28/08/2012 07:38:00 KongoTimes!



[Since 1994, the world witnesses the horrifying reality : the Tutsi minority (14%) ethnic domination, the Tutsi minority ethnic rule, tyranny and corruption in Rwanda. The current government has been characterized by the total impunity of RPF criminals, the Tutsi economic monopoly, the Tutsi militaristic domination with an iron fist, and the brutal suppression of the rights of the majority of the Rwandan people (85% are Hutus), mass-arrests and mass-murder by the RPF criminal organization.


So long as justice and accountability for RPF past and current crimes are ignored and delayed, Peace and Stability will remain illusive and impossible in Rwanda=>As International]

Didier Reynders Vice-premier Ministre et Ministre belge des Affaires étrangères

Le patron de la diplomatie belge en appelle à des concertations à l'ONU et à l'UE en vue des sanctions contre le Rwanda, et promet la pleine participation de son pays qui compte également suspendre son aide au développement. Kigali a compris le message et s'engage à coopérer pleinement dès cette semaine.

Did
ier Reynders boucle sa mission congolo-rwandaise par Kigali. Le Vice-premier Ministre et Ministre belge des Affaires étrangères a été reçu le week-end par le Président Rwandais, Paul Kagamé, avant de tenir une conférence de presse avec son homologue Louise Mushikiwabo. A cette occasion, le chef de la diplomatie belge est monté d'un cran dans son discours pour appeler fermement le Rwanda à prendre une part active dans le processus de pacification de la région et à prouver qu’il n’est pas une partie du problème, sous peine de sanctions internationales.
Didier Reynders a, bien entendu, continué à laisser à Kigali le bénéfice du doute au sujet de son implication dans le conflit à l'Est de la RDC. Bruxelles n'a, en effet, pas encore décidé de suspendre son aide au développement au profit du Rwanda, mais le ton est bel et bien monté d'un cran face aux autorités rwandaises.

« Il est urgent de prendre des initiatives et si ce n’est pas le cas, il y aura une escalade. Et ce, pas seulement sur le terrain, mais peut-être au niveau international. La Belgique attend les discussions qui vont avoir lieu au Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU et au comité de sanction dans les prochains jours. Mais s’il en ressort une volonté de sanction au niveau international, nous y participerons", a prévenu Reynders.

Ainsi, Didier Reynders a demandé à Kigali de s'abstenir de tout soutien au M-23, sous peine d'une "escalade" dangereuse qui pourrait se traduire par des sanctions internationales. Quant à ce que la Belgique pourrait faire comme action, le patron de la diplomatie belge a laissé entrevoir des sanctions à la suite des précédentes. "Nous aurons peut-être des décisions à prendre", a-t-il menacé, faisant ainsi allusion aux mesures de suspension d'aide déjà prises par certains pays occidentaux.

Kigali ébranlé

Le discours semble acoir été capté 5/5 à Kigali où l'on a senti une sorte d'abranlement. Le Rwanda s'est engagé à coopérer pleinement à la pacification des Grands Lacs. En effet, réagissant aux propos de son homologue belge, Louise Mushikiwabo a affirmé l'engagement du Rwanda de prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires et de collaborer avec les pays de la région des Grands Lacs. Dès cette semaine, elle se rendra au siège de l’ONU à New York pour réaffirmer cet engagement, mais aussi défendre la ligne de communication de son pays.

En attendant, on peut constater qu'après les récriminations qui ont fusé de toutes part contre le Rwanda, avec des sanctions isolées à la clé, la position belge tend à organiser la réaction internationale contre le Rwanda en faisant entrevoir des sanctions concertées que Didier Reynders estime plus efficaces que les précédentes mesures plutôt symboliques et isolées.

« J’ai entendu l’annonce des Etats-Unis qui porte sur la suspension de son aide au Rwanda de l’ordre de 200 mille dollars. Je ne pense pas que ça fasse une pression importante », avait déclaré le Ministre belge des Affaires étrangères le jeudi 23 août à Lubumbashi après sa rencontre avec le Président Joseph Kabila. Il estimait donc que si l'on doit prendre des sanctions contre le rwanda, celles-ci devraient être consécutives à des concertations au niveau de l’Union européenne ou des Nations unies. « Moi je préfère travailler avec une coordination pour que si des mesures doivent être décidées qu’elles le soient pour tous ensemble dans l’Union Européenne ou aux Nations Unies. Les actions isolées semblent être des effets d’annonce », avait dit Didier Reynders qui préconisait la stratégie du dialogue pour mettre fin à la guerre.

L'étau se resserre sur Paul Kagamé

Cette nième pression diplomatique sur le Rwanda ne fait que conforter la position de la RDC qui a réussi à mobiliser la communauté internationale autour de la nouvelle agression rwandaise. Depuis le début du drame, Kigali est allé de dénégations en dénégations, mais sans parvenir à stopper la roue de la diplomatie. Dès le départ, presu'au même moment où l'ONU diffusait son rapport incriminait le Rwanda, Kinshasa avait donné l'alerte en engageant, sans attendre, une offensive diplomatique qui a justement commencé par Kigali.

Une première contre-vérification conjointe sur terrain se soldera par la première fuite du Rwanda dont les experts refusèrent de contresigner le procès verbal. Celui-ci établissait, en effet, l'éimplication du Rwanda par des preuves telles que des militaires rwandais recrutés et équipés au Rwanda, mais aussi des ex-FDLR retournés au Rwanda mais qui ont été réinjectés dans les rangs du M-23.

L'avalanche des sanctions préliminaires, les poursuites ouvertes contre Ntaganda et ses lieutenants à la CPI, les perspectives du même genre de poursuites contre Paul Kagamé et les hautes autorités constituant son régime, etc; autant donc de résultats qui indiquent, d'une part, que la diplomatie congolais carbure à plein régime et, d'autre part, que l'étau ne cesse de se resserer contre Paul Kagamé qui n'aura pas d'autre issue que de lâcher du lest. Au finish, le Rwanda va incontournablement s'en sortir sérieusement affaibli avec les sanctions multiformes qui sont attendues. Kinshasa compte, par ailleurs, saisir la Cour Internationale de Justice (CIJ) pour obtenir les réparations consécutives, notamment, à,la grave crise humanitaire provoquée par l'équipée de Paul Kagamé.

Jonas Eugène KOTA

Published By www.KongoTimes.info - © KongoTimes! - All Rights Reserved.
As International is an international nonpartisan charity organization devoted to defending human rights. It’s an organization working to promote democracy and national reconciliation, inside countries of the African Great lakes Region.


As International centers its work on the twin concepts of freedom of self-determination and freedom from tyranny. These ideals include the belief that all human beings have the rights to speak freely, to associate with those of like mind, and to leave and enter their countries. Individuals in a free society must be accorded equal treatment and due process under law, and must have the opportunity to participate in the governments of their countries;

As International’s ideals likewise find expression in the conviction that all human beings have the right to be free from arbitrary detainment or exile and from interference and coercion in matters of conscience. ASI does not support nor condone violence.

The Truth can be buried and stomped into the ground where none can see, yet eventually it will, like a seed, break through the surface once again far more potent than ever, and Nothing can stop it. Truth can be suppressed for a "time", yet It cannot be destroyed. ==> Wolverine

 [Since 1994, the world witnesses the horrifying reality : the Tutsi minority (14%) ethnic domination, the Tutsi minority ethnic rule, tyranny and corruption in Rwanda. The current government has been characterized by the total impunity of RPF criminals, the Tutsi economic monopoly, the Tutsi militaristic domination with an iron fist, and the brutal suppression of the rights of the majority of the Rwandan people (85% are Hutus), mass-arrests and mass-murder by the RPF criminal organization.


So long as justice and accountability for RPF past and current crimes are ignored and delayed, Peace and Stability will remain illusive and impossible in Rwanda=>AS International]

 

The Rwandan bloody criminal and dictator  allowed to run a country. 8 millions of assassinated Rwadans, Congolese Hutus plus Western citizens including priests and nuns.

Instead of arresting him and bring him before the bar of justice, Kagame was in March 2003 awarded the 2003 Global Leadership Award by the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO). He received the award in recognition of his "commitment and tireless work to address crises, to foster understanding, unity, and peace to benefit all people." YPO regard his role in reconciling the Tutsi and the Hutu differences in Rwanda and in developing a peaceful solution to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a benchmark of great leadership, uncommon inspiration and remarkable achievement.




One of Kagame's achievements : Massacres of Hutu intellectuals, women and children in the Rwandan Auschwitz : Kibeho - Gikongoro



1. In April 2005, Kagame was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor Laws by the University of the Pacific in the United States.
2. In September 2005, Kagame was awarded the Andrew Young Medal for Capitalism and Social Progress by Georgia State University in the United States.


International Criminal Court: The right place for Paul Kagame To face his awful criminal charges The mastermind of the Rwandan Genocide has to be denied sanctuary.


3. In September 2005, Kagame was awarded the African National Achievement Award by the Africa America Institute in the USA. 
4. In April 2006, Kagame was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Oklahoma Christian University in the USA. 
5. In May 2006, Kagame was given the 2006 ICT Africa Award, an award that is designed to recognize and reward organizations and individuals that have demonstrated excellence in promoting the use of ICTs for the overall development of the African continent.
6. In September 2006, Rwanda was listed as a Top-10 reformer on the Ease of doing business index by the World Bank.
   
   July 2007, Kagame won the Best Head Of State in Africa in Support of ICT Award. Kagame won the same award in May 2006, in an event that took place in Kigal.
7. In August 2007, Kagame was given the Hands Off Cain Award for his role in ending the death penalty in his country.
8. In November 2007, Kagame was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor in Law by the University of Glasgow in Scotland. 
9. In December 2007, Kagame was given the African Gender Award in Dakar, Senegal for his role in promoting gender equality in Rwanda.
10. March 2009, Kagame was awarded with “The Distinction of the Grand Cordon in the Most Venerable Order of the Knighthood of Pioneers” by Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.The highest honour in Liberian was given to Kagame in recognition of his exemplary leadership and exceptional contribution to the promotion of women’s rights.
11. In June 2009, Kagame was awarded the Children's Champion Award by the US Fund for UNICEF for Promoting Children's Rights
12. In September 2009, Kagame was awarded the International Peace Medal from Saddleback Church for his support and role in the P.E.A.C.E. plan.
13. In September 2009, Kagame honoured with the Clinton Global Citizen Award in recognition of his leadership in public service that has improved the lives of people of Rwanda.
14. November 2009, Kagame was presented with the ‘Most Innovative People Award for Economic Innovation’ at the Lebanon2020 Summit.
15. May 2010, Kagame was awarded 'Lifetime Leadership Award for Development and Equality' by Rwandan Women in recognition of his efforts in developing the nation and promoting equality amongst Rwandans.May 2010, Kagame was awarded the 2010 Rwanda Convention Association (RCA) Award of Excellence in recognition of his role in steering Rwanda towards a knowledge-based economy and promotion of the private sector.
    Kagame and his RPF unspeakable crimes against the Hutu majority population in Rwanda
    
    
16. On 5 June 2010, Kagame was awarded the prestigious 'Energy Globe Award' on the occasion of World Environment Day celebrated in Kinigi, Rwanda. 
17. On 5 July 2010, Rwanda International Network Association (RINA) awarded Kagame for his continuous efforts in the promotion of Education.
18. On 27 September 2010, British Magazine New Statesman included Paul Kagame in the list of "The World's 50 Most Influential Figures 2010" on 49th place.[44]
19. On 19 November 2010, Kagame was presented the “Grand Croix – Ordre de merit du Benin” the country’s highest national award.
    
    The decoration is awarded exclusively to personalities of the rank of Head of State in recognition of outstanding achievement or to express esteem.
20. 1 June 2011: President Kagame was awarded the Chello Foundation Humanitarian Award 2011 for his “outstanding leadership of the Republic of Rwanda since 1994”
21. 1 September 2011: THE International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded President Paul Kagame with the 2010 IOC award for 'Inspiring Young People' around the world
22. On 7 November 2011, AERG (Association des Etudiants Rescapes du Genocide) awarded Kagame "... in recognition of his efforts and courage to stop the Genocide as he led the Rwanda Patriotic Army,", at the cerebration of AERG 15th Anniversary

 As International is an international nonpartisan charity organization devoted to defending human rights. It’s an organization working to promote democracy and national reconciliation, inside countries of the African Great lakes Region.


As International centers its work on the twin concepts of freedom of self-determination and freedom from tyranny. These ideals include the belief that all human beings have the rights to speak freely, to associate with those of like mind, and to leave and enter their countries. Individuals in a free society must be accorded equal treatment and due process under law, and must have the opportunity to participate in the governments of their countries;

As International’s ideals likewise find expression in the conviction that all human beings have the right to be free from arbitrary detainment or exile and from interference and coercion in matters of conscience. ASI does not support nor condone violence.


The Truth can be buried and stomped into the ground where none can see, yet eventually it will, like a seed, break through the surface once again far more potent than ever, and Nothing can stop it. Truth can be suppressed for a "time", yet It cannot be destroyed. ==> Wolverine

Related articles:

by Kevin Jon Heller
Rwandese and Congolese to the ICC: Indict Kagame
y Ann Garrison




The United States of America seems to have no permanent enemy or friend, but permanent interests. In pursuit of its interests, the US has created dictators in many countries gotten rid of them when they ‘threaten’ the US interests. Potentates like Mobutu, Hosni Mubarak and Ali Saleh were left to face the wrath of the mass after they proved to be a liability to the US. Dictators such as Theodoro Nguema Obiang, Denis Sassou-Ngwesso and Ali Bongo are still in power plundering and ruining their countries as they deem fit simply because they have not yet proved to be dangerous or independent minded in dealing with the US.
Rwanda, since its resurrection from the 100-day massacre became the darling of the West. Nobody lectured Paul Kagame on democracy or Human Rights.
 
Those who failed to interfere to stop genocide in 1994, especially the so-called world powers, had to pat him on the back to silence him from accusing them of their failure. Those who still remember how the international community failed Rwanda, wonder how Kagame would be key to the destabilization of DRC that was destabilized since it gained independence. Many still remember how the CIA killed the founder of DRC Patrice Lumumba and handed over power to puppet and thief Joseph Mobutu who ruined and plundered DRC for decades. Many wonder how, ironically, DRC 'stability and prosperity' can be in the agenda of the country that toppled and killed its founder. Still many wonder how invading, plundering and destabilizing DRC would be a crime while doing the same to Iraq would be deemed legal! What a contradiction!
Currently, the lovey dovey relationship between Kagame and The West has been stained. All results from the poisoned chalice known as DRC. Kagame is now openly assaulted and accused of aiding M23, a ragtag rebel group in DRC in order to destabilize the already destabilized DRC. Before long, Kagame and Museveni invaded DRC under the pretext of repelling and seeking to arrest Hutu militias. This reason was accepted for a while before the true motive came to the agora. Seriously, Kagame is threatened and warned that he can be indicted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague just like Taylor who was recently found guilty and sentenced to serve 50 years in the prison.


