The only stable solution for the whole Africa is negotiating peace policies it will riquere a long-term commitment is a very clever strategy in the search for peace and human rights advances
1
I honestly don't understand the essence of this article. The conclusion whitewashes the mess in Burundi and instead blames Rwanda. When you read the article, you certainly see the undercover hand of a PR firm trying to legitimise President Nkurunziza and find blame for his weaknesses on neighbouring Rwanda. Trying to marry Rwanda into the article is an attempt to place the current mess in Burundi on Rwanda as opposed to incompetence of the guy in Burundi. Rwanda is a country on the rise as you can read from any global index on issues like governance, investment promotion, fight against corruption, security, effective government, professional army, reconciliation etc. If anyone objective journalist wanted to make a comparison between the two countries it should be based on these global indices not PR planted agents with hidden agendas.
Asking Prof. Filip Renjtens to make a comment on Rwandan issues is as good as asking Donald Trump to make a comment on President Obama or Hillary Clinton. This guy is the most biased human brain to speak on Rwanda of today. His bias is not by mistake but rather linked to the historic fact that he was an advisor to the very Govt that planned Genocide. he wrote their constitution and thats on record. He therefore has no moral ground to comment on anything concerning Rwanda since he has never stepped in Rwanda for the past 30 years.
Surely the New York Times cannot provide a platform to this kind of sloppy journalism.
Asking Prof. Filip Renjtens to make a comment on Rwandan issues is as good as asking Donald Trump to make a comment on President Obama or Hillary Clinton. This guy is the most biased human brain to speak on Rwanda of today. His bias is not by mistake but rather linked to the historic fact that he was an advisor to the very Govt that planned Genocide. he wrote their constitution and thats on record. He therefore has no moral ground to comment on anything concerning Rwanda since he has never stepped in Rwanda for the past 30 years.
Surely the New York Times cannot provide a platform to this kind of sloppy journalism.
5
One country could have stopped the genocide in the summer and fall of 1994. The United States. We could have rallied and led international intervention. We did not. We did nothing. It is a mark of shame on the Clinton presidency, perhaps the greatest.
Kagame and his then rebels ended the genocide and restored order. Whether we exactly like or approve of that order in every detail, whether in the vacuum we left by failing to act years ago China now steals a march on us as it is across Africa, the fact is that in any comparison between Rwanda and Burundi, Burundi is a danger hellhole still controlled by the murderous Hutu and Rwanda a center of order and progress under the disciplined Tutsi.
The choice is clear as to who is better, who is right and who stands between order, civilization and another genocide, which, unless we are prepared to do more that we did in 1994, which was nothing, is none of our business to critique, condemn or in which to interfere.
Rwanda is all that stands in the way of further chaos and mass killing in East Africa.
Kagame and his then rebels ended the genocide and restored order. Whether we exactly like or approve of that order in every detail, whether in the vacuum we left by failing to act years ago China now steals a march on us as it is across Africa, the fact is that in any comparison between Rwanda and Burundi, Burundi is a danger hellhole still controlled by the murderous Hutu and Rwanda a center of order and progress under the disciplined Tutsi.
The choice is clear as to who is better, who is right and who stands between order, civilization and another genocide, which, unless we are prepared to do more that we did in 1994, which was nothing, is none of our business to critique, condemn or in which to interfere.
Rwanda is all that stands in the way of further chaos and mass killing in East Africa.
1
I was in Rwanda from July 27 - 31. Based on conversations with my driver, guides in the Volcano National Park, artists at four galleries in Kigali, three women and one man I met from four different countries who are involved in various development projects in Rwanda, the country has the lowest rate of political corruption in Africa. A Turkish woman and medical doctor who currently works for an NGO promoting women's health in Rwanda, told me that unlike other countries she has worked with, Rwandans always follow through on whatever plan has been agreed upon. President Kagame has brought money into the country while trying to promote business development for Rwandans. Twenty-one years after the genocide, he has brought peace and prosperity to Rwanda. Kigali is an incredible city vibrating with development. There is clearly a concern in Rwanda regarding the border with both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi. Once you drive outside of Kigali, by late afternoon groups of armed soldiers are on foot throughout the countryside. Apparently, there are groups in both border countries who would like to rekindle the genocide. The Rwandans I spoke with all wanted Kagame to run for a third term as they feared anyone else would bring corruption and destroy the fragile progress and recovery from civil war and the horrors of the genocide.
2
When Rwanda is a bad country, Mr. Nkeshima should explain why it has made such enormous progress under the presidency of Mr. Kagame, both in improving the economy and therefore the living-conditions of the people resp. the dramatic reduction of corruption. Sometimes it needs an honest strongman to bring a country forward (see Lee Kwan-Yew in Singapore) and make the people get rid of thinking in ethnic terms first. Rwanda has the chance to become the Singapore of Africa if this kind of progress continues. Singapore's "Burundi" is Malaysia, where ethnic divisions still sit deep. O.k. I admit Malaysia is comparably much better off to Singapore than Burundi to Rwanda, but the root of the problem is the same: Rwanda and Singapore have successfully transmitted into their people's minds that the country moves much faster forward (and therefore also the living-conditions of the citizens) when they concentrate on education and entrepreneurship and not on politics and tribalism. It's remarkable enough how many most of all young Rwandans and all major politicians speak very well English, although it's not so long ago that it replaced French as the official language. Same in Singapore: Everyone speaks English very well, because Chinese, Malay and so on are only considered second languages, while too many in Malaysia hardly speak English (espacially the poor) and if they do often with a hard accent, including the leading politicians.
its sad to read about burundi and rwanda ...in kenya we are more than 42 tribes and coexist well off course not without challenges but we are doing well..let them learn from kenya or Tanzania..but TANZANIA on democracy and peace but on economic growth they can learn from kenya...
Burundi, like any other country needs consistency to maintain a stable government. Well throw that away due to the third term win of the president. Now what? Ensure that all politicians come to a collective agreement for peaceful, non-corrupt, fair, humble and kind mindsets because its what's best for the country right? You can't lead a nation if you don't follow its citizens. Well I just hope and pray for better days in Burundi, Rwanda, world-wide even. May our youth be the future leaders that this world needs. Have a great day everyone. :)
This past Saturday I was at the Genocide Museum in Kigali, Rwanda, where 25,000 people are buried in mass graves. My driver/guide had lost his father and all his brothers in the 1994 genocide committed by Hutus against Tutsis. He assured me that all was safe and well in Rwanda these days. So you can imagine how chilled I was to read "Fragile Burundi Cats a Wary Eye on Rwanda" on the front page of The Times today. While I saw no overt evidence of political unease during my recent stay in Rwanda, it is beyond frightening to read that trouble may be brewing again.
1
How about the Genocide committed by RPF's Tutsis against Hutus in Rwanda?
LOL The radical ignorance of Africa is crystal-clear in your comment. Alright a Marylander tourist can have some excuses to have no clue, some will say. No, no excuse at all. Let give a US analogy to make you understand Rwanda military dictatorial regime. What about a president "reelected" by over 90% of the votes ? Sounds fishy no ? What about a regime that is sending troops in every village at 5:00 pm every day ? Smells "democracy" ? Not really. What about Mr Obama changing the US Constitution to get a life presidency ? What about president Obama sending in jail all Republican candidates for 8-10-15 years during the campaign ? Smells like a very rotten fish right ? What about a total lack of independent media ?
In a few words, if you had in Maryland what Mr Kagame is doing in his country (with full support of the USA from the start and that includes the horrible massacres in South Congo 1994-1996 that had twice the victims of the Tutsi genocide inside Rwanda in 1994), you would be less gullible and would fight for endangered freedom. Please my American friends, make the minimal effort to read basic infos before visiting any country. During the Communist regime, Intourist guides were showing the idyllic achievements of the Party and enthusiast workers ... Your conclusion is correct but it's the policy of Mr Kagame that is brewing a new ethnic rage I'm afraid.
In a few words, if you had in Maryland what Mr Kagame is doing in his country (with full support of the USA from the start and that includes the horrible massacres in South Congo 1994-1996 that had twice the victims of the Tutsi genocide inside Rwanda in 1994), you would be less gullible and would fight for endangered freedom. Please my American friends, make the minimal effort to read basic infos before visiting any country. During the Communist regime, Intourist guides were showing the idyllic achievements of the Party and enthusiast workers ... Your conclusion is correct but it's the policy of Mr Kagame that is brewing a new ethnic rage I'm afraid.
that's 250 000 people buried there @ALB not 25 000 !
