasingwa "A Case For Humanity" posted by Mamadou Kouyate @ 12:51 AM

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RNC iragira inama abanyarwanda baba hanze kwibungabungira umutekano wabo

Dr. Théogène Rudasingwa

 Nk'uko mwamaze kubyibonera, Perezida Kagame yabuze ubutwari bwo kuganira n'abatavuga rumwe na we ahitamo kubatsembatsembera aho bamuhungiye. Ingero ni nyinshi kandi murazizi. Icyo tugambiriye ubu ni ukubabwira uko mukwiye kwitwara kugira ngo guhera none imigambi ye mibisha ntazongere kuyigeraho ngo ahekure u Rwanda aruvutsa abana barwo bahunze ubutegetsi bwe bw'igitugu.
Ni muri urwo rwego Ihuriro Nyarwanda (RNC) ribatangariza ibi bikurikira: 

Paul Kagame yataye umutwe kuva aho aboneye ko abanyarwanda biyemeje gufatanya kumurwanya batishishanya, batitaye ku macakubiri y'uburyo bwinshi yagendaga ababibamo, ashingiye ku moko, ku turere ndetse no ku karere buri wese yari arimo mbere ya 1994.Ibi kandi ntibyagarukiye mu basivili gusa, yanabisakaje mu nzego zose z'ubutegetsi n'iza gisirikare.

Nk'uko mubizi, intwaro y'amacakubiri n'amatiku ni yo yamuranze igihe cyose yabaga asumbirijwe. Ku batamuzi, aya matiku n'amacakubiri ni yo yamuranze kuva aciye akenge. Ayo matiku yaramuranze kuva ku rugamba no muri RPF nyirizina. Ageze mu Rwanda ingeso ntiyamurarana bushyitsi, ayakomereza muri MDR agamije kuyisenya anabigeraho. Ubu ayakomereje mu gusenya PS Imberakuri, Green Party, ubu arayabiba muri FDU ndetse n'iwacu muri RNC arashaka kutwanduranyaho. By'umwihariko muri iki gihe ntanatinya no kwinjira mu ngo z'abantu aho amaze gusenyera abantu benshi, ngo bice intege uwagerageza wese gufata umwanya wo gutekereza bihagije ku mibereho y'u Rwanda mu bihe bizaza bitarimo Kagame n'ubugome bwe.

Izo ntwaro rero azikoresha no mu banyarwanda bari hanze, abateranya, abazanamo inzangano zishingiye ku moko, ashyiraho udutsiko yise diaspora duheza bamwe, cyangwa se ahashinga ibyo yise amatorero byo gutoza urubyiruko ibikorwa by'ubugizi bwa nabi.

Mu banyarwanda bari hanze arahakwiza inzangano, agahitamo kwiyambaza interahamwe kabuhariwe ngo zizamufashe kwica abanyarwanda bahunze, ngo maze nizifatwa azitwaze ko ari interahamwe zisanzwe ari abicanyi, ko we ntaho bahuriye na zo.

Ni muri urwo rwego yahagurukije izisumbya izindi ubukana mu Bubiligi akazijyana mu Rwanda maze kubera ko yiyemeje kuzikoresha nk'ubutegetsi bwamubanjirije, ubwo yahuraga n'izo nterahamwe azakoresha mu bwicanyi, byabaye nk'amata abyaye amavuta.

Abanyarwanda rero muri hanze mwese mugomba kuzirikana ibi bikurikira: 

1.Paul Kagame n'agatsiko ke n'ubwo bashyize abaturage ku ngoyi mu Rwanda ntibari hejuru y'amategeko y'ibihugu murimo

2.Mugomba buri gihe gushyira ahagaragara umunyarwanda wese w'impunzi wirirwa kuri za embassies z'u Rwanda, kuko bene abo iyo atari abahunze ubusa, baba ari abatumwe kunekuzwa no guhimbira impunzi nyazo ibinyoma ndetse bakagera n'ubwo banazihohotera. Uwo muzi muri abo wisihinga muri embassy mujye mwihutira kumushyira ahagaragara niba afite ubuhunzi abwamburwe. Bene abo ngabo turibwira ko mubazi, mubashyire ahagaragara kuko uhishira umurozi akakumara ku rubyaro.

3.Mukwiye kwirinda guha agaciro amagambo asebanya abaryankuna ba Kagame bakwiragiza kuri za internet batuka abarwanya igitugu anigisha abaturage. Akenshi iryo harabika riba ritegura ihohoterwa ry'abantu baharabikwa, kandi ni ko Kagame akora iyo ashaka kwica abantu. Abanza kubategeza amashumi ye akabasebya, ababazi bakabishisha bakanabagendera kure.

4.Mu gihe mubona umuntu mukeka ko ashobora guhohotera abantu, mukwiye kubimenyesha ubuyobozi bw'igipolisi bubegereye. Kuko aho bishoboka hose twamenyesheje inzego zaho ko Kagame nta na hato atazagerageza gupfunda imitwe ngo ahohotere abantu nk'uko yabikoze muri Afrika y'epfo. Police nyinshi z'i Burayi zaramuvumbuye kandi ziryamiye amajanja. Muri America na Canada nabo bari maso. Nimuziyambaza zizabumva, birabasaba icyakora kuba mubifitiye ibimenyetso bihagije mudahubutse.

5.Kagame n'abicanyi be baramenyekanye kandi bafite ubwoba kuko ubutegetsi benda kubutakaza. Bityo basa n'abite
guye gukora ibishoboka byose ngo bahohotere abo bishisha. Buri wese muri mwe akwiye kwita mbere na mbere ku kazi kamutunze, mukwiye kwirinda ko babatesha igihe bababwira amateshwa avugwa iteka n'ubutegetsi budasigaje iminsi myinshi yo kubaho.

6.Mukwiye kwamaganira kure ibyo Kagame n'abicanyi be bise diaspora yo kubabarura ngo babace amafaranga mwavunikiye, bishyirire mu mifuka yabo abandi banyarwanda bagumye bicire isazi mu jisho. Muri iyo diaspora ni ho amanama y'ubugome ategurirwa. Byongeye, mugomba kurinda abana banyu ibikorwa by'abiyita intore. Kuko icyiswe itorero ari umutwe w'abagizi ba nabi udatandukanye n'interahamwe cyangwa indi mitwe yitwara gisirikare. Izo ntore ni zo zitoranywamo abajya kwigishwa gukoresha imbunda ngo bazagaruke guhohotera impunzi zahunze igitugu cya Kagame. Ntibazabashuke rero kuko ababiyoboka ubu, umunsi Kagame yavuyeho, kandi si kera, bazakurikiranwa nk'interahamwe zindi.

7.Abo Kagame akoresha imirimo y'ubugome na bo bashatse bazirikana ko nta mwana yabyaye ubarimo kandi nyamara afite abana be bwite yari akwiye kubishoramo. Ikindi mugomba kumenya ni uko nta nshuti Kagame agira. Kubera iyo mpamvu, abo biyemeje kuba ibikoresho by'ubugome, bihaye kuba nzamunambaho, bakaba bagomba kwitegura ko ejo nabarambirwa azabica cyangwa akabakenesha nkana. Ibyiza ni uko bafatanya n'abandi banyarwanda, bagakuraho ubutegetsi burenganya abaturage, bagashyiraho ububahuza bukanabubakira igihugu. Babikoze gutyo byazabafasha kuramba. Bafite akanya, bashatse bahitamo igikwiye.

Turangije tubizeza ko nta kizadusubiza inyuma mu guharanira ko umunyarwanda aho ava akagera asubirana agaciro k'umuntu wigenga mu bikorwa no mu bitekerezo. Turabizeza ko ibitutsi n'ibitotezo Kagame yagize intwaro ku barwanashyaka b'Ihuriro Nyarwanda ( RNC) bitadukanga, ni ko ubutegetsi bubuze amajyo bukora aho buva bukagera.

