Uganda-Rwanda Tensions XIV: RNC Diane Rutabana letter to Uganda Security Agencies (13.10.2019)
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MinBane
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Archive for the tag “RPF”
Opinion: Was it the FDLR who attacked Rwanda this Friday?
This Friday, there was reports of killings, of insurgency in the Musanze district in the border district to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It isn’t new that militias and rebels are crossing borders from Rwanda into the DRC or returns back. What is striking is the level of deaths and the favourable reporting from the authorities on the Rwandan side.
This is happening the same week, as the Rwandan authorities has displayed 25 Rwandan National Congress members in the Courts. The RNC, FDLR and MRCD have been working together of late and this weekends raid to be in response to this. However, that is just speculation. But wouldn’t be shocking that the RNC/FDLR/MRCD would react in this way after the losses of 25 members taken from them by the help of allies within the DRC.
Just take a look!
“19 Assailants responsible for killing civilians in Musanze On Friday, have been killed by Security organs, according to Rwanda Police’s statement. 5 more suspected assailants responsible for the attack have been captured Rwanda Police says the hunt is still on going” (Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, 06.10.2019).
“As for Musanze sector, it is next inside Musanze district, raising more questions as to how the attackers managed to reach this far inside Musanze district without detection. By virtue of it being such a key economic source for the country, and proximity to DR Congo, the region has obvious heavy military presence. There will be more questions as to how such an attack could have happened. According to initial reports from local villagers who were fleeing from the area into other sectors and Musanze, the attackers were speaking Kinyarwanda, with heavy accent. The villagers also said the assailants were rebels of the democratic forces for the liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)“ (The Chronicles Rwanda, 05.10.2019).
We can really wonder whose behind this, even if the Rwandan authorities will tell or the militias itself. Because, the militias would like to take credit to boost their moral and say they won over the state at one battle. Even if the state has killed several of their members and now have detained 5 more. Surely, the militia in question bled a bit out of this, but the state has done too. Even if their numbers are kept close its chest.
What is odd, is that the M.R.C.D., nor RNC or FDLR have taken any responsibility. If it was them, than they should have stated something or through their channels. However, it is silent. They have enough backers. Whose been peddling information over the years. That if they want it out. They get it out. But now its nothing. The state only showing signs of “victory”, even if the victories part is lacking. Since, it is only loss of lives and nothing substantially gained.
We only have the little information from the Chronicles, but nothing else. As the state are not saying anything. Neither, the possible militia behind it all. Not like when the MRCD did their raid a little while back. They took all responsibility and wanted to tell stories. Now it is utter silence.
We cannot know at this point, it is mere speculation, until the verified reports are out. But what is striking is that these issues are reoccurring and at a rate, that is not favourable to Kagame and his authorities. Peace.
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Uganda-Rwanda Tension Part VIII: A look into the Parliament Report on the closure of Uganda-Rwanda Border
On the 23rd August 2019, the Minister of State for East African Community Julius Wandera Maganda sent the report on the Closure of Uganda-Rwanda Border. This report has been made to update the EAC Committee. Still, the public deserves to get the numbers and the gist of the closure. What it really means in the hard numbers and with the cross-border trade.
Clearly, the closure has had an affect on both republics. As the Report states are that:
“Following the closure of Cyanika, Katuna and Mirama Hills Border Posts on the 27th Feb 2019 by the Republic of Rwanda, as part of their mandate, the Ministry of East African Community (MEACA) has undertaken a number of steps as indicated below”.
There has been certainly new rules for entry between Uganda-Rwanda:
“i. There is still free movement of persons (Ugandan Nationals and other Nationