Tanzania's President Jakaya Kikwete called on Rwanda to consider the possibility of negotiating with their hitherto elements of genocide who harbour themselves in the eastern Congo and today remain a threat to Rwanda and regional peace. This sparked off a bitter exchange of words and threatened the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Rwanda demanded a retraction of the statement and an apology from Tanzania.
However, this proposal is not exclusive to Rwanda. President Kikwete also asked Uganda and Congo to talk to their rebels so that the region can attain peace.
I find the response from Rwanda lacking in this time and age.
The Ugandan government has talked to many of her dissidents, including the Lord's Resistance Army-a terrorist group that has unleashed so much upheaval in Uganda, Southern Sudan, Congo and the Central African Republic. The LRA is more of a menace in the 21 Century than Rwanda's Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
Congo is in negotiations with M23-a rebel outfit whose support is alleged to be from Rwanda.
At this time, we need to realise that the East African region, should be inspired by the values that can foster an agenda that can spur social economic and political development. Rwanda may not sustainably afford to be exceptional.
The Kigali regime has waged a military offensive against the FDLR for 17 years. During these years, millions of people have been killed, maimed, women and young girls raped, children kidnapped. The wallow of hunger, famine and diseases feed the region.
What more suffering do we need to witness in the region before we appreciate the need for peace.
The Rwandan regime needs to silence their critical voice and negotiate with her opposing forces as requested by a respected leader in regional peace.
The negotiation approach would enable Rwanda acquire more relevance in peace building after having been accused of aiding most of the rebellions in the Congo.
Besides, there are ethnic and tribal pessimisms that were planted in Rwanda by the chains of colonialism from Belgians. These poor ethnic relations have been a thorn for decades and each of the groups view the other with mistrust and suspicion. The 1994 genocide was a result of these long standing feuds and remains fresh to date. Unfortunately, our leaders today have built on the same foundation and are engaged in a blame game that entrenches more hatred among the masses.
They are still hostage to the past. Is this what Rwandans deserve?
We need mutual trust and a peaceful environment so that people can raise healthy families.
Kikwete's proposal is timely. It would address the tribal prejudices that exist, stimulate psychological healing mechanisms and develop creative solutions with a new way of thinking for Rwanda and the entire region.
Our leaders are like the human heart that sustains life. It works with other organs of the body like the arteries, veins, and cells to ensure that the body functions well. They are not independent of each other.
The breakdown of any one of them means death to the entire region.
Any efforts made to ensure that Rwandans can work, and mix freely in various workplaces and social gatherings, would be welcome. This is what wisdom demands of us. We need to unlock the chains of the past and embrace harmonious living. Such a landmark would keep one's face alive and shinning even when his body is buried and decayed.
Rwanda is like a pregnant woman and Kikwete's views are like advice to the midwife to ensure that there is no stillbirth. Such advice should not be undermined.
Regional leaders and other development partners need to embrace a framework that upholds fundamental freedoms and rights to ensure lasting peace.
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