Stephen Rapp The Head of US war crimes office


Some western countries have announced the suspension of financial aid to Rwanda. This is a warning to Kagame to behave well. One Stephen Rapp, who leads the US Office of Global Criminal Justice was recently quoted by the Guardian saying, “Charles Taylor never set foot in Sierra Leone, and aided and abetted, and was convicted of aiding and abetting, the Revolutionary United Front with assistance that was substantial and, the judges said, without which the RUF could not have committed the atrocities to the extent they did commit them. Because of that evidence, Charles Taylor was convicted and sentenced to 50 years." if anything, this is a clear message to Kigali that the US can change the rules of the game anytime if at all and when at all.



Kagame remains at large despite war crimes crimes against humanity and genocide he com- mitted in both Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo



The Hague, 17th August 2012
PRESS RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT RECEIVES COMPLAINT AGAINST PRESIDENT KAGAME


We wish to invite Rwandans, Congolese, Africans and the rest of the international community to support this demand for justice.

COORDINATING COMMITTEE FDU-INKINGI

Dr. Nkiko Nsengimana

Lausanne, Switzerland



Interim Committee,

Co-ordinator.



ngombwa@gmail.com



INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT

IN THE MATTER OF PAUL KAGAME ET AL

COMPLAINT PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 15

OF THE STATUTE OF ROME

Whereas Article 15 (1) of the Statute of Rome states that “The Prosecutor may initiate investigations proprio motu on the basis of information on crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court.” And,

Whereas Article 53 of the Statute requires the Prosecutor to “initiate an investigation unless he or she determines there is no reasonable basis to proceed…” and

Whereas it is a matter of public record that the Security Council published on June 27, 2012 a Letter dated 26 June 2012 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to the resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo addressed to the President of the Security Council and its associated Addendum (the Addendum) and,

Whereas the said Addendum presents findings of the Group of Experts that provide a reasonable basis to conclude that crimes within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court have been and are being committed by Paul Kagame and others under his command and control, and

Whereas the Complainants, the United Forces For Democracy in Rwanda (FDU), the Rwanda National Congress (RNC), le Reseau International des Femmes pour la Democratie et la Paix (RIFDP), represent significant elements of the civil society in Rwanda and L’Association Pour la Promotion de la Democratie et du Developpement de la RDC (APRODEC) and Congonova, represent significant elements of the civil society of the Democratic Republic of Congo (the DRC)


Stephen Rapp  Leader of the US Office of Global Criminal Justice

 And Remembering that the States Parties to the Statute stated in the Preamble to the Statute that they are “Determined to put an end to impunity for the perpetrators of these crimes and thus to contribute to the prevention of such crimes”;

The Complainants hereby draw the attention of the Prosecutor to the Addendum that sets out the facts that the Rwandan authorities led by President Paul Kagame, and including his minister of defence, General
James Kaberebe, the Rwandan Defence Forces Chief of Staff, General Charles Kayonga and the Rwandan Defence Permanent Secretary, Brigadier General Jack Nziza have

1. Provided direct military assistance to the M23 rebellion inside the DRC including the use of children under the age of 18 as M23 combatants as described at paragraph 19 of the Addendum which constitutes a war crime under Article 8(b)(xxvi) and 8(e)(vii) of the Statute,
2. Forced former enemy combatants of the Democratic Forces For the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to serve with units sent by the Rwanda Defence Forces to reinforce M23 which constitutes a war crime under Article 8(2)(a)(v) that forbids compelling a prisoner of war or other protected person to serve in the forces of a hostile power as described in paragraphs 20 and 21 of the addendum, and note President Paul Kagame’s criminal responsibility, and that of the other named officers under his authority, for these crimes under Article 28 of the Statute regarding their superior responsibility.

The Complainants further recall the DRC Final Report (the Mapping Report) of June 2010 made to the Secretary-General of the United Nations by Madame Navanethem Pillay, United Nations Commissioner For Human Rights and that, among other crimes therein set out it is stated at paragraphs 20-33 that the armed forces of Rwanda and of the DRC committed genocide against the Hutu ethnic group in the DRC (Zaire). During the entire period of time in which these crimes were committed Paul Kagame had command
responsibility over the Rwandan armed forces.

