Africa Great Lakes Democracy Watch: RWANDA-KAGAME-CLINTON

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

Showing posts with label RWANDA-KAGAME-CLINTON. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Dutch minister to decide on evidence against Ingabire

From Radio Netherlands Worldwide

Will the Netherlands assist Rwanda in its case against jailed opposition leader Victoire Ingabire? That is the question after a Dutch court ruled today that three documents belonging to Ingabire can be handed over to the Public Prosecutor's office in Kigali. But despite the ruling, those documents won't be mailed just yet. The Dutch minister of Security and Justice is responsible for making the final decision and he is under mounting political pressure not to give the documents away.
by Ruben Koops
On 13 December last year, Victoire Ingabire's house in the Netherlands was searched by Dutch police. She has been accused of collaborating with a terrorist organisation - intent on dividing the people of Rwanda - and denying the genocide of 1994.
The search was conducted under the instruction of the Rwandan authorities that are working on a criminal case against Ingabire. Several documents and computers were seized, and the Rwandan government officially requested that they be in possession of the information.
Most of the seized items have already been given back to relatives of Ingabire, but today's ruling has decided that there are no legal objections against sending three documents to Kigali.
Political decision
But the Dutch Minister for Security and Justice, Ivo Opstelten, will not base his decision on whether to send the documents to Rwanda or not solely on the court ruling. He will have to request advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - a ministry that decided in 2010 to partially cut funding to Rwanda owing to the African country's changing stance on human rights. Opstelten also faces pressure from the Dutch parliament where several MPs are very concerned, with suggestions that the Ingabire trial is politically motivated.
“We are helping with the reconstruction of the Rwandan judicial sector, but why hand over evidence to a body that is still under construction?” ChristenUnie MP Joël Voordewind told RNW this afternoon. “Even if this is not a politically motivated trial as the Minister says, why would we coöperate with a criminal case in a country with a far-from-perfect legal system?”

Last week, Voordewind demanded that the Dutch parliament should be informed before the Justice Department hands over any evidence to the Rwanda government regarding the Ingabire trial. If the Justice Department decides to do so, the matter will have to be approved by Parliament.
Ingabire was arrested on 14 October 2010, and has been awaiting her trial in custody since. The Ingabire

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Rwanda frustrates Ingabire’s trial

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

From Rwanda Nkunda

Rwanda frustrates Ingabire’s trial
It’s been more than a year of pain and anguish since Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire was arrested. The first arrest was made on May 24th 2010 and she was subsequently placed under house arrest. Even without clear evidence the police detained her again on the 15th of October the same year. Now, the Rwanda prosecution having failed to give her a speedy and fair trial is turning the blame on her. The Rwandan media claims that Ingabire is responsible for delaying her own case. The cynically implied message being that Ingabire enjoys detention.

On the 24th of June, the New Times released an op-ed titled “Victoire [Ingabire] should not Rush us”. It quoted the Rwandan prosecutor, Martin Ngoga as saying, "If these countries send us the information tomorrow, then we can start the case tomorrow, if it takes longer, we will wait, but from the feedback we have received, we are sure all information will trickle in." He was being open to the fact that Rwanda did not have enough evidence against Ingabire. Yet the government continued to detain her.

Interestingly, the Rwandan government is turning around to place the blame on Ingabire. According to Sunny Ntayombwa, a New Times columnist, Ingabire wants another five months in jail. The piece which is literally aimed at mocking her, insinuates that she is enjoying staying in a Rwandan cell with “a private shower, toilet, a comfy bed and a window”; as if to suggest that Ingabire was homeless before her imprisonment.

In an interview that Radio Netherlands Worldwide held with Ingabire’s lawyers, it emerges that the trial will be postponed but not for reasons given by Rwanda. First, the lawyers accuse the prosecution for failing to consult with them when setting the trial dates. This is important because two of the lawyers are British nationals, living in Britain. Another problem has to do with translation. Yes despite the government of Rwanda’s switch from French to English, they still conduct trials in Kinyarwanda and provide no English translations. Ingabire’s lawyers do not understand Kinyarwanda and have to translate over 2000 pages.

It’s been clear since day one that the Rwandan government wants to silence Ingabire ; and they are now using the legal system to achieve that end.

Britain urged to review Rwanda ties

Sun May 22, 2011 8:19AM
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The British government is under pressure to review its close ties with Rwanda over reports that Scotland Yard informed two Rwandan expats in UK they could be targeted by the African government's hit squads.

Scotland Yard has told the two critics of Rwandan President Paul Kagame's government that they should be on their guard as Rwandan assassins are pursuing them in Britain.

This comes as London and Kigali have developed strong ties following the 1994 genocide in Rwanda with the British government hailing Kagame's efforts to rebuild the country.

The bilateral relations have grown so close that International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell has paid several visits to the country and Conservatives dispatch their MPs to the country every summer for voluntary work.

"Clearly such a suggestion of foreign nationals sanctioning violence on the streets of London is a very serious matter. The Government should ensure there is a full investigation and make public its findings where appropriate," said shadow Foreign Secretary, Douglas Alexander.

The call was echoed by chairman of the All-Parliamentary Group on the Great Lakes Region of Africa Eric Joyce, who said ministers should make it their “priority" to investigate the allegations.

"I have a lot respect for what Kagame has done, but the Rwandan government has a reputation for not brooking any opposition," Joyce said.

This comes as Rwandan High Commissioner to London Ernest Rwamucyo insisted that his government “does not threaten the lives of its citizens wherever they live”.

Department for International Development has announced such reports will not deter them from giving Rwanda £83 million in annual aid payment.

AMR/AKM/H

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Open Letter To United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon

Excellency, I write to request your assistance in having an independent investigation in connection with the death of my father, Andre Kagwa Rwisereka which took place on July 13th, 2010, in the city of Butare, Rwanda. I am the eldest son of the late Rwisereka and I am responsible for speaking on behalf of my family.

One week before his death my father told me he was concerned that he might be harmed for his political views and activities. It is because of these reasons that I believe his assassination was politically motivated. I have concerns
over the medical autopsy and investigation done by Rwandan police to date and would like an independent investigation done by independent foreign experts.

To our knowledge the Rwandan authorities have stopped all investigations into his death. Suspects implicated in my father’s
assassination have been released from custody without court appearance. Eyewitnesses report having seen dozens of marks on my father’s body, suggesting torture, but the Rwandan Police has denied such allegations.

Your Excellency, I sincerely believe an independent investigation will determine whether my father was a victim of politically motivated assassination so that those responsible for this heinous crime can be brought to justice. Furthermore, such an investigation and its findings will provide a much needed closure to a tragic chapter our lives. I would greatly
appreciate any assistance that you may provide to me and my family.

Cc: Human Rights Watch Amnesty International

Note: Andre Kagwa Rwisereka, a Vice President of The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda was beheaded by assassins who have yet to be brought to book

Friday, December 3, 2010

DETAINED DEMOCRACY LEADER Ms. Victoire INGABIRE TELLS VISITORS ON HER 51ST DAY IN MAXIMUM PRISON: “I BELIEVE IN YOU”.

by Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza for President

Today, on her 51st day in maximum prison, the Democracy leader Ms. Victoire INGABIRE, Chair of FDU-INKINGI, was allowed to be seen by a group of 30 party members and other Rwandans for a maximum of 5 minutes. Observing the humiliations they went through to reach the jail and the uneasiness of nervous jailers, she told the crowd: “I BELIEVE IN YOU, YOU ARE THE REAL LIVING DEMOCRACY HEROES”.
Earlier this week, the democracy leader was submitted to fresh interrogations related to her political life and was informed that she will answer a new criminal charge of threatening the state sovereignty as well. On 02 December 2010, her lawyer was summoned by the National Public Prosecution Authority to bring a list of 11 documents related to public statements and publications of the opposition leader. New charges are in the making, and new witnesses are being prepared. A reliable source from the Directorate of Military Intelligence confirmed that in Gisenyi 9 detained witnesses pleading guilty have already registered their statements, and a certain Mr. SABIYEZE Aboubacar (claiming to be ex-FDLR Sergeant) is the next key witness for arms smuggling, grenades attacks. The same sources mention other names in other parts of Rwanda such as Engineer Robert Segatwa, Mr. Théodore Ntakabulimvano, and the returned kitchen cook Absalomon Mvuyekure whose testimony is being used to turn the rain water drain into a military bunker inside the property.