This is as close as the Times has come so far to discussing the ethnic basis of the conflicts in Burundi and Rwanda. But, PLEASE, explain to us how Burundi got from the Fascist Tutsi totalitarian control of the 70's and 80's to the current situation of a Hutu president able to ignore the constitutional limits on his powers.
We know how it happened in Rwanda: a US armed and trained minority (the Tutsi) conquered the majority Hutu in a barbaric civil war (that saw both sides committing horrific atrocities) at the end of which the victors somehow persuaded the developed world's press to place all the blame on their victims.
We know how it happened in Rwanda: a US armed and trained minority (the Tutsi) conquered the majority Hutu in a barbaric civil war (that saw both sides committing horrific atrocities) at the end of which the victors somehow persuaded the developed world's press to place all the blame on their victims.
1
Wow, how dare you claim to know 'what happened' in Rwanda. The level of ignorance in your historical statements about my own country is astounding. The victors somehow convinced the world to place the blame on their vicitms? Really? How about a rather simpler more logical explanation..that the world got to see what truely happened in Rwanda. The UN designated the 1994 events as the "Tutsi Genocide". Perhaps you, Mr Raines should explain How a 'minority' tutsi rebel group is able to fool the premier international body (UN) and the entire international community about historical facts and events.
The U.S., Europe and the U.N . all ignored the genocide when action early on could have stopped it. If any country can be blamed for helping with arms it would be France.
1
Rwanda has long supported terrorism and genocide in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Burundi is now a failed state ruled by a dictator.
The only reason to care about either country is to protect the mountain gorillas, the region's most progressive, democratic and freedom-loving inhabitants.
Burundi is now a failed state ruled by a dictator.
The only reason to care about either country is to protect the mountain gorillas, the region's most progressive, democratic and freedom-loving inhabitants.
6
Well, there are also 22 million people in both states that deserve human kindness and consideration. assisting them will also assist in saving the mountain gorillas
7
Having just returned from Rwanda, I'd like to set the record straight:
First, when you visit the Genocide Museum in Kigali and see huge photos of infants and toddlers who were slaughtered there in 1994, you will understand why all of us have a reason to care about Rwanda.
Second, and thankfully, the mountain gorillas were unscathed by the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. As I learned first-hand on my trek to the Virungas, the mountain gorillas are exceedingly hard to reach. They're now considered a national treasure by both Hutus and Tutsis.
First, when you visit the Genocide Museum in Kigali and see huge photos of infants and toddlers who were slaughtered there in 1994, you will understand why all of us have a reason to care about Rwanda.
Second, and thankfully, the mountain gorillas were unscathed by the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. As I learned first-hand on my trek to the Virungas, the mountain gorillas are exceedingly hard to reach. They're now considered a national treasure by both Hutus and Tutsis.
5
This is a sickening comment. You cannot judge the people of a country based on news reports you may have read. It's this kind of thinking, believing that a whole group of people are equally worthless, that fuels genocides.
If you want to talk about supporting terrorism in the DRC take a look at the US role in supporting Mobutu and creating the chaos that exists in the DRC today. Take a look at the role of France and Belgium and the catholic church in the Rwandan genocide and the state of affairs in Rwanda and Burundi today.
If you want to talk about supporting terrorism in the DRC take a look at the US role in supporting Mobutu and creating the chaos that exists in the DRC today. Take a look at the role of France and Belgium and the catholic church in the Rwandan genocide and the state of affairs in Rwanda and Burundi today.
It is baffling why these presidents choose to do it. It would be good if somebody would explain why these presidents want to stay in office.
It has been done in Uganda, now in Burundi, and probably soon in Rwanda. Kenya has not done it, and Tanzania has a sort of very dominant one party, but its presidents don't stick in power.
I just wonder why these people do it. They could probably do just as well out of power, as private citizens with guaranteed presidential incomes, perhaps wealth, and the respect of democratic leaders who have had peaceful change.
