Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo today (Friday) expressed regret at “hasty decisions based on flimsy evidence” made by donor partners on Rwandan budget support.
There have been various media reports in recent days about development partners suspending or deferring aid disbursements to Rwanda in light of the Group of Experts report on the crisis in the eastern DRC.
Minister Mushikiwabo noted, “We have just concluded discussions with the Group of Experts and comprehensively rebutted every one of the allegations with conclusive documentary evidence.”
She added,“Once we share this with development partners, we believe this will provide them the reassurance they seek in light of an orchestrated media and political campaign to blame Rwanda for this crisis.”
“Rwanda is impatient in pursuit of poverty reduction, economic development and self-sufficiency. Our people cannot afford this kind of distraction.”
Meanwhile, The Netherlands today suspended an aid budget worth US$6.15Million to Rwanda also like US government based on allegations that Rwanda was backing of rebels in the DRCongo.
Rwanda’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Immaculee Uwanyiligira, says she is very disappointed with the Dutch government’s decision.
“You would think that from a country like the Netherlands, that is known for its strong judicial system and openness, they would not take such hasty decisions based on a thin, unsubstantiated report,” she said.
A spokesperson for the Dutch foreign ministry said the Dutch government would, in consultation with its EU partners, re-evaluate its position on development cooperation with Rwanda.
This would happen on the basis of an assessment of Rwanda’s formal response to the UN findings and current developments in the field, including an immediate end to Rwandan support for rebels in the DRC.
However, Support for NGOs active in Rwanda has not been suspended.
In December 2008 the Netherlands revoked aid to Rwanda claiming that Kigali was suporting militia gangs in DRCongo.
On 21st July, the U.S. government announced suspension of military aid to Rwanda citing evidence of Rwandan support for the rebels in DRCongo.
“The United States government is deeply concerned about the evidence that Rwanda is implicated in the provision of support to Congolese rebel groups, including M23,” said Hilary Fuller Renner, a State Department spokeswoman, in an emailed statement.
“We will not obligate US$200,000 in Fiscal Year 2012 Foreign Military Financing funds that were intended to support a Rwandan academy for non-commissioned officers. These funds will be reallocated for programming in another country,” she said.
Previously Minister Mushikiwabo had said reports of Rwanda’s involvement in Congo fighting were “disingenuous” and aimed at making Rwanda a scapegoat for DRC’s problems.
Leave a Reply