New charges are mushrooming everyday. Nobody knows whether the evidential hearing will happen only after the Prosecution has gathered enough allegations to match the “10 things evidence” mentioned on 22nd May 2010 by President Paul KAGAME in the Ugandan Monitor exclusive interview: “We have evidence, which has been brought to her attention and about 10 things she has been denying. Now she’s saying that seven of them are actually true and this has come as a result of the overwhelming evidence that was put in front of her.”
In the current Rwanda, according to many human rights reports, justice is done out of the Courts of law and the hearings are just a show.

Sylvain SIBOMANA
Secretary General FDU-INKINGI.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

by therisingcontinent|

The interview of Victoire Ingabire’s daughter – Raissa that we reproduce here was first recorded in French by Ruhumuza Mbonyumutwa from Jambonews on October 21^st, 2010. The following day it was published in English by online BayView National Black Newspaper.

Translation is by Mesha Monge-Irizarry, Idriss Stelley Foundation
This Oct. 21, Jambonews met with Raïssa, the eldest daughter of Victoire Ingabire. [Ingabire, who is widely considered the leader of the political opposition in Rwanda, has been jailed in Kigali, where evidence indicates she is being tortured – editor]. Tall and slender, the 21-year-old smiled and projected a positive attitude, which surprised us considering her situation.
She told us: ‘I try to put my feelings aside in order to help my mother as much as I can. I try to remain strong, to care for my little brothers, because I know that this is the best way I can help my mother.’
The last time she spoke with her mother was the day before her arrest. ‘We spoke normally. We were cool; we laughed. With my mother, we have always been comrades. We talk about everything, and for me it is difficult to imagine her as a politician. So far, it is the last time that I was able to speak with her.’
Last Friday, the Rwandan Embassy in Holland, however, promised Raïssa that she would be able to speak with her mother within 48 hours. “I told the ambassador that as far as I am concerned, I should not be considered as a politician. If I talk to my mother, I would not ask her about the situation in Rwanda or ask her, what any witnesses have stated, but simply, Mama, how are you? All I wish for at this time is just to hear my mother tell me that she is OK.
‘The ambassador listened to me attentively. She understood my situation. She seemed to want to help me, to the point that I believed it. But when one closes the door in someone’s face, it means one does not want to help. She started by elaborating on different ways to help us, but as soon as she decided it was time for us to leave, it was all over. Her attitude radically changed, and she left me in the dark regarding my mother’s situation. The ambassador talked to me and listened to me as a mother would, but she reacted as an ambassador.’
Last Monday, we came back, but we were refused entry and the embassy called the police, which escorted us out.
Ever since, Raïssa’s days have been full. Speaking to everyone who will listen, from left to right, she informs, she sensitizes, because she believes in the value of word of mouth. ‘A lot of people are not aware. They are surprised, shocked to hear about the situation. The Dutch do not understand why their government is not doing anything, but I think that it is critically important that they ask themselves questions.
‘To take action like this is the only way that I can keep myself from feeling powerless.’
When she is asked what she expects from the Rwandan community, she tells us that she wishes, first and foremost, that they become aware of the situation, that they know that her mother had a family, a job, a comfortable life in Holland before she left it all behind to take on the struggle in Rwanda.

She fought for the people of Rwanda, and now that she is in prison, more than ever she needs the people of Rwanda.

Raïssa adds with emotion: ‘What I wish is for people to grasp that an innocent woman is in prison, and that this woman could be their sister, their mother, their daughter.’

What holds true for her mother, according to Raïssa, also stands true for other political prisoners. She wishes that more people would understand their struggle and fight against the injustice that strikes them.

What I wish is for people to grasp that an innocent woman is in prison, and that this woman could be their sister, their mother, their daughter.