Tuzatsinda nta shiti.

Mugire u Rwanda

Dr. Theogene Rudasingwa 
Umuhuzabikorwa w'Agateganyo 
Ihuriro Nyarwanda (RNC)

Bethesda
Maryland
USA

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PRESS RELEASE IN RESPONSE TO REPORTS ON GRENADE ATTACKS IN KIGALI (RWANDA)

By Theogene Rudasingwa

On Wednesday March 2, 2011, the Rwandan intelligence-owned newspaper, The New Times, quoted SPT. Theos Badege, spokesperson, Rwanda National Police, as having said that “last night at about 2030 Hrs a grenade was hurled on a passenger minibus parked on Kimisagara Road, Nyakabanda sector in Nyarugenege District, Kigali City. Three suspects were arrested. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are linked to the criminal network of FDLR and the Kayumba Nyamwasa and Patrick Karegyeya renegade group”.
We condemn in the strongest terms possible, the heinous and cowardly acts of terror and murder visited on our people by groups involved in grenade attacks in Kigali and elsewhere in Rwanda. As individuals and as an organization, Rwanda National Congress (RNC), and as a matter of policy, we do not subscribe nor support acts of terror and violence. Furthermore, we refute and condemn the above-mentioned allegations made by SPT. Theos Badege, Rwanda police spokesperson. As we have said in the past, we reiterate that RNC and its founding members do not have any contacts with FDLR. As such, RNC does not work with this group or any other armed group operating in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or anywhere else.
It is President Paul Kagame and armed groups that have been involved in a vicious cycle of violence in Rwanda and plunder in the DRC. President Paul Kagame and elements in his command are particularly suspected to be the perpetrators of grenade attacks, through the Directorate of Military Intelligence, to terrorize the population. These grenade attacks have served the interests of President Paul Kagame because he has conveniently exploited these heinous acts to assassinate or incarcerate his critics on the basis of the grenade attacks. The grenade attacks have given him a perfect opportunity to purge and prosecute political opponents, including Mrs. Victoire Ingabire, Mr. Benard Ntaganda, Mr. Deo Mushaidi, Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa, Col. Patrick Karegeya, Dr. Theogene Rudasingwa, Dr. Gerald Gahima and Mr. Paul Rusesabagina. Each one of these has been accused of associating with FDLR, when it is clearly known that neither of them subscribes to the FDLR ideology, nor works with this group. The grenade attacks have served President Paul Kagame’s agenda of denying political space to the Rwandan people by employing fear to suppress attempts to exercise or claim fundamental rights of expression and association.
The Government of Rwanda has convinced the international community that FDLR is a genocidal and terrorist organization. FDLR is categorized as a terrorist organization by the United Nations Security Council and the US State Department. Surprisingly, the commanders and founders of FDLR, including Maj. Gen. Paul Rwarakabije and Maj. Gen. Jerome Ngendahimana are his close confidantes used to recruit disgraceful witnesses to testify against President Paul Kagame’s political victims in courts of law. It is ironical that such “genocidal commanders” become innocent simply because they have crossed the border and connived to give false evidence against innocent people. This is a classical case of cynicism and the international community should not be duped by President Paul Kagame’s deceit. According to the Rwandan Minister of Defence, General James Kabareebe, there are more FDLR in Rwanda than in the DRC. It is probable that the disgruntled FDLR elements integrated in the communities without a clear integration agenda could have continued their war inside the country.
According to information from Rwanda, the capital, Kigali, has heavy military and police deployment on every street and corner. Given this scenario, where do those throwing grenades come from? It is possible that members of the security apparatus are disillusioned with the brutal illegitimate government. The events in North Africa have exposed the proposition that security and stability are the hallmark of peace and tranquility at the expense of freedom and liberty in an authoritarian political dispensation. President Paul Kagame is a brutal dictator who has murdered countless people both at home and abroad. His developmental credentials are a sham and his security claims are premised on fear and repression. The grenade attacks could be the reaction of repressed people and RNC categorically has no responsibility in such violent schemes.
By now the international community should be aware of this stereotyping employed by dictators like President Kagame, Col. Gaddafi, and the recently fallen ones in Tunisia and Egypt. Each time people demand freedom and respect of human rights, dictators deflect attention from abuse of human rights in their countries by pointing to foreign-based enemies. Col Gaddafi claims that the on-going people’s revolution against his brutal rule is influenced by Al Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden. President Paul Kagame has repeatedly blamed FDLR. This is a desperate end-game strategy by failing and falling dictators to attract sympathy and support from the international community. President Hosni Mubarak’s party registered 95% in the parliamentary elections and President Paul Kagame “won” the Presidential elections by 93.5% during the same period. While both elections were declared legal, they were factually and fundamentally rigged, flawed and illegitimate. The people of Egypt took to the streets to express their discontent. Unfortunately, the people of Rwanda, prompted by the brutal nature of Kagame’s regime, may be resorting to violent and destructive means to voice their discontent. Rwandans are tired of endless wars and bloodshed. It is RNC’s objective, shared by the majority among other Rwandan pro-democracy voices, to harness the anger, frustration and fear among Rwandans to peaceful and democratic change.
President Kagame’s reputation as an unrepentant and serial mastermind of horrendous abuses of human rights in Rwanda and the DRC makes him the principal suspect in this latest brutal disregard of human life in Rwanda and the Great Lakes region. RNC calls upon the international community to carry out fair and independent investigations on the grenade attacks and other human rights abuses being committed by President Kagame’s regime in Rwanda and the DRC.
RNC is a non-violent organization whose political objectives include: stopping and preventing violent conflict; eradicating a culture of impunity for human rights violations; creating a conducive and progressive environment for sustainable social and economic development for all the people of Rwanda; establishing, nurturing and institutionalizing democratic governance, particularly the rule of law in all its aspects; establishing independent, non-partisan, professional civil service and security institutions; building a stable society that promotes and protects equality, embraces and celebrates diversity, and fosters inclusion in all aspects of national life; promoting individual, community and national reconciliation and healing; promoting harmonious relations, reconciliation and mutually-beneficial collaboration with the peoples and governments of neighboring states; resolving the chronic problem of Rwandan refugees; and, nurturing a culture of tolerance to diverse ideas, freedom of discussion and debate of critical issues. Obviously, these are non-violent objectives towards the peaceful transformation of Rwanda. Attacking innocent people with grenades does not serve any of these objectives. RNC calls upon the international community to support these genuinely important and urgent interests of the Rwandan people instead of babysitting another brutal dictator in his days of decline and eventual demise

