Category: Politics

Speaking during a recent interview with Al Jazeera Net, Makolo said there are more than 200 illegal militia groups in the country that continue to pose a security threat to Rwanda, especially in the eastern part of DRC.

Makolo explained that the militia includes FDLR group which comprises remnants of the Interehamwe group that fled to Congo after committing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

She said the group, comprising former military officials in Rwanda, fled to the DRC with army weapons and attempted several times to destabilize the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) administration that overthrew the genocidal regime.

“Let’s go back to 1994. There were militias that committed genocide against the Tutsis here in Rwanda and then fled to the Congo with their weapons, and the French forces allowed them to cross with these weapons… All the weapons they were using here were taken with them, and they were allowed to keep them in refugee camps in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” she said.

Makolo lamented that the militia group had for many years used Rwandan civilians as human shields in refugee camps under the watch of the international community.

“For years after the genocide against the Tutsis, these Rwandan civilians were hostages of the former army and the militias, now known as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.

“In the late 1990s, these groups resumed their attacks on Rwanda, and there is evidence of France’s involvement in supporting them with weapons. However, the Rwandan army managed to push them back and thwart their attacks,” she stated.

According to the official, Rwanda has done everything possible to show the international community that the situation in the eastern DRC was serious, however little has been done to get to the bottom of the problem.

“We started efforts to convince the international community of the need to support Rwanda in repatriating the refugee civilians to their homeland, instead of leaving them trapped as hostages in camps controlled by armed groups. We had to carry out an operation in the late 1990s and succeeded in bringing back more than two million civilians to Rwanda, some of whom are now deputies and ministers,” Makolo stated.

“These militias not only pose a significant security threat to us at our borders but also represent an ideological threat advocating the extermination of the Tutsi ethnicity. This ideology is a continuation of the genocide that occurred here in 1994.”

She insisted that the international community had not learnt any lessons from the 1994 atrocities committed by the groups in Rwanda and revealed efforts by the government to build a strong professional army to protect its people.

“Unfortunately, they have not learned the lesson. We have come to realize that we are on our own and must do our utmost with the resources we have to ensure the security of our communities and nations.

“For this reason, we have worked to build a professional and strong army. We also cooperate with regional countries. The lesson we learned is that we must do everything we can and not rely on an international community that has not learned the lesson,” the spokesperson said.

Makolo emphasized that different methods have been used to solve the problems between Rwanda and DRC, but Congolese leaders lack the political will.

“There have been several attempts to succeed in political paths, including what was called the Luanda Roadmap, or the Luanda Protocol, or the Luanda Process, but they all lacked the political will to implement them from the republic’s side. There was a second path through what is called the Nairobi Process.

“The Nairobi Process involves disarming illegal armed groups in the eastern republic, demobilizing them, or integrating them into the army and society. However, this path has stalled. There are also attempts to support the state in reforming its security sector. All these initiatives are essentially political processes, but the Democratic Republic of the Congo is determined to take a military path, which is impossible.”

Speaking during a recent interview with IGIHE, Musa maintained that the conflict in Sudan was not about the two army generals, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, aka Hemeti, the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

“I would like to correct the narrative that this is not a war between two generals. It is a war between the RSF against the sovereignty of the political independence and people of the country,” he stated.

The war in Sudan erupted in April 2023. It stemmed from a power struggle within the military. According to the United Nations (UN), over 12,000 people have died, and more than 33,000 have been injured as a result of the conflict.

Musa noted that the RSF militia enjoys huge support from machinery recruited from neighbouring countries with backing from a regional power and other foreign actors with interests in Sudan.

“They have recruited mercenaries from neighbouring countries. We have more than 40,000 of these troops coming from Niger, Chad, and the Arab nomads from these countries. Some are coming from South Sudan and Ethiopia. There are some Ethiopians fighting with them. We don’t know whether this is with the permission or knowledge of the government of Ethiopia, but I deny that it is known to the government. Most of these mercenaries were fighting in Libya before. They have moved them all to Darfur. Their ethnic background is Arab nomads. Recruiting mercenaries is one of the main chains of supply for the troops to fight,” he added.

Musa lamented that military supplies from the third parties had prolonged the crisis, perpetuating the suffering of the Sudanese people.

“There is a military supply coming from a regional power that is well-documented in the UN Security Council report. Just five days ago, Human Rights Watch published a detailed report on the atrocities committed by the RSF, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.

“There is political support from the regional power as well. So, it’s not about the RSF as an independent political and military power. No. They are an agent for a regional power, carrying out their objective to change the political landscape and leadership in Sudan for the benefit, support, and interest of another regional power,” Musa noted.