‘Today I speak for my mother, but I know that there are other political prisoners who deserve the support that my mother needs.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Bill Clinton's Rwanda Guilt

By Dana Godstein in The Daily Beast
Paul Kagame helped rebuild after genocide, but he has also brutally repressed political opposition in his country. Dana Goldstein on why Clinton is still protecting the Rwandan president.

While the Rwandan president is celebrated for rebuilding his country after its horrific genocide, over the past year he has brutally suppressed his political opposition, arresting presidential rivals and censoring journalists. This month, a leaked U.N. report accused Kagame’s militias of murdering and raping thousands of members of the Hutu ethnic group who fled over the border to Congo in the late 1990s.
Yet here at the Clinton Global Initiative, Kagame has one very powerful defender: Bill Clinton himself. At last year’s CGI conference, Clinton presented Kagame with a Global Citizen Award. At this year's event, he is promoting Rwanda's success in expanding rural health care and aid to family farmers.
Paul Kagame & Bill Clinton (AP Photo 2) Kagame has denied the accusations against him. When I asked Clinton Monday evening whether the world community should hold Kagame accountable for the violence and political suppression, he equivocated.
“The U.N. said what it did about what happened after the [Rwandan] genocide, in Congo. … Kagame strongly disputes it,” Clinton said. “Right now I’m not going to pre-judge him because there’s this huge debate about what happened in the Congo and why, and I don’t know.”
Yet the U.N. evidence against Kagame is nothing new. Activists have long accused Rwanda of ethnic and sexual violence in Congo—both in the Rwandan government’s pursuit of its own rebel groups and in Rwandan militias’ competition to access and control Congo’s lucrative mineral deposits.

“We lost our moral authority in 1994 when the genocide happened, and we allowed Paul Kagame to become the authority in the region and go into Congo.”

“It is not a matter of pre-judging,” Human Rights Watch senior Rwanda researcher Carina Tertsakian told The Daily Beast in response to Clinton’s statement. “The facts are well-established. … There is no doubt that Rwandan troops, together with their Congolese allies, committed large-scale massacres and other grave human-rights violations against Rwandan and Congolese civilians. The evidence is there for all to see. What more does Clinton need?”
In part, Clinton’s defense of Kagame is unsurprising. The former president says he deeply regrets that his administration was slow to act during the Rwandan genocide of 1994, in which 10 percent of Kagame’s ethnic group, the Tutsi, were murdered—mostly by machete.
Since then, Kagame has achieved impressive results modernizing Rwandan society. He has contributed troops to U.N. peacekeeping missions, notably in Sudan, and has worked effectively with international aid groups, including the Clinton Foundation, to build a more efficient bureaucracy, particularly around public health and agriculture.
That record leaves some diplomats and humanitarians hesitant to criticize Kagame. At CGI, Rwanda is being portrayed as a model for international aid, not as a nation struggling with basic democracy and human rights. "It's the best-run nation in Africa," Clinton told me.
But overwhelming evidence emerged this year that Rwanda’s presidential election was rigged, with the Kagame regime using a law against genocide-denial to sully the reputations of government critics and prevent opposition leaders from getting on the ballot. Several dissidents even turned up dead.
In our interview Monday, Clinton downplayed the political suppression and violence, citing Kagame’s popularity among the Rwandan public. “I’ve been to Rwanda a lot. … And I’ve been out where most people don’t go. And my opinion is there is nothing that could have kept him from getting a breathtaking majority because the lives of the Rwandans have changed,” Clinton said. “It doesn’t mean it’s justifiable to muscle your opponents or anything else. It just means the next step of their democracy is going to be making more space for dissent and having the confidence that everything you’ve done is not going to be derailed if you do it.”
Clinton is undoubtedly influenced by the long-running policies of the U.S. State and Defense Departments toward Rwanda. While nations such as Sweden and the Netherlands have withheld foreign aid from the Kagame regime because of its support for armed rebel groups active inside Congo, Rwanda receives tens of millions of dollars annually from the U.S., including money for military training and weapons.