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RWANDA: CONCLUSION OF CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN FDU – INKINGI AND RWANDA NATIONAL CONGRESS

CONCLUSION OF CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN FDU – INKINGI AND RWANDA NATIONAL CONGRESS (RNC).

Following a meeting that was held in Brussels (Belgium) on 19 December 2010 , representatives of the Support Committee of FDU-Inkingi, upon authorisation by the said party, held a retreat with representatives of the Rwanda National Congress (RNC) in Switzerland from the 21 to 25 January 2011. The purpose of the retreat was to hold consultations on the nature of the critical problems that confront the Rwanda nation today and exchanging ideas as to how the two organisations can harness their collective resources to find appropriate solution to these problems.

The following persons attended the retreat on behalf of the two organisations:

Nkiko Nsengimana, 1st Vice President, Support Committee, FDU-INKINGI

Condo Gervais, Adviser, Interim Coordination Committee, RNC

Dr. Mberabahizi Jean Baptiste, 2nd Vice President, FDU-INKINGI

Musonera Jonathan, Member of Interim Coordination Committee RNC, Responsible for Mobilisation

Joseph Ngarambe, Interim Coordination Committee, RNC

Ndereyehe Charles, Member, Support Committee, FDU-INKINGI, Responsible for Strategies.

Sixbert Musangamfura, Member, Support Committee, FDU-INKINGI, Responsible for External Relations.

Gerald Gahima, Member of RNC delegation.

Following the above mentioned consultations on the above issues, the two organisations agreed as follows:

1. Our vision of the Rwanda that the people of Rwanda deserve is a democratic state, that is governed in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, respect of the inherent dignity of every citizen, equality and non-discrimination and promotion of reconciliation, solidarity and mutual respect amongst all Rwandans. The successive governments that have ruled Rwanda since the 1959 Revolution have proclaimed ,in their official documents and statements their commitment to the above principles and values, but the changes they brought about only resulted in change of the outward form, rather than the nature or character, of government.

2. The current system of Rwanda’s government is characterised by dictatorship, discrimination and marginalisation, deception and deplorable conduct such as destruction of citizens property, illegal expropriation of private property, arbitrary arrests and detentions, depriving children of poor citizens of access to university education and forceful implementation of ill-conceived educational reforms without any public consultation.

3. There is no doubt that unless the system of Rwanda changes, it will yet again lead the Rwanda nation to catastrophic tragedy.

The two organisations are of the opinion that the strategies that would help the people of Rwanda to realise the system of Government of Rwanda to which they aspire include the following:

1. To fight genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and other gross violations of human rights

2. To establish a genuinely democratic system of government, based on plurality of political parties;

3. To establish a system of independent and impartial administration of justice, eradicating impunity once and for all. An independent and impartial system of administration of justice is an indispensable system of administration of justice.

4. To prepare a national dialogue bringing together Rwandans of all backgrounds and political persuasions to discuss a peaceful future of Rwanda.

5. To build a Rwanda in which discrimination and marginalisation of any kind have no place, assuring every citizen access to equal opportunity.

6. To promote gender equality.

7. To definitively resolve the chronic problem of Rwandan refugees.

8. To promote genuine reconciliation amongst Rwandan of all backgrounds and to repair the psychological wounds that the conflict Rwanda has experienced have left.

9. To promote equitable and inclusive development

10. To assure the security of all citizens by ensuring that security sector institutions work for the benefit of citizens instead of serving the personal interests of individual or group of individuals.

11. To stop, once and for all, the habit of continually waging war and aggression against neighboring states and to build sustainable security and peace.

The two parties also agreed on the following matters:

1. The two organisations support political change in Rwanda by peaceful means.

2. The two organisations resolved to establish a common coordination mechanism to facilitate their collaboration in mobilising the people of Rwanda for democratic change.

3. The organisations agreed to sensitise other organisations that are struggling for peaceful democratic change to join them in working together to promote that objective.

4. The FDU-Inkingi and the RNC have decided to implement above strategies to achieve the objective of peaceful democratic change.

Further:

The participants in the meeting reiterated their appreciation of the courage and sacrifice of Madame Victoire Ingabire in the struggle for democracy in Rwanda, and again demand that President Kagame release her from detention without pre-conditions. The participants equally demand that all other political prisoners, including Bernard Ntaganda, President of PS-Imberakuri; Déo Mushayidi (President, PDP Imanzi); Dr. Théoneste Niyitegeka and Charles Ntakirutinka. All the above political prisoners must be have unrestricted freedom to continue their political activities in their motherland.

The participants in the meeting deplore the manner in which the government continues to use judicial institutions to eliminate political dissent, criticism, and opposition, The participants, in particular, condemned the parody of justice conducted by the Rwanda Military High Court that led to its judgement of 14 January 2011 against General Kayumba Nyamwasa, Dr. Théogène Rudasingwa, Colonel Karegeya Patrick and Dr. Gerald Gahima, whose objective is to persecute and defame the said individuals on account of their political views.