To end the conflict that has seen the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mentioned severally amid the raging crisis, the ambassador emphasized that the Sudanese government was ready to engage foreign powers with interests in the country’s rich natural resources through proper channels, urging them not to use the window while the doors were wide open.

“They can help stop this war by halting military support and promoting political support. They can create regional peace and stability, but due to political and strategic interests… Sudan is a very rich country in terms of natural resources and geopolitical location. There are many people and countries interested in engaging in Sudan, but there are proper channels for governments to cooperate for mutual interests. If we open the door for you to come, why would you want to go through the window? We would like them to knock on the door, not jump through the window,” the envoy averred.

He emphasized that RSF can’t win the war because they don’t have the “minds and hearts of the people of Sudan.”

“They do not have the hearts of the people of Sudan. Now they control four parts of Darfur and the parts they control are still empty, there is no leadership, there is no food, there are no clinics, there are no schools, there is nothing,” he added.

He acknowledged that the African Union (AU) has the capacity to address the conflict in Sudan, but claimed that they lack the political will.

“To be honest, they are lacking political will and not capacity to contribute to peace and stability in Sudan,” he stated.

Musa further maintained that the Sudanese government had not refused dialogue with the RSF, stating that the government is seeking discussions based on previous agreements. He urged the militia to abide by the demands of the citizens, to cease hostilities against civilians, and to disarm.

Celebrated as African Liberation Day, or Africa Day, the annual May 25th festivities signify the progress made by African nations in throwing off colonial rule and achieving self-determination.

In Rwanda, the celebrations are being spearheaded by the Pan African Movement Rwanda Chapter with the aim of taking stock of the continent’s gains, challenges, and future prospects.

Kenya’s High Commissioner to Rwanda, Janet Mwawasi Oben, is among the envoys in the country who have been actively involved in the organization’s events leading to the celebrations today, including a soccer tournament organized to celebrate Africa Liberation Day at Kicukiro on Sunday, May 19.

IGIHE caught up with her in her office at Kacyiru in the heart of Kigali City, where she reflected on Africa’s gains, the issues hindering economic progress six decades after most countries on the continent attained self-rule, and the measures needed to steer the continent toward prosperity.

{{As Africa celebrates Liberation Day on May 25th, what are some of the key achievements the continent can celebrate after more than six decades of independence?
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May 25 is a significant day for Africa because it marks the inception of the Organization of African Unity, now known as the African Union. It’s a big day for Africa. We have a lot to celebrate despite our challenges. Since its inception, we have seen Africa grow from strength to strength, moving past the period of colonialism, with 1963 being the year when most African countries gained independence.

When we look at the progress that Africa has made since then, we can highlight achievements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfTA), which allows African countries to trade freely. Although this has not been fully realized, there has been considerable progress.

We have the Africa CDC [Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention] through the African Union, which has significantly focused on public health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with member states collaborating to find public health solutions. We have seen women being included at economic and finance decision-making tables, a significant shift from the past.

There has been growth in infrastructure, with improvements in road systems and water access. In education, we have moved from a system purely based on religion to one that has seen substantial growth, although much remains to be done.

{{Despite achieving independence, Africa remains the world’s least developed region, even with abundant natural resources. What do you think has hindered development across the continent?
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Historically, Africa has been heavily colonized, and its natural resources have been exploited by colonial powers and the West, resulting in minimal benefits for the continent. Now that we are independent, we still possess natural resources, although they are depleted. One issue is that countries rich in natural resources often focus solely on these, which hinders progress in other areas such as infrastructure and the digital economy.

Poor governance, corruption, and unaccountable institutions have also impeded Africa’s full growth. We face infrastructure challenges, with underdeveloped roads, railways, air transport, and energy sectors, placing us at a disadvantage. Political instability, disputed elections, armed conflicts, and civil wars have also stalled progress. Our education system needs improvement, and poor quality healthcare remains a problem.

Climate change is a significant issue, affecting countries across the continent. Recently, Kenya experienced floods, while Southern Africa faced drought and hunger. This hinders Africa’s growth despite its natural resources.

{{What steps do you believe are necessary for Africa to achieve full economic and political independence?
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We need to develop indigenous solutions tailored for Africa to foster economic growth, such as building industries to process our natural resources. A workforce with critical skills is essential to compete globally. Modern agricultural techniques are necessary to enhance food security. We must unite to create economic policies that promote socio-economic growth and improve trade.

