Somali Islamists clash with Kurdish Muslims in Helsinki amusement park over Hijab
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Today at 5:59pm
June 7, 2010
Disturbance in Helsinki highlights tensions between Somali fundamentalists and Kurdish Liberal Muslims
YLE.fi, Helsinki
Representatives of two immigrant minorities believed to have been involved in Sunday’s group fight at Linnanmäki have sharply condemned the melee. The incident has highlighted tensions that sometimes emerge between Somalis and Kurds in Finland. Some Somalis have taken issue with the dress and habits of Kurds, who are often fairly relaxed in their interpretation of Islam.
Dozens of young people with immigrant backgrounds took part in Sunday’s melee – mainly Somalis and Kurds. Kurds have said that there have been tensions between the groups before, because some of the Somalis, many of whom are devout Muslims, have been known to chide Kurds for their more worldly dress and behaviour.
A woman, interviewed by the late-edition newspaper Ilta-Sanomat, said that one of Sunday’s fights started with an argument over the use of head scarves. According to the 25-year-old woman, the Somalis denounced Kurdish women for not wearing scarves.
Kurds interviewed by YLE were not surprised to hear about tensions with the Somalis. They say that some Somalis have previously taken issue with the habits of secularised Muslims. One Kurdish woman spoke of an incident in which a Somali took issue with listening to music at a Finnish language course.
“When I was on a Finnish language course, we had the same problem. One Somali prevented us from listening to music, saying that it is banned under Islamic law.” The woman did not want her name mentioned, because she did not want to hurt the feelings of her Somali colleagues.
Friendship Society Condemns Violence
Sabah Abbas Ali, Chairman of the Finnish-Kurdish Friendship Society
Sabah Abbas Ali, the chair of the Finnish-Kurdish Friendship Society, says that there have been similar cases before.
“Unfortunately, this is not unique. What happened at Linnanmäki has happened before.”
Ali mentions a case at a public swimming pool in Vuosaari, where a bikini worn by a Kurdish woman sparked a conflict. Ali is occasionally told of cases in which a devout Muslim will take issue with the dress or activities of a worldlier Kurd.
“Both sides have behaved badly,” Ali said, commenting on Sunday’s news. Ali is quick to add that not all Somalis in Finland take issue with the religious habits of other Muslims, adding that he has close Somali friends himself.
"More about Self-Esteem than Scarves"
Youth worker Mohamed Xadar Mukhtar Abdi, himself of a Somali background, is surprised at the experiences reported by Kurds.
“Muslim girls have been friends with each other even though some wear scarves and others do not. I think that they have gotten along quite well in spite of this.”
Abdi believes that Sunday’s events were more about self-esteem and adherence to a group than about head scarves. He noted that stupid ideas tend to prevail in large groups. “If two people do not understand each other, then naturally, friends and groups of friends will come to the aid of their own.”
YLE
Showing posts with label Great Lakes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Great Lakes. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Museveni, Kikwete Pledge Support for ICC Activities
Museveni, Kikwete Pledge Support for ICC Activities
Thursday, 3 June 2010
President Yoweri Museveni has described the Review Conference of the International Criminal Court (ICC) that is taking place in Kampala as an opportunity to discredit the claim that the ICC is a court for Europeans to judge Africans. He urged Africans in general to embrace it adding that they are the beneficiaries.
The Review Conference of the Rome Statute of the ICC opened yesterday at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort and will last until June 11, 2010. The conference represents the first opportunity to consider amendments to the Rome Statute and to take stock of its implementation and impact since it entered into force in 2002. Over 2000 representatives of States, non-governmental organizations and intergovernmental organizations are participating at the conference.
The president was speaking at the State Banquet in honor of the Secretary General of the United Nations H.E Ban Ki-Moon and heads of delegations of the ICC member states at State House, Entebbe last evening.
The president noted that Uganda having suffered her share of war atrocities, the conference is a chance to interact and share first hand, with the victims of the terrorists. He said Uganda has joined the rest of the world to condemn the acts of terrorism and genocide.
'' Uganda has joined the rest of the world to assert that cowardly acts of terrorism, genocide and other acts of genocide shall not be tolerated'', he said.
The president said that the restoration of peace and security, good governance and Prosperity for All (PFA) was on top of the agenda of the National Resistance Movement. He said Uganda has been privileged to participate in the peace building processes in the region and pledged to continue protecting human rights and work for peace.
The Secretary General of the United Nations H.E Ban Ki Moon described the conference as a reminder that the victims of atrocities perpetrated by the LRA are at the centre of international justice. He saluted the president and his NRM government for his efforts towards fighting impunity.
The President of the Republic of Tanzania, Mr. Jakaya Kikwete re-affirmed his country’s commitment to the ICC in fulfillment of its set objectives.
Thursday, 3 June 2010
President Yoweri Museveni has described the Review Conference of the International Criminal Court (ICC) that is taking place in Kampala as an opportunity to discredit the claim that the ICC is a court for Europeans to judge Africans. He urged Africans in general to embrace it adding that they are the beneficiaries.
The Review Conference of the Rome Statute of the ICC opened yesterday at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort and will last until June 11, 2010. The conference represents the first opportunity to consider amendments to the Rome Statute and to take stock of its implementation and impact since it entered into force in 2002. Over 2000 representatives of States, non-governmental organizations and intergovernmental organizations are participating at the conference.
The president was speaking at the State Banquet in honor of the Secretary General of the United Nations H.E Ban Ki-Moon and heads of delegations of the ICC member states at State House, Entebbe last evening.
The president noted that Uganda having suffered her share of war atrocities, the conference is a chance to interact and share first hand, with the victims of the terrorists. He said Uganda has joined the rest of the world to condemn the acts of terrorism and genocide.
'' Uganda has joined the rest of the world to assert that cowardly acts of terrorism, genocide and other acts of genocide shall not be tolerated'', he said.
The president said that the restoration of peace and security, good governance and Prosperity for All (PFA) was on top of the agenda of the National Resistance Movement. He said Uganda has been privileged to participate in the peace building processes in the region and pledged to continue protecting human rights and work for peace.
The Secretary General of the United Nations H.E Ban Ki Moon described the conference as a reminder that the victims of atrocities perpetrated by the LRA are at the centre of international justice. He saluted the president and his NRM government for his efforts towards fighting impunity.
The President of the Republic of Tanzania, Mr. Jakaya Kikwete re-affirmed his country’s commitment to the ICC in fulfillment of its set objectives.
Chaos in Kampala as Police Battles Nambooze Supporters
Chaos in Kampala as Police Battles Nambooze Supporters
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Thursday, 3 June 2010
The crowd in Kampala
The Ugandan capital, Kampala has today been paralysed as Betty Nambooze Bakireke made her way to Parliament to be sworn in.
She took her oath at around 3:00pm in the Parliamentary lobby as opposed to the chambers where others MPs are sworn in. Sources tell 256news.com that the capacity crowd could not be accommodated in the chambers.
Parliament was surrounded by fully armed police and military police. Nambooze was supposed to hold a rally at Crested Towers after her searing in but police blocked her.
She was forced to leave the premises soon after but held a rally in the middle of the road at the junction between Parliament, Ministry of Education and IPS building.
Police struggled to contain the mammoth crowd to no avail.
She left Kampala city towards Mukono to the East in a very long convoy surrounded by crowds that marched alongside her car for all the 22 kilometres to Mukono on foot.
Transport was completely cut off wherever she reached.
Before going to Parliament, Nambooze went to Bulange-Mengo, the seat of the Buganda kingdom where she met officials led by Katikkiro (Premier), JB Walusimbi.
Walusimbi advised Nambooze to analyze the situation in Parliament before she can make her contribution.
Reports say Nambooze narrated her ordeal in which she revealed that the journey to Parliament was not easy at all. She claims two of her supporters were killed in the scuffle with police.
Nambooze noted that most people in her constituency are more interested in leaders who will front Buganda’s concerns in Parliament and other levels of leadership which is why they saw her as the best candidate to deliver their interests.
She informed Katikkiro that during her campaigns, she put much emphasis on fighting for Buganda’s concerns and promised to fulfill it.
She thanked the people of Mukono North for having supported her despite the highest levels of poverty experienced in this area.
All along, she was with Kampala Central MP, Elias Lukwago, and other opposition activists.
Bookmark and Share
Thursday, 3 June 2010
The crowd in Kampala
The Ugandan capital, Kampala has today been paralysed as Betty Nambooze Bakireke made her way to Parliament to be sworn in.
She took her oath at around 3:00pm in the Parliamentary lobby as opposed to the chambers where others MPs are sworn in. Sources tell 256news.com that the capacity crowd could not be accommodated in the chambers.
Parliament was surrounded by fully armed police and military police. Nambooze was supposed to hold a rally at Crested Towers after her searing in but police blocked her.
She was forced to leave the premises soon after but held a rally in the middle of the road at the junction between Parliament, Ministry of Education and IPS building.
Police struggled to contain the mammoth crowd to no avail.
She left Kampala city towards Mukono to the East in a very long convoy surrounded by crowds that marched alongside her car for all the 22 kilometres to Mukono on foot.
Transport was completely cut off wherever she reached.
Before going to Parliament, Nambooze went to Bulange-Mengo, the seat of the Buganda kingdom where she met officials led by Katikkiro (Premier), JB Walusimbi.
Walusimbi advised Nambooze to analyze the situation in Parliament before she can make her contribution.
Reports say Nambooze narrated her ordeal in which she revealed that the journey to Parliament was not easy at all. She claims two of her supporters were killed in the scuffle with police.
Nambooze noted that most people in her constituency are more interested in leaders who will front Buganda’s concerns in Parliament and other levels of leadership which is why they saw her as the best candidate to deliver their interests.
She informed Katikkiro that during her campaigns, she put much emphasis on fighting for Buganda’s concerns and promised to fulfill it.
She thanked the people of Mukono North for having supported her despite the highest levels of poverty experienced in this area.
All along, she was with Kampala Central MP, Elias Lukwago, and other opposition activists.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Prof Peter Erlinder was brought to the hospital following a high blood pressure
Contact:
Paige Cram,
Communications Coordinator,
212-679-5100, ext. 15
Wednesday, June 2
3:15
A Reuters article is reporting that Peter has retracted all statements that might have violated Rwandan law. However, the article relies on comments from the chief prosecutor in Rwanda and confirmation from an unnamed source. We have not received any information of this kind from anyone in close contact with Peter.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6515H320100602?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews
2:45 pm
The State Dept confirmed in its daily briefing today that Peter is back in the hospital and that both embassy officials and his lawyers have access to him. He will remain in the hospital overnight. The state department said it is not otherwise in a position to comment on the particulars of the situation, or on the specifics of his medical situation, citing patient confidentiality. The video and transcript of the briefing should be available after 4 pm at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/index.htm.
1:30 pm
A troubling article also in several papers indicating that the Rwandan government has issued statements accusing Peter of attempted suicide by swallowing pills in his cell. Initial reports from Peter’s colleagues and lawyers in Rwanda assure us that this is false, government propaganda.
However, Sarah Erlinder confirms that Peter is back in the hospital. The circumstances that brought him there are still unclear, but she said his lawyers and a representative from the U.S. Embassy have been able to visit him and report that he’s stable. We are concerned that this latest suicide report may indicate that Rwandan authorities might harm him.
“I think that it means that his situation has gotten absolutely dire. I think that they have to either consider it an attempt on his life or laying the groundwork to kill him and claim that it was suicide,” Sarah Erlinder said in an interview from D.C.
11:30 am
Peter’s family and NLG representatives are in Washington, D.C. attempting to meet with the State Department and the UN. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday, June 3 at 9:30 am in the West Room of the National Press Club, 529 14th St, NW, Washington, D.C.
Articles about Peter have appeared in the Associated Press, the Minneapolis Star Tribune and several other publications. Here is a sample of a few well-written profiles.
http://www.startribune.com/local/95336614.html?page=1&c=y
http://www.pressherald.com/news/ap?articleID=4660002
Monday, May 31
Report came in that Peter was brought to the hospital following interrogation. After tests were run, it was determined that high blood pressure was the problem and Peter was returned to the jail. This article from Minnesota Public Radio gives an update on his condition.
Phone numbers of important officials to call on behalf of Peter:
Call the White House: 202-456-1111
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Secy of State Hillary Clinton: (202) 647-9572
Bureau of African affairs: (202) 647-4440
Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs: (202) 647-2530
Rwanda embassy (NY): (212) 679-9010 or (212) 679-9023
Stephen J. Rapp war crimes ambassador: (202) 647-6051
Susan Rice, US AMB to the UN Accredited Journalists: (212) 415-4050
Rwanda Mission to the UN in USA: (212) 679-9010 or (212) 679-9023
Rwandan Amb. James Kimonyo: (202) 232-2882
Sample Call Script
My name is ____________, I am calling/writing about the arrest of Prof. Peter Erlinder in Rwanda last Friday morning. He was in Rwanda acting as an attorney, representing his client, opposition presidential candidate Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza. I am asking to ask you to demand his immediate release from Rwandan jail. His detention violates his human rights, he is in danger and as an U.S. citizen deserves the highest level of advocacy and protection from the U.S. government.
Saturday, May 29
Facebook group “Free Prof. Peter Erlinder Now” launches.
Friday, May 28
3:00pm
First conference call to discuss options and ways to help. Peter’s family and the NLG asking people to call the following people to demand Peter’s release.
Call and demand the immediate release of Professor Peter Erlinder:
Senator Al Franken
(202) 224-5641
Or send an email at http://franken.senate.gov/contact/
Senator Amy Klobuchar
202-224-3244
Fax: 202-228-2186
Or send an email at http://klobuchar.senate.gov/emailamy.cfm?contactForm=emailamy&submit=Go
Representative Keith Ellison
202-225-4755
Or send an email at http://forms.house.gov/ellison/webforms/issue_subscribe.htm
Representative Betty McCullom
(202) 225-6631
Fax: (202) 225-1968
Or send an email at http://forms.house.gov/mccollum/webforms/issue_subscribe.htm
2:oo pm
NLG issues press release, and piece by Executive Director Heidi Boghosian appears in the Huffington Post.
8:30 am
Peter Erlinder, professor at William Mitchell of Law, past NLG president and defense attorney for Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, was arrested by the Rwandan government on charges of “genocide ideology.”
Paige Cram,
Communications Coordinator,
212-679-5100, ext. 15
Wednesday, June 2
3:15
A Reuters article is reporting that Peter has retracted all statements that might have violated Rwandan law. However, the article relies on comments from the chief prosecutor in Rwanda and confirmation from an unnamed source. We have not received any information of this kind from anyone in close contact with Peter.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6515H320100602?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews
2:45 pm
The State Dept confirmed in its daily briefing today that Peter is back in the hospital and that both embassy officials and his lawyers have access to him. He will remain in the hospital overnight. The state department said it is not otherwise in a position to comment on the particulars of the situation, or on the specifics of his medical situation, citing patient confidentiality. The video and transcript of the briefing should be available after 4 pm at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/index.htm.
1:30 pm
A troubling article also in several papers indicating that the Rwandan government has issued statements accusing Peter of attempted suicide by swallowing pills in his cell. Initial reports from Peter’s colleagues and lawyers in Rwanda assure us that this is false, government propaganda.
However, Sarah Erlinder confirms that Peter is back in the hospital. The circumstances that brought him there are still unclear, but she said his lawyers and a representative from the U.S. Embassy have been able to visit him and report that he’s stable. We are concerned that this latest suicide report may indicate that Rwandan authorities might harm him.
“I think that it means that his situation has gotten absolutely dire. I think that they have to either consider it an attempt on his life or laying the groundwork to kill him and claim that it was suicide,” Sarah Erlinder said in an interview from D.C.
11:30 am
Peter’s family and NLG representatives are in Washington, D.C. attempting to meet with the State Department and the UN. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday, June 3 at 9:30 am in the West Room of the National Press Club, 529 14th St, NW, Washington, D.C.
Articles about Peter have appeared in the Associated Press, the Minneapolis Star Tribune and several other publications. Here is a sample of a few well-written profiles.
http://www.startribune.com/local/95336614.html?page=1&c=y
http://www.pressherald.com/news/ap?articleID=4660002
Monday, May 31
Report came in that Peter was brought to the hospital following interrogation. After tests were run, it was determined that high blood pressure was the problem and Peter was returned to the jail. This article from Minnesota Public Radio gives an update on his condition.
Phone numbers of important officials to call on behalf of Peter:
Call the White House: 202-456-1111
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Secy of State Hillary Clinton: (202) 647-9572
Bureau of African affairs: (202) 647-4440
Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs: (202) 647-2530
Rwanda embassy (NY): (212) 679-9010 or (212) 679-9023
Stephen J. Rapp war crimes ambassador: (202) 647-6051
Susan Rice, US AMB to the UN Accredited Journalists: (212) 415-4050
Rwanda Mission to the UN in USA: (212) 679-9010 or (212) 679-9023
Rwandan Amb. James Kimonyo: (202) 232-2882
Sample Call Script
My name is ____________, I am calling/writing about the arrest of Prof. Peter Erlinder in Rwanda last Friday morning. He was in Rwanda acting as an attorney, representing his client, opposition presidential candidate Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza. I am asking to ask you to demand his immediate release from Rwandan jail. His detention violates his human rights, he is in danger and as an U.S. citizen deserves the highest level of advocacy and protection from the U.S. government.
Saturday, May 29
Facebook group “Free Prof. Peter Erlinder Now” launches.
Friday, May 28
3:00pm
First conference call to discuss options and ways to help. Peter’s family and the NLG asking people to call the following people to demand Peter’s release.
Call and demand the immediate release of Professor Peter Erlinder:
Senator Al Franken
(202) 224-5641
Or send an email at http://franken.senate.gov/contact/
Senator Amy Klobuchar
202-224-3244
Fax: 202-228-2186
Or send an email at http://klobuchar.senate.gov/emailamy.cfm?contactForm=emailamy&submit=Go
Representative Keith Ellison
202-225-4755
Or send an email at http://forms.house.gov/ellison/webforms/issue_subscribe.htm
Representative Betty McCullom
(202) 225-6631
Fax: (202) 225-1968
Or send an email at http://forms.house.gov/mccollum/webforms/issue_subscribe.htm
2:oo pm
NLG issues press release, and piece by Executive Director Heidi Boghosian appears in the Huffington Post.
8:30 am
Peter Erlinder, professor at William Mitchell of Law, past NLG president and defense attorney for Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, was arrested by the Rwandan government on charges of “genocide ideology.”
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Regarding US Laws and the DR Congo
The Year 2010 has the potential to be a watershed year for Relations between the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After a Decade that had the net result of Millions of People Killed, Raped and Left Homeless, The involvement of six neighboring states and the looting of Natural Resources change is possible in the DRC.
When Most People think of US Interests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo the result leads to Tunnel Vision. At some point this month AFRICOM will begin training the Congolese Army (FARDC) at a Base near Kisangani. There are other concerns as well such as the Congo Conflict Minerals Act and the several efforts to address the serious problem that Women have as they are habitually targeted for Sexual Assault in the Eastern Part of the Country.
However there are already two Laws on the books that could offer some redress to creating a Sane US Policy towards the DRC. First lets dust off the History Books and go back to the days of the Kennedy Administration. At that time the Country had just achieved Independence from Belgium. And the United States Congress put in an interesting clause in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Section 105 of Public Law 109-456 hereby states: The Secretary of State is authorized to withhold assistance made available under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 other than Humanitarian, Peacekeeping and Counterterrorism Assistance, for a foreign country if the Secretary determines that the Government of the Foreign Country is taking actions to Destabilize the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It does make you wonder why this isn't being used against such erstwhile allies such as Rwanda and Uganda and for good Measure Angola and Zimbabwe. Where is Congress on this? Or Even the Secretary of State or better yet other African Activists?
While this point is being mulled over the effort to have S. 2125 aka the Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief Security and Democracy Act of 2006 Implemented as well. Humanitarian Relief is a large issue in the DRC with various Militias from the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda literally setting up their own fiefdoms in the Eastern Part of the Country with the willing or unwilling complicity of the United States.
Sometimes the percieved problems with the Strategy of the United States can be resolved if previous Legislation were enacted upon. The Situation regarding the Congo is a perfect example of this. There were loud voices in the Activist Community demanding that the US take concrete steps to address the myriad of issues that plague the Country will all means short of Military Action. There were voices as well that did not want an American Military Response either.
So now that the old Law Books have been dusted off and that there is an apparatus in place to rein in some of the nefarious actors that are in the neighborhood the question is will any action be taken in Washington? And they should remember that people are watching........
When Most People think of US Interests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo the result leads to Tunnel Vision. At some point this month AFRICOM will begin training the Congolese Army (FARDC) at a Base near Kisangani. There are other concerns as well such as the Congo Conflict Minerals Act and the several efforts to address the serious problem that Women have as they are habitually targeted for Sexual Assault in the Eastern Part of the Country.
However there are already two Laws on the books that could offer some redress to creating a Sane US Policy towards the DRC. First lets dust off the History Books and go back to the days of the Kennedy Administration. At that time the Country had just achieved Independence from Belgium. And the United States Congress put in an interesting clause in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
Section 105 of Public Law 109-456 hereby states: The Secretary of State is authorized to withhold assistance made available under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 other than Humanitarian, Peacekeeping and Counterterrorism Assistance, for a foreign country if the Secretary determines that the Government of the Foreign Country is taking actions to Destabilize the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It does make you wonder why this isn't being used against such erstwhile allies such as Rwanda and Uganda and for good Measure Angola and Zimbabwe. Where is Congress on this? Or Even the Secretary of State or better yet other African Activists?
While this point is being mulled over the effort to have S. 2125 aka the Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief Security and Democracy Act of 2006 Implemented as well. Humanitarian Relief is a large issue in the DRC with various Militias from the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda literally setting up their own fiefdoms in the Eastern Part of the Country with the willing or unwilling complicity of the United States.
Sometimes the percieved problems with the Strategy of the United States can be resolved if previous Legislation were enacted upon. The Situation regarding the Congo is a perfect example of this. There were loud voices in the Activist Community demanding that the US take concrete steps to address the myriad of issues that plague the Country will all means short of Military Action. There were voices as well that did not want an American Military Response either.
So now that the old Law Books have been dusted off and that there is an apparatus in place to rein in some of the nefarious actors that are in the neighborhood the question is will any action be taken in Washington? And they should remember that people are watching........
Friday, May 21, 2010
Fièvre électorale au bord des Grands Lacs
Par Colette Braeckman
Le Burundi, le Rwanda et, en 2011 la République démocratique du Congo sont engagés dans des marathons électoraux qui devraient, si tout se passe bien, consolider la paix et le relèvement économique de la région. Cependant dans ces pays où les relations interethniques demeurent fragiles et où la guerre rode encore, des dérapages pourraient réduire à néant des années d’efforts et avoir un effet de contagion. Cette semaine, le Burundi a été le premier à se lancer dans la course : quelques 3,5 millions d’électeurs ont été appelés à désigner près de 2000 conseillers dans les 129 communes du pays et les résultats devraient être connus durant le week end. De l’avis général, ces élections communales sont plus importantes encore que les législatives et même que l’élection présidentielle prévue le 28 juin prochain. En effet, alors que le principal parti tutsi, l’Uprona, « reste au balcon » et se contentera, s’il maintient sa position , d’occuper le poste de vice président que la Constitution lui réserve, une âpre compétition met aux prises plusieurs partis hutus dont les partisans, il n’y a pas si longtemps encore, faisaient le coup de feu sur les collines. Il y a moins d’un an que le dernier venu, le FNL (Front national de libération) a accepté de déposer les armes tandis que ses partisans rentraient de Tanzanie où ils avaient été longtemps réfugiés. Durant les deux semaines qu’a duré la campagne électorale, les collines du Burundi ont retenti du son des tambours et des haut parleurs mais il y a eu également des affrontements et des intimidations entre partisans des diverses formations, le Frodebu (Front démocratique du Burundi), le CNDD-FDD (Conseil national pour la défense de la démocratie- Forces de défense de la démocratie) parti auquel appartient le président Pierre Nkurunziza et le FNL, vierge en politique, qui pourrait porter les espoirs des citoyens déçus par les prestations des deux formations qui se sont succédé au pouvoir. Le CNDD et le FNL s’accusent réciproquement de maquiller en « groupes sportifs » des groupes de combattants armés et de multiplier les intimidations dans les campagnes, le FNL dénonçant vivement la corruption du parti présidentiel. Pour avoir dénoncé les violences politiques dans un récent rapport, la représentante de Human Rights Watch à Bujumbura a été expulsée à la veille du scrutin. Alors que la communauté internationale, dont l’Union européenne et la Belgique, a envoyé de nombreux observateurs sur le terrain, des sources diplomatique estiment que l’on pourrait assister à une situation inédite, où le CNDD parti du chef de l’Etat perdrait les élections communales tandis que Pierre Nkurunziza, lors des présidentielles de juin prochain, garde toutes ses chances de l’emporter. En effet, tout au long de son mandat, le président a veillé à maintenir un contact étroit avec sa base électorale : sportif accompli, on l’a vu chaque semaine courir, pédaler ou jouer au football sur les collines et surtout se mettre à l’écoute de ses compatriotes. Ces derniers lui sont également reconnaissants d’avancées sociales telles que la gratuité de l’enseignement primaire et l’accès aux soins de santé pour les enfants de moins de 5 ans ainsi que la prise en charge des frais d’accouchement.
Les élections pourraient aussi révéler le succès d’une nouvelle formation, le MSD (Mouvement pour la solidarité et la démocratie) emmenée par Alexis Sinduhije, un ancien journaliste de RPA (Radio publique africaine) très populaire pour avoir dénoncé de nombreux scandales et cas de corruption. Ce parti est très représentatif du « nouveau Burundi » qui a émergé d’une décennie de guerre civile : alors que la Constitution prévoit que le gouvernement et le parlement doivent être seront composés de 60% de Hutus et de 40% de Tutsis, cette distinction ethnique a tendance à s’estomper et les partisans de Sinduhije se recrutent dans les deux groupes. En outre, la société civile, (associations de femmes, de défense des droits de l’homme) et la presse, libre et dynamique, représentent également des garde fous contre les risques de dérive violente.
L’issue des élections au Burundi sera suivie de près au Rwanda où le système politique est radicalement différent puisque, combattant le « divisionnisme » il interdit toute référence à l’ethnie et pratique un contrôle beaucoup plus strict sur la population. Alors que le président Kagame qui se présentera en août devant les électeurs est pratiquement assuré du renouvellement de son mandat, la situation est très tendue : à plusieurs reprises des grenades ont été lancées dans des lieux publics, les candidats opposés au président sont intimidés ou, comme Victoire Ingabire, menacés de poursuites judiciaires tandis que des généraux, compagnons de la première heure de Kagame, ont pris la fuite ou ont été arrêtés.
Malgré le soutien que la communauté internationale continue à apporter au régime en raison de sa bonne gouvernance et de ses succès économiques, le Rwanda tenu d’une main de fer apparaît paradoxalement aussi fragile que son voisin burundais ou qu’un Congo toujours à la recherche de la paix dans l’Est…
Le Burundi, le Rwanda et, en 2011 la République démocratique du Congo sont engagés dans des marathons électoraux qui devraient, si tout se passe bien, consolider la paix et le relèvement économique de la région. Cependant dans ces pays où les relations interethniques demeurent fragiles et où la guerre rode encore, des dérapages pourraient réduire à néant des années d’efforts et avoir un effet de contagion. Cette semaine, le Burundi a été le premier à se lancer dans la course : quelques 3,5 millions d’électeurs ont été appelés à désigner près de 2000 conseillers dans les 129 communes du pays et les résultats devraient être connus durant le week end. De l’avis général, ces élections communales sont plus importantes encore que les législatives et même que l’élection présidentielle prévue le 28 juin prochain. En effet, alors que le principal parti tutsi, l’Uprona, « reste au balcon » et se contentera, s’il maintient sa position , d’occuper le poste de vice président que la Constitution lui réserve, une âpre compétition met aux prises plusieurs partis hutus dont les partisans, il n’y a pas si longtemps encore, faisaient le coup de feu sur les collines. Il y a moins d’un an que le dernier venu, le FNL (Front national de libération) a accepté de déposer les armes tandis que ses partisans rentraient de Tanzanie où ils avaient été longtemps réfugiés. Durant les deux semaines qu’a duré la campagne électorale, les collines du Burundi ont retenti du son des tambours et des haut parleurs mais il y a eu également des affrontements et des intimidations entre partisans des diverses formations, le Frodebu (Front démocratique du Burundi), le CNDD-FDD (Conseil national pour la défense de la démocratie- Forces de défense de la démocratie) parti auquel appartient le président Pierre Nkurunziza et le FNL, vierge en politique, qui pourrait porter les espoirs des citoyens déçus par les prestations des deux formations qui se sont succédé au pouvoir. Le CNDD et le FNL s’accusent réciproquement de maquiller en « groupes sportifs » des groupes de combattants armés et de multiplier les intimidations dans les campagnes, le FNL dénonçant vivement la corruption du parti présidentiel. Pour avoir dénoncé les violences politiques dans un récent rapport, la représentante de Human Rights Watch à Bujumbura a été expulsée à la veille du scrutin. Alors que la communauté internationale, dont l’Union européenne et la Belgique, a envoyé de nombreux observateurs sur le terrain, des sources diplomatique estiment que l’on pourrait assister à une situation inédite, où le CNDD parti du chef de l’Etat perdrait les élections communales tandis que Pierre Nkurunziza, lors des présidentielles de juin prochain, garde toutes ses chances de l’emporter. En effet, tout au long de son mandat, le président a veillé à maintenir un contact étroit avec sa base électorale : sportif accompli, on l’a vu chaque semaine courir, pédaler ou jouer au football sur les collines et surtout se mettre à l’écoute de ses compatriotes. Ces derniers lui sont également reconnaissants d’avancées sociales telles que la gratuité de l’enseignement primaire et l’accès aux soins de santé pour les enfants de moins de 5 ans ainsi que la prise en charge des frais d’accouchement.
Les élections pourraient aussi révéler le succès d’une nouvelle formation, le MSD (Mouvement pour la solidarité et la démocratie) emmenée par Alexis Sinduhije, un ancien journaliste de RPA (Radio publique africaine) très populaire pour avoir dénoncé de nombreux scandales et cas de corruption. Ce parti est très représentatif du « nouveau Burundi » qui a émergé d’une décennie de guerre civile : alors que la Constitution prévoit que le gouvernement et le parlement doivent être seront composés de 60% de Hutus et de 40% de Tutsis, cette distinction ethnique a tendance à s’estomper et les partisans de Sinduhije se recrutent dans les deux groupes. En outre, la société civile, (associations de femmes, de défense des droits de l’homme) et la presse, libre et dynamique, représentent également des garde fous contre les risques de dérive violente.
L’issue des élections au Burundi sera suivie de près au Rwanda où le système politique est radicalement différent puisque, combattant le « divisionnisme » il interdit toute référence à l’ethnie et pratique un contrôle beaucoup plus strict sur la population. Alors que le président Kagame qui se présentera en août devant les électeurs est pratiquement assuré du renouvellement de son mandat, la situation est très tendue : à plusieurs reprises des grenades ont été lancées dans des lieux publics, les candidats opposés au président sont intimidés ou, comme Victoire Ingabire, menacés de poursuites judiciaires tandis que des généraux, compagnons de la première heure de Kagame, ont pris la fuite ou ont été arrêtés.
Malgré le soutien que la communauté internationale continue à apporter au régime en raison de sa bonne gouvernance et de ses succès économiques, le Rwanda tenu d’une main de fer apparaît paradoxalement aussi fragile que son voisin burundais ou qu’un Congo toujours à la recherche de la paix dans l’Est…
The US State Department and The pending Legislation in the Senate Called the Congo Conflict Minerals Act.
First Published By The Confused Eagle,
May 14th was not a good day for the US State Department. While attempting to address a situation in Africa. In an attempt to place blame on one party it has cast an eye on its unwillingness to follow the Laws of the United States.
Currently there is pending Legislation in the Senate Called the Congo Conflict Minerals Act. This is an attempt to ensure that the Electronics Industry does not profit from importing Gold and other Minerals that are driving the Conflict in the Kivu Provinces of the DRC. The region was one of the fronts during Africa's World War. And at this date Militias are using force on Civilians to mine these minerals and using the Profits from this and other activities to purchase weapons.
On that date Members of the US State Department met with representatives of the Auto Industry, the Electronics Industry and other Industries that use Gold, Tungsten, Tin and Tantalum. This effort was part of the effort by the Obama Administration in its effort to help manufacturers from using these ill-gotten Minerals.
However two other questions are begging to be asked:
First why isn't section 105 of Public Law 109-456 being implimented? This section goes back to the Foreign Aid Assistance Act of 1961. This would call for Sanctions to be placed upon any country that is involved within the Internal Situation in the Congo but was not providing Peacekeeping, Humanitarian or Counterterrorism Assistance. We know that there are TWO specific countries that are NOW violating this law. (Rwanda and Uganda)
Why hasn't there been a call for this section to be enforced? Both Nations have Elections in the Near Future. In July Rwanda goes to the Polls in what is turning into a Campaign where if you are against Kagame you cannot run. In 2011 Uganda Goes to the Polls. The State Department has set aside funds for the monitoring of these elections and having to Provide reports every quarter to Congress as part of the Operations for the FY 11 Budget.
The Second Section that needs to be Implemented is section 107. This calls for the President of the United States to appoint a Special Envoy to Central Africa. What is disturbing is that President Obama the Main Sponsor of this Law in the Senate is not even following through with the LAW THAT HE WROTE!! Howard Wolpe has the Position of Special Representative for the Great Lakes. He is not a Special Envoy. This also give a problem to legitimacy as whatever Mr. Wolpe says on behalf of the President will not be taken seriously by those in the Great Lakes of Africa.
Currently the Congo Conflict Minerals Act is still in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate. So the meeting at the State Department which had so much Fanfare may only be Smoke and Mirrors. It is easier for the Diplomats to attack the Business People in the US than to actually put people on the ground in the region and actually try to effect change that way.
There is plenty of criticism to go around. The Obama Administration should not be the only one who should be held accountable. Every Administration since the Carter Administration which assisted the efforts of Morocco and Belgium to prop up Moboutu in 1977 has failed to implement this law to protect the People of the Congo.
So what are the Priorities on C Street now?
Tomorrow Morning the LRA Disarmament Bill is voted upon in the House of Representatives. This piece of Legislation is moving with celerity compared to the process that it went through the United States Senate.
This Bill which has Bi-Partisan Support will have the US take an increased role in defeating the over two decade long Insurgency of Joseph Kony. The violence that has been launched by his followers have affected not only Northern Uganda but also the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Central African Republic and Sudan. In fact in the Past the LRA has received material support from the current Sudanese Leadership in a past proxy war against the Ugandan Government.
The timing of this vote will raise some Alarms. First is the timing of this. The Weekend Prior to the announcement that the vote would take place the Speaker of the House and selected leaders flew to Germany and met with General Ward and other Leaders and Planners of AFRICOM. At this time there are three locations where any US Military Action against the LRA can originate from. They are Djibouti, Juba in Southern Sudan or Kisangani in the DRC.
Another area of concern is the belief that once again Washington is giving President Museveni of Uganda a Blank Check to do whatever he wants to do in the region. Twice during the George W. Bush Administration President Museveni was given the green light to invade the Congo to deal with the LRA. He was just as cozy with the Clinton Administration as well after President Kagame came to power in Rwanda as well.
At this time reports are that the LRA Disarmament Bill which is 11th on the Agenda for tomorrow morning will be passed by the House and then be placed on the desk of the President within the next 48 hours. This sets into motion a clock where a strategy has to be drawn up by the Administration within 180 Days.
Other Concerns:
On April 23rd of this year another journalist perished in Africa. Bibi Ngota perished while in custody in Cameroon. In the previous issue of Confused Eagle I wrote about the actions of Security Forces in Cameroon and the tensions with Nigeria regarding the Bakissi Peninsula.
In 2012 there are Elections scheduled for Cameroon as well. Cameroon is important for several reasons. It is the terminus for a pipeline that originates in T'Chad. It lies on the Gulf of Guinea which has Piracy and Human Trafficking issues that the Media seems content to ignore.
Recently the US Marines Conducted some Training with the Senegalese Marines in an exercise. Africa is a Security interest of the United States. West Africa is a region that is very unstable. The tensions along the Guinea-Liberia Border may be the Next Flash point.
Tensions are rising within Cote D'Ivorie as the process to hold Presidential Elections hit another Snag.
The largest Rebel Group in Darfur JEM (Justice and Equality Movement) is threatening renewed hostilities if the Egyptian Authorities take Khalil Ibriham into custody as Khartoum demands.
And there are Elections in Ethiopia in a couple of weeks.
May 14th was not a good day for the US State Department. While attempting to address a situation in Africa. In an attempt to place blame on one party it has cast an eye on its unwillingness to follow the Laws of the United States.
Currently there is pending Legislation in the Senate Called the Congo Conflict Minerals Act. This is an attempt to ensure that the Electronics Industry does not profit from importing Gold and other Minerals that are driving the Conflict in the Kivu Provinces of the DRC. The region was one of the fronts during Africa's World War. And at this date Militias are using force on Civilians to mine these minerals and using the Profits from this and other activities to purchase weapons.
On that date Members of the US State Department met with representatives of the Auto Industry, the Electronics Industry and other Industries that use Gold, Tungsten, Tin and Tantalum. This effort was part of the effort by the Obama Administration in its effort to help manufacturers from using these ill-gotten Minerals.
However two other questions are begging to be asked:
First why isn't section 105 of Public Law 109-456 being implimented? This section goes back to the Foreign Aid Assistance Act of 1961. This would call for Sanctions to be placed upon any country that is involved within the Internal Situation in the Congo but was not providing Peacekeeping, Humanitarian or Counterterrorism Assistance. We know that there are TWO specific countries that are NOW violating this law. (Rwanda and Uganda)
Why hasn't there been a call for this section to be enforced? Both Nations have Elections in the Near Future. In July Rwanda goes to the Polls in what is turning into a Campaign where if you are against Kagame you cannot run. In 2011 Uganda Goes to the Polls. The State Department has set aside funds for the monitoring of these elections and having to Provide reports every quarter to Congress as part of the Operations for the FY 11 Budget.
The Second Section that needs to be Implemented is section 107. This calls for the President of the United States to appoint a Special Envoy to Central Africa. What is disturbing is that President Obama the Main Sponsor of this Law in the Senate is not even following through with the LAW THAT HE WROTE!! Howard Wolpe has the Position of Special Representative for the Great Lakes. He is not a Special Envoy. This also give a problem to legitimacy as whatever Mr. Wolpe says on behalf of the President will not be taken seriously by those in the Great Lakes of Africa.
Currently the Congo Conflict Minerals Act is still in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate. So the meeting at the State Department which had so much Fanfare may only be Smoke and Mirrors. It is easier for the Diplomats to attack the Business People in the US than to actually put people on the ground in the region and actually try to effect change that way.
There is plenty of criticism to go around. The Obama Administration should not be the only one who should be held accountable. Every Administration since the Carter Administration which assisted the efforts of Morocco and Belgium to prop up Moboutu in 1977 has failed to implement this law to protect the People of the Congo.
So what are the Priorities on C Street now?
Tomorrow Morning the LRA Disarmament Bill is voted upon in the House of Representatives. This piece of Legislation is moving with celerity compared to the process that it went through the United States Senate.
This Bill which has Bi-Partisan Support will have the US take an increased role in defeating the over two decade long Insurgency of Joseph Kony. The violence that has been launched by his followers have affected not only Northern Uganda but also the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Central African Republic and Sudan. In fact in the Past the LRA has received material support from the current Sudanese Leadership in a past proxy war against the Ugandan Government.
The timing of this vote will raise some Alarms. First is the timing of this. The Weekend Prior to the announcement that the vote would take place the Speaker of the House and selected leaders flew to Germany and met with General Ward and other Leaders and Planners of AFRICOM. At this time there are three locations where any US Military Action against the LRA can originate from. They are Djibouti, Juba in Southern Sudan or Kisangani in the DRC.
Another area of concern is the belief that once again Washington is giving President Museveni of Uganda a Blank Check to do whatever he wants to do in the region. Twice during the George W. Bush Administration President Museveni was given the green light to invade the Congo to deal with the LRA. He was just as cozy with the Clinton Administration as well after President Kagame came to power in Rwanda as well.
At this time reports are that the LRA Disarmament Bill which is 11th on the Agenda for tomorrow morning will be passed by the House and then be placed on the desk of the President within the next 48 hours. This sets into motion a clock where a strategy has to be drawn up by the Administration within 180 Days.
Other Concerns:
On April 23rd of this year another journalist perished in Africa. Bibi Ngota perished while in custody in Cameroon. In the previous issue of Confused Eagle I wrote about the actions of Security Forces in Cameroon and the tensions with Nigeria regarding the Bakissi Peninsula.
In 2012 there are Elections scheduled for Cameroon as well. Cameroon is important for several reasons. It is the terminus for a pipeline that originates in T'Chad. It lies on the Gulf of Guinea which has Piracy and Human Trafficking issues that the Media seems content to ignore.
Recently the US Marines Conducted some Training with the Senegalese Marines in an exercise. Africa is a Security interest of the United States. West Africa is a region that is very unstable. The tensions along the Guinea-Liberia Border may be the Next Flash point.
Tensions are rising within Cote D'Ivorie as the process to hold Presidential Elections hit another Snag.
The largest Rebel Group in Darfur JEM (Justice and Equality Movement) is threatening renewed hostilities if the Egyptian Authorities take Khalil Ibriham into custody as Khartoum demands.