The Complainants further recall the Report made by Robert Gersony to the UNHCR on October 11, 1994 a written summary of which is attached, in which Mr. Gersony stated that Rwanda Patriotic Army forces under the command of Major General Paul Kagame committed systematic and sustained killings of Hutu civilians in Rwanda between April and July 1994 and recall the report made by ICTR Lead Investigator, Michael Hourigan to the UN Office of Internal Oversight (OIOS) of August 1, 1997 (Hourigan
Report), echoing the report he gave to ICTR prosecutor Louise Arbour, that Paul Kagame was responsible for the shooting down of the presidential plane carrying President Habyarimana of Rwanda and President Ntaryamira, President of Burundi and others.

While neither the Mapping Report nor the Gersony Report nor the Hourigan Report provide evidence of crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC they do provide clear evidence of a continuing and systematic pattern of criminal conduct on the part of Paul Kagame in the great lakes region which goes to the strength of the case against him regarding the crimes for which he is responsible within the jurisdiction of the ICC.

The Complainants also note that the Gersony Report and Hourigan Report were, among other evidence of crimes against humanity committed by Paul Kagame, in the possession of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal (ICTR) for Rwanda and are public documents made exhibits in trials at the ICTR and yet the various Prosecutors of the ICTR refused to prosecute Paul Kagame for his crimes thereby providing him with complete immunity from prosecution and a resulting sense of impunity and this impunity thereby encouraged him to commit further crimes in the DRC without fear of punishment.

The Complainants therefore request the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to act on the information provided herein and to commence an investigation as requested with a view to laying charges against Paul Kagame and any other person or persons complicit in these crimes and to confirm to the world that no one has impunity for crimes committed within the jurisdiction of the ICC.

Submitted at the The Hague, this 17th Day of August, 2012

Christopher C. Black Barrister
Counsel to the Complainants

The Hague,

The Netherlands

The Hague, 17th August 2012

PRESS RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT RECEIVES COMPLAINT AGAINST PRESIDENT

KAGAME

Today Friday 17 August 2012, at 11:30, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague has received the complaint formally presented by opposition parties FDU-Inkingi, Rwandan National Congress (RNC), Congolese organisations and members of civil society Women's International Network for Peace and
Development (RIFDP - Canada, Belgium, Netherlands).



Counsel Barrister Christopher C. Black and Nkiko Nsengimana on behalf of the platform FDU-Inkingi/RNC and other complainants submitted the dossier. The ICC acknowledged with a letter of receipt herewith attached.

We wish to invite Rwandans, Congolese, Africans and the rest of the international community to support this demand for justice.

COORDINATING COMMITTEE FDU-INKINGI
Coordinator
Dr. Nkiko Nsengimana
Lausanne, Switzerland
nkiko.nsengimana@bluewin.ch

RWANDA NATIONAL CONGRESS (RNC)
Interim Committee,
Co-ordinator.
Dr. Theogene Rudasingwa,
Washington DC, USA
ngombwa@gmail.com
As International is an international nonpartisan charity organization devoted to defending human rights. It’s an organization working to promote democracy and national reconciliation, inside countries of the African Great lakes Region.


As International centers its work on the twin concepts of freedom of self-determination and freedom from tyranny. These ideals include the belief that all human beings have the rights to speak freely, to associate with those of like mind, and to leave and enter their countries. Individuals in a free society must be accorded equal treatment and due process under law, and must have the opportunity to participate in the governments of their countries;

As International’s ideals likewise find expression in the conviction that all human beings have the right to be free from arbitrary detainment or exile and from interference and coercion in matters of conscience. ASI does not support nor condone violence.