The participants in the meeting demanded that the Government of Rwanda cease the persecution of journalists and clergy, including Fr. Emile Nsengiyumva.

The meeting also condemned the Rwanda Government’s continued use of members of FDRL to fabricate and peddle allegations against opponents of the regime. It is most surprising to observe how these armed insurgents that are collaborating with the authorities are given free reign to defame and spread lies against persons who have no connection with the FDRL organisation.

The meeting agreed that all possible precautions ought to be taken to prevent the recurrence of genocide, crimes against humanity and any other policies that deprive Rwandan citizens of their lives or otherwise violate fundamental human rights.

Concerning the United Nations report on the Mapping Exercise on atrocities that were committed against Rwandan refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the meetings calls for an end to activities intended to minimise the significance of the report.

The participants in the meetings encourage all Rwandans to rise, to overcome fear and to understand that the struggle to liberate their motherland is their responsibility.

We request foreign governments and international organizations to more strongly support democratic change in Rwanda.

Done at Montreux, Switzerland on 25 January 2011.

For and on behalf of:                                                            For and on behalf of

FDU-INKINGI                                                                   RNC

Dr Nkiko Nsengimana                                                         Condo Gervais,

1st Vice President,                                                               Adviser

Support Comittee, FDU-INKINGI                                      Interim Coordination Comittee, RNC.

Related Materials:
FDU-INKINGI interim executive committee welcomes the talks with RNC and is fully committed

Conclusion of consultations between FDU-Inkingi and Rwanda National Congress

Following  a meeting that was held in Brussels (Belgium) on 19 December 2010 , representatives of the Support Committee of FDU-Inkingi, upon authorisation by the said party, held a retreat with representatives of the Rwanda National Congress (RNC) in Switzerland  from the 21 to 25 January 2011. The purpose of the retreat was to hold consultations on the nature of the critical problems that confront the Rwanda nation today and exchanging ideas as to how the two organisations can harness their collective resources to find appropriate solution to these problems.

The following persons attended the retreat on behalf of the two organisations:

• Nkiko Nsengimana, 1st Vice President, Support Committee, FDU-INKINGI
• Condo Gervais, Adviser, Interim Coordination Committee,  RNC
• Dr. Mberabahizi Jean Baptiste, 2nd Vice President, FDU-INKINGI
• Musonera Jonathan, Member of Interim Coordination Comittee RNC, Responsible for Mobilisation
• Joseph Ngarambe, Interim Coordination Committee RNC  RNC,
• Ndereyehe Charles, Member, Support Committee, FDU-INKING responsible for Strategies.
• Sixbert Musangamfura, Member, Support Committee, FDU-INKING responsible for External Relations.
• Gerald Gahima, Member of RNC delegation.

Following the above mentioned consultations on the above issues, the two organisations agreed as follows:

1.    Our vision of the Rwanda that the people of Rwanda deserve is a democratic state, that is governed in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, independence of the judiciary, respect of the inherent dignity of every citizen, equality and non-discrimination and promotion of reconciliation, solidarity and mutual respect amongst all Rwandans. The successive governments that have ruled Rwanda since the 1959 Revolution have proclaimed ,in their official documents and statements their commitment to the above principles and values, but the changes they brought about only resulted in change of the outward form, rather than the nature or character, of government.

2.    The current system of Rwanda’s government is characterised by dictatorship, discrimination and marginalisation, deception and deplorable conduct such as destruction of citizens property, illegal expropriation of private property, arbitrary arrests and detentions, depriving children of poor citizens of access to university education and forceful implementation of ill-conceived educational reforms without any public consultation.

3.    There is no doubt that unless the system of Rwanda changes, it will yet again lead the Rwanda nation to catastrophic tragedy.