And there are Elections in Ethiopia in a couple of weeks.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Kagame's Rwanda accuses real-life Hotel Rwanda hero of terrorism
By Annie Garrison
Rwandan President Paul Kagame's government has accused real-life Hotel Rwanda hero Paul Rusesabagina of violent conspiracy, along with arrested and indicted Rwandan presidential candidate Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame's government has accused real-life Hotel Rwanda hero Paul Rusesabagina of violent conspiracy, along with arrested and indicted Rwandan presidential candidate Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has a Global Citizen Award from Bill Clinton, and an International Medal of P.E.A.C.E. from evangelical Pastor Rick Warren, the same award that Warren presented to George Bush in 2008. Bush, however, presented Paul Rusesabagina with a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005, and Rusesabagina may be the best known man of peace to emerge from the horrific 1994 violence that the world came to know as the Rwanda Genocide.
Outlets like CNN continue to seek out Rusesabagina to speak to war and peace in the Great Lakes region of Africa, despite Kagame's accusations that he, like Ingabire, is guilty not only of violent conspiracy but, of "Double Genocide Theory," a speech crime unique to Rwanda, which means saying that Hutus as well as Tutsis were victims of ethnic violence and crimes against humanity in Rwanda in 1994. Rusesabagina's story of sheltering over 1200 refugees in the four-star Kigali hotel where he was the assistant manager became the film Hotel Rwanda and his autobiography, "An Ordinary Man."
The state-run Rwanda New Times, and thus AllAfrica.com, reported Rwanda's accusations and testimony against both Rusesabagina and Ingabire: "Lt. Col Tharcisse Nditurende and Lt. Col Noel Habiyambere, who were senior commanders of the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), admitted having worked with Ingabire and Paul Rusesabagina to form rebel groups to launch offensives in the country." Rwanda: Ingabire Co-Accused Arraigned in Court, Rwanda New Times/AllAfrica.com, 04.30.2010
Outlets like CNN continue to seek out Rusesabagina to speak to war and peace in the Great Lakes region of Africa, despite Kagame's accusations that he, like Ingabire, is guilty not only of violent conspiracy but, of "Double Genocide Theory," a speech crime unique to Rwanda, which means saying that Hutus as well as Tutsis were victims of ethnic violence and crimes against humanity in Rwanda in 1994. Rusesabagina's story of sheltering over 1200 refugees in the four-star Kigali hotel where he was the assistant manager became the film Hotel Rwanda and his autobiography, "An Ordinary Man."
The state-run Rwanda New Times, and thus AllAfrica.com, reported Rwanda's accusations and testimony against both Rusesabagina and Ingabire: "Lt. Col Tharcisse Nditurende and Lt. Col Noel Habiyambere, who were senior commanders of the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), admitted having worked with Ingabire and Paul Rusesabagina to form rebel groups to launch offensives in the country." Rwanda: Ingabire Co-Accused Arraigned in Court, Rwanda New Times/AllAfrica.com, 04.30.2010
Kagame threatens challenger with prison for talking to press Special
Kagame threatens challenger with prison for talking to press Special
By Ann Garrison.
May 14, 2010---The Rwanda New Times reported that Rwandan Prosecutor General Ngoga threatened to jail Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza for speaking with press. Ingabire has not been allowed to register to formally run against Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
She is now facing criminal charges brought against her for challenging Kagame and his ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front Party government. According to Ngoga: “The Prosecution is more specifically concerned with continued posting declarations and newspaper interviews she has been doing. The case against her is not one of robbery in which restraining physical movement would be enough to contain further damage. It is a case of destructive and divisive ideology whose damage does not require physical proximity of the offender.”
Law Professor Peter Erlinder, the U.S. attorney and Lead Defense Counsel at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, who has been retained to defend Ingabire, said: “Ngoga’s threats reveal that the real purpose of the criminal charges against Madame Ingabire is to serve notice that no political opposition will be tolerated in Rwanda. And, that the 2003 ‘sham elections’ as reported by EU election monitors, and other outside human rights observers, will be repeated in 2010, unless the Rwandan government completely changes its policies to permit a functioning democracy.”
Ingabire is charged with associating with terrorists, and violations of the "genocide ideology" statutes creating speech and thought crimes unique to Rwanda, which Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and even the U.S. State Department have denounced. Prof. Erlinder will appear at Ingabire’s next hearing, on May 24th in Kigali, to insist on her continued release on bail, return of her computers and property, an end to the state's interference with her presidential campaign and the full disclosure of prosecution evidence and witnesses. Erlinder has said he intends to argue that Ingabire's internationally recognized rights to free speech have been violated, and that she is being denied due process.
He has also submitted letters to his Minnesota Senators and Congressional Representative, and to the U.S. State Department, to request protection, stating that he has reason to believe that his own life could be in danger while he is in Rwanda, because of leaked memos identifying him as a foreign enemy of the government and target for assassination.
The Human Rights Committee of the EU Parliament has written to Rwanda's Ambassador to Belgium Gérard Ntwari. objecting to Ingabire's arrest, and to ongoing repression of political and civil rights, including the right to free speech.
Law Professor Peter Erlinder, the U.S. attorney and Lead Defense Counsel at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, who has been retained to defend Ingabire, said: “Ngoga’s threats reveal that the real purpose of the criminal charges against Madame Ingabire is to serve notice that no political opposition will be tolerated in Rwanda. And, that the 2003 ‘sham elections’ as reported by EU election monitors, and other outside human rights observers, will be repeated in 2010, unless the Rwandan government completely changes its policies to permit a functioning democracy.”
Ingabire is charged with associating with terrorists, and violations of the "genocide ideology" statutes creating speech and thought crimes unique to Rwanda, which Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and even the U.S. State Department have denounced. Prof. Erlinder will appear at Ingabire’s next hearing, on May 24th in Kigali, to insist on her continued release on bail, return of her computers and property, an end to the state's interference with her presidential campaign and the full disclosure of prosecution evidence and witnesses. Erlinder has said he intends to argue that Ingabire's internationally recognized rights to free speech have been violated, and that she is being denied due process.
He has also submitted letters to his Minnesota Senators and Congressional Representative, and to the U.S. State Department, to request protection, stating that he has reason to believe that his own life could be in danger while he is in Rwanda, because of leaked memos identifying him as a foreign enemy of the government and target for assassination.
The Human Rights Committee of the EU Parliament has written to Rwanda's Ambassador to Belgium Gérard Ntwari. objecting to Ingabire's arrest, and to ongoing repression of political and civil rights, including the right to free speech.
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