  The Truth can be buried and stomped into the ground where none can see, yet eventually it will, like a seed, break through the surface once again far more potent than ever, and Nothing can stop it. Truth can be suppressed for a "time", yet It cannot be destroyed. ==> Wolverine

[Since 1994, the world witnesses the horrifying reality : the Tutsi minority (14%) ethnic domination, the Tutsi minority ethnic rule, tyranny and corruption in Rwanda. The current government has been characterized by the total impunity of RPF criminals, the Tutsi economic monopoly, the Tutsi militaristic domination with an iron fist, and the brutal suppression of the rights of the majority of the Rwandan people (85% are Hutus), mass-arrests and mass-murder by the RPF criminal organization.


So long as justice and accountability for RPF past and current crimes are ignored and delayed, Peace and Stability will remain illusive and impossible in Rwanda=>As International]





Rwanda - Kigali
By Clive Muhenga, Kigali
The Rwandan parliament recently passed a law authorizing high-ranking security officials to monitor email and telephone conversations of individuals considered potential threats to the national security. Although the law is secretly rejected by most Rwandan citizens around the country, only opposition militants in exile dare to openly denounce what they call a text dictated by fear and violence.

In Rwanda, the chief of police, the army commander and the head of the intelligence services are all allowed to monitor the communications of anyone suspected of threatening national security. The law, which has just been passed by Parliament, also prohibits accessing banned websites or reading certain materials.

Reading documents considered subversive by the government is equated with complicity with the author and carries the same sentence. “It means that if I were to call Patrick Karegeya or read his party’s communiqué, I would be punishable by law,” comments an independent journalist who wishes to remain anonymous.

Colonel Karegeya, former head of military intelligence under President Paul Kagame’s regime, is currently in exile in South Africa with General Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa, the former Army Chief of Staff. Two years ago, they formed the Rwanda National Congress (RNC), together with other defectors of Kagame’s administration. The party continuously calls for the Rwandan president’s departure.

Anything and everything
“[The law] means that we are now at the mercy of these three big men of the police, army and intelligence, because the threat to national security is an umbrella charge than can include anything and everything,” explains a young lawyer, who also doesn’t want to reveal his name. “It’s a means of silencing us. It’s censorship, plain and simple,” says a young university student.

On local radio stations only a few voices have criticised the law, denouncing the violation of individual privacy. In a reaction, the Rwandan Interior Minister, Fazil Harerimana, announced a campaign to explain the wisdom behind the law.

Gripped by fear

The most virulent criticism comes from Rwandans in exile. “This is another sign proving that the regime in Kigali is totalitarian,” says Eugène Ndayaho, vice president of the oppositional United Democratic Forces (UDF). The UDF is the party of opposition leader Victoire Ingabire who is being tried for allegedly collaborating with terrorist groups.

“The government is in fact only legalising a long-time practice,” says Ndayaho, who lives in France. “Even Ingabire fell victim to it. It’s a new step in the enforcement of laws that destroy freedom. The regime is protecting itself through dictatorial practices based on fear and violence.” His view is shared by exiled journalist Amiel Nkuriza, who sees in the new law “evidence that the regime is gripped by fear.”


Crush the opposition

The new legislation is an addition to other recently adopted laws on genocide ideology and sectarianism, which sparked wide criticism from international human rights organisations. Amnesty International, for example, called in a 2010 report for the amendment of these laws that are written in vague terms, claiming that the Rwandan government is using them to crush any opposition and silence free speech. The revision process for the law on genocide ideology is currently underway.


As International centers its work on the twin concepts of freedom of self-determination and freedom from tyranny. These ideals include the belief that all human beings have the rights to speak freely, to associate with those of like mind, and to leave and enter their countries. Individuals in a free society must be accorded equal treatment and due process under law, and must have the opportunity to participate in the governments of their countries;

As International’s ideals likewise find expression in the conviction that all human beings have the right to be free from arbitrary detainment or exile and from interference and coercion in matters of conscience. ASI does not support nor condone violence.

The Truth can be buried and stomped into the ground where none can see, yet eventually it will, like a seed, break through the surface once again far more potent than ever, and Nothing can stop it. Truth can be suppressed for a "time", yet It cannot be destroyed. ==> Wolverine