Rwandans across the country and Diaspora have angrily reacted to Tanzania’s President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete’s comments suggesting that the Rwandan government should hold peace talks with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR),the rebel group responsible for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Reactions on social networks, media outlets and street talks among Rwandans, both in the country and abroad directly condemn Kikwete’s statement. Common Rwandans as well as the government are equally affected by Kikwete’s appalling comments.
One of The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) programs, a Kirundi/Kinyarwanda programme called, BBC Gahuzamiryango stated Rwanda’s disappointment over Kikwete’s comment, on their facebook page.
Soon after Jakaya Kikwete lauded his fishy diplomacy towards FDLR, Rwanda Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Louise Mushikiwabo questioned the integrity of such horrifying words. Mushikiwabo said Rwanda could not imagine such assertion coming from the head of state like Tanzania, knowing the rebel group he is speaking for committed genocide crimes in Rwanda.
President Kikwete surprised different heads of state in Addis Ababa-Ethiopia , as they discussed the DR Congo conflict.
Meanwhile, Rwandans are deeply offended by Kikwete’s statements.
“Our neighbours should know better the unspeakable done by FDLR. I see that Rwanda has yet a hard work of explaining to some of neighbouring countries because they also seem to ignore the truth confirmed by many nations.Is Kikwete unaware that FDLR is on the list of terrorist groups that he can dare talk of agreements,” says Habib Celestin Sonny,a Local resident.
Emmanuel Kayiranga, another Rwandan says the Rwandan genocide shouldn’t be taken for granted, even by those who never witnessed it.
“Leaders like the Tanzanian President should spear head the pursuit for peace, in the region through speaking for the truth, not bizarre statements,” says Kayiranga.
More comments from Rwandans, about Kikwete’s statement, show dismay and shock.
“Before commenting, the Tanzanian president should borrow leaf from Zimbabwe and Namibia, concerning allying against countries for no good reason,” says Julius Nyerere Gahungu, Kigali Resident.
“Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete is denying the genocide, if he suggests talks with those guilty for the 1994 massacres,” laments Adalbert Maniraguha.
“His Excellency Jakaya Kikwete, with all due respect is talking about issues that he is either ignorant about or has other motives,” says Brian Jeff C Cyamatare.
“Generally, not all members of the FDLR participated in the genocide but majority are related to it. Those talks should completely not be there,” he adds.
“Kikwete should visit Rwanda,and see the remains of the many Tutsis claimed by the genocide, so he can open his eyes to the truth,” says Earnest Munezero.
Another contributor,Ali-Zahir Manzi Gasarasi, wonders why Kikwete would send his troops to DRC if he was convinced that negotiations would bring about peace.
As for Pierre Canisius Bihira, what Jakaya Kikwete said is a disgrace especially for a politician who knows what FDLR did and plans to do.
“Soon Jakaya Kikwete will appeal for America to have peace talks with Al Qaida though I would remind him that there was genocide here! It is very sad,” Omar Ndizeye says.
“Kikwete has indeed degraded US$5million bounty, that the USA promised anyone who would handover, genocide fugitive, Sylvestre Mudacumura,” adds Ndizeye.
“Let us read between lines and look carefully into Kikwete’s words as there is something fishy. Why does he say that while he still has troupes in the DR Congo forests,” says Anderson Ndayishimiye.
“It is clear that Kikwete is a friend to enemies of Rwanda. It is better to keep quiet at times,” says Fred Murinda.
“Its permanent interest in DR Congo that has lead to all this political conspiracy and Economic accusations, upon the main Victim Rwanda,”adds Murinda.
Rwandans expected Kikwete to sympathise with Genocide Victims, find a solution and cooperate with Rwanda into bringing to justice the perpetrators. Meanwhile,Rwandans relate Kikwete’s comment to the loopholes within the International Tribunal for Rwanda {ICTR} when it comes to handling genocide suspects.
One Rz Willy suggests ,Kikwete has a hidden agenda that he wanted the World to hear, but he used such diplomatic concerns on FDLR.
“Why does he not appeal for peace talks between M23 and DRC but speaks of Rwanda, has anyone complained that there are refugees crossing the border,” wonders Willy.
While the majority express their emotions, some are advising Rwanda to protect its borders and let Congo and FDLR fight for whatever they wish.
“Let’s protect our boundaries and see how FDLR will continue robbing the Eastern Congo,” says Friday Ziad.
“Kikwete has lost sight……God help him that he asks for forgiveness about what he said,”comments a furious Fred Kagabo.
“A supporter of your enemy is your enemy,” reads another comment from BBC Gahuzamiryango’s fan with facebook profile name,Mugabo The-king Fat-jay. source NEWSOF RWANDA
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