But they choose to stick in office, usually through bloody and troublesome measures, going to the trouble to changing constitutions etc.
Does anybody have some insight into why this is the case?? Why do they do it?
It has been done in Uganda, now in Burundi, and probably soon in Rwanda. Kenya has not done it, and Tanzania has a sort of very dominant one party, but its presidents don't stick in power.
I just wonder why these people do it. They could probably do just as well out of power, as private citizens with guaranteed presidential incomes, perhaps wealth, and the respect of democratic leaders who have had peaceful change.
But they choose to stick in office, usually through bloody and troublesome measures, going to the trouble to changing constitutions etc.
Does anybody have some insight into why this is the case?? Why do they do it?
4
One of the reasons they have this tendency is because , as in SA , the president has stolen as much as he can and he wants to keep away from the courts.
Based on my recent visit to Rwanda and conversations with Rwandans in both Kigali and rural areas, and individuals from the U.S., Turkey, the U.K. and India, Kagame is seen as an honest politician who has put Rwanda's interests first and who has cracked down on corruption. I think many Rwandas fear that if he is not reelected, he will be replaced by someone who will be corrupt, thus ending the amazing progress the country has made in just 21 years.
1
As far as I can see or understand a miniconflict is in occurrence. Are we to concern ourselves with the Congo eventually involving itself in this matter. A summit of sort on the African continent would be in order at this time.
The only reason that Rwanda is doing so well is that the White House (Ms. Rice) is good friends with President Paul Kagame. USAID is spending a fortune there so all infrastructure and environmental improvements are paid by America. The taxes (30%) that locals have to pay is all spent on military activities in The Congo and soon in Burundi.
1
Having just returned from Rwanda, I can tell you that China is actually spending a fortune in Rwanda -- building roads.
5
I too saw the Chinese presence in Rwanda's development in my visit less than a week ago. Indeed, China is pouring money into many promising African countries as they see the continent as a great investment in the future due to the untapped natural resources.
1
When I read articles like this I see how bless I am to live in america.
3
that's not the way to think..we live in global village..lets help one another
SCOTUS decisions over the past 7 years have institutionalized political corruption in the Unite States of American by allowing individuals and corporations to give unlimited sums of money to politicians with no transparency which means foreign dollars can easily pour into the coffers of U.S. politicians thus influencing our legislation. If U.S. citizens knew how Western Europeans live, they would not be so enthralled with life in the U.S. for the average citizen.
President Obama was right in denouncing African Presidents who "change the rules in the middle of the game" (i.e., modify the Constitution to allow them to serve for life) as we have just witnessed in Burundi and may soon see repeated in neighboring countries of DRC, Uganda and Congo-Brazza.
Not content with looting their nations' treasuries to enrich themselves he their cronies, these kleiptocrats are "playing with fire" in a volatile region.
If they refuse to heed Obama's warnings, they must be treated as pariahs if not criminals on the International scene for spitting on their countries' laws and human rights violations which accompany these (bloody) dictatorships.
Not content with looting their nations' treasuries to enrich themselves he their cronies, these kleiptocrats are "playing with fire" in a volatile region.
If they refuse to heed Obama's warnings, they must be treated as pariahs if not criminals on the International scene for spitting on their countries' laws and human rights violations which accompany these (bloody) dictatorships.
7
Really? These two countries like to be at war? People are beyond reckoning crazy with a certifiable C....
1
"The country’s fragile democratic fabric has been shredded in recent months by President Pierre Nkurunziza, who brushed aside a constitutional bar to secure a third term in office and put down an attempted coup meant to stop him."
Peaceful transfer of power is key to a successful and peaceful, Democracy.
Peaceful transfer of power is key to a successful and peaceful, Democracy.
3
Correct. In Rwanda, after 1994, there has been no "peaceful transfer of power" at all, Mr Kagame is doing the same search for life presidency and is ruling the country with an iron glove (far more than the Burundan president). Question : why is the US obsessed by Burundi and mute on Rwanda ? Strange no ?
For those with leverage, neighbors with good intentions, the AU, the United States, France, the Netherlands and Belgium--the time to act and put appropriate pressure is now.