Peace and stability are crucial; some states remain in turmoil, and we need strategies to address these issues.

{{The theme for this year’s celebrations is on building resilient education systems. Which areas in education should we improve on as a continent to get to the standards of developed nations?
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We should focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Many schools are adopting this approach, moving away from a system based solely on religion to one that emphasizes technological advancement and innovation. By focusing on these areas, we can develop a workforce capable of not only growing Africa but also competing globally.

Speaking during the Global Security Forum on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, President Kagame said the country has been healing for the last three decades, emphasizing that it’s not something he thought would happen so fast.

He attributed gains in the reconciliatory efforts to Rwanda’s young generation, constituting more than 70 per cent of the country’s population.

“The tragedy is behind us but it never gets that distant in the past… We have tried to build unity, and it is happening. It’s something that is benefiting from the young generation. Young people, who constitute 73 per cent of our population, are 35 and below,” he said, adding that, “We have to make sure that these divisions, to the extreme that led to the genocide, never happen again.”

President Kagame noted that Rwanda will continue to build on the unity by investing in its people.

“The foundation in this case for us is unity. We are building on that foundation by investing in people. “We invest in human capital, we provide the goods for education, and health, and food security and bring in technology, and therefore going to these other industries that will make our economy, our country, vibrant and grow and develop,” he added.

He pointed out that investments such as the construction of a modern airport in Bugesera District, in collaboration with Qatar Airways, the modernization of the mining sector, and the development of digital infrastructure add value to all aspects of the economy.

Weighing in on foreign investments and partnerships with foreign powers, President Kagame noted Rwanda had “learnt a lot of lessons” from the past.

Commenting on the rivalry between the United States and China, President Kagame insisted that Rwanda and Africa cannot be “crushed” in the issues and welcomed investments from America, China, and Europe in Rwanda and Africa.

“We can be friends with others—United States, Europe, China, you name it—and not be dragged into these conflicts that benefit those conflicting while impoverishing the African continent.”

Reacting to a recent statement from the United States calling on the Rwanda government to punish soldiers purported to be backing M23 rebels in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kagame said such statements “simply add to the problem”.

“If I were talking to the leaders in the United States and others I would start by telling them that they can do much better than that [passing condemnation]. Because in the end, they are doing nothing. Passing statements of condemnation and blaming this and that without addressing the problem, I think, simply adds to the problem,” President Kagame stated.

The Head of State spoke virtually during his participation at the 2024 Global Security Forum in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

“For every problem, there is a root cause. To solve it, you simply look at the root cause of the problem and work with the parties involved to address what needs to be addressed and reduce the politics and interests. Some of these things don’t just go away unless you do what needs to be done. It doesn’t need a lot of capacity to think. What all of us have can serve us to understand issues like this,” he added.

The US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller had early this month claimed that the attack on the Mugunga camp that claimed at least nine lives came from “Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) and M23 positions.”

However, Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo dismissed the US accusation as “ridiculous,” adding that Rwanda’s “professional army” would “never attack” a camp for displaced people.

Rwanda and DRC have been feuding over tension in the eastern DRC where the Congolese army has been fighting the M23 rebel group, part of the minority Tutsi ethnic group, which has accused the government of marginalization and persecution. On the other hand, Rwanda accuses DRC of backing FDLR, which consists of the remnants of the Interahamwe group that plotted and perpetrated the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

{{Coups in West Africa
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Meanwhile, weighing in on the recent coups in West African countries such as Niger and Guinea, President Kagame emphasized that poor leadership should be blamed. He insisted that foreign powers should refrain from taking sides in the crises.

“If you look at where coups have been happening, nobody wishes to see coups happen in any place. There is nothing to celebrate about that. But at the same time, you don’t stop there. You don’t just condemn coups without even trying to find out what led to this coup. What was lacking for a coup to happen? This is when you start seeing signs of that in governance or lack of security, as we have seen in some of these countries in West Africa,” President Kagame said.

Citing Rwanda’s military support in fighting armed insurgents in Mozambique, President Kagame emphasized that African nations should find ways to work together to solve security and other common problems facing the continent instead of over-relying on the West.

“Why can’t people, first on our own continent, find ways of working together to address these problems like we did in Mozambique and the Central African Republic? With support from developed countries, it would happen faster and more easily. But they all concentrate on condemning.

“In fact, it is ridiculous that in some cases, they would condemn people in some places where coups have happened and be silent in similar cases. They will attack countries citing lack of freedom and human rights, and where some of these are lacking the most, because of interests people have in those countries, it will be muted.”