The two organisations are of the opinion that the strategies that would help the people of Rwanda to realise the system of Government of Rwanda to which they aspire include the following:

1.    To fight genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity  and other gross violations of human rights

2.    To establish a genuinely democratic system of government, based on plurality of political parties;

3.    To establish a system of independent and impartial administration of justice, eradicating impunity once and for all. An independent and impartial system of administration of justice is an indispensable system of administration of justice.

4.    To prepare a national dialogue bringing together Rwandans of all backgrounds and political persuasions to discuss a peaceful future of Rwanda.

5.    To build a Rwanda in which discrimination and marginalisation of any kind have no place, assuring every citizen access to equal opportunity.

6.    To promote gender equality.

7.    To definitively resolve the chronic problem of Rwandan refugees.

8.    To promote genuine reconciliation amongst Rwandan of all backgrounds and to repair the psychological wounds that the conflict Rwanda has experienced have left.

9.    To promote equitable and inclusive development

10. To assure the security of all citizens by ensuring that security sector institutions work for the benefit of citizens instead of serving the personal interests of individual or group of individuals.

11. To stop, once and for all, the habit of continually waging war and aggression against neighboring states and to build sustainable security and peace.

The two parties agreed on the following matters:

1.    The two organisations support political change in Rwanda by peaceful means.

2.    The two organisations resolved to establish a common coordination mechanism to facilitate their collaboration in mobilising the people of Rwanda for democratic change.

3.    The organisations agreed to sensitise other organisations that are struggling for peaceful democratic change to join them in working together to promote that objective.

4.    The FDU-Inkingi and the RNC have decided to implement above strategies to achieve the objective of peaceful democratic change.

Further:

The participants in the meeting reiterated their appreciation of the courage and  sacrifice of Madame Victoire Ingabire in the struggle for democracy in Rwanda, and against demand that President Kagame release her from detention without pre-conditions. The participants equally demand that all other political prisoners, including Bernard Ntaganda, President of PS-Imberakuri; Déo Mushayidi (President, PDP Imanzi); Dr. Théoneste Niyitegeka and Charles Ntakirutinka.  All the above political prisoners must be have unrestricted freedom to continue their political activities in their motherland.

The participants in the meeting deplore the manner in which the government continues to use judicial institutions to eliminate political dissent, criticism, and opposition, The participants, in particular, condemned the parody of justice conducted by the Rwanda Military High Court that led to its judgement of 14 January 2011 against General Kayumba Nyamwasa, Dr. Théogène Rudasingwa, Colonel Karegeya Patrick and Dr. Gerald Gahima, whose objective is to persecute and defame the said individuals on account of their political views.

The participants in the meeting demanded that the Government of Rwanda cease the persecution of journalists and clergy, including Fr. Emile Nsengiyumva.

The meeting also condemned the Rwanda Government’s continued use of members of FDRL to fabricate and peddle allegations against opponents of the regime. It is most surprising to observe how these armed insurgents that are collaborating with the authorities are given free reign to defame and spread lies against persons who have no connection with the FDRL organisation.

The meeting agreed that all possible precautions ought to be taken to prevent the recurrence of genocide, crimes against humanity and any other policies that deprive Rwandan citizens of their lives or otherwise violate fundamental human rights.

Concerning the United Nations report on the Mapping Exercise on atrocities that were committed against Rwandan refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the meetings calls for an end to activities intended to minimise the significance of the report.

The participants in the meetings encourage all Rwandans to rise, to overcome fear and to understand that the struggle to liberate their motherland is their responsibility.

We request foreign governments and international organizations to more strongly support democratic change in Rwanda.

Done at Montreux, Switzerland  on 25 January 2011.

For and on behalf of                                                               For and on behalf of

FDU-INKINGI                                                                             RNC

Dr Nkiko Nsengimana                                                            Condo Gervais,

1st Vice President,                                                                  Adviser

Support Comittee, FDU-INKING                                         Interim Coordination Comittee,  RNC.

Contact:

Sixbert Musangamfura

Phone: + 358 407168202

Gerald Gahima

Phone: +32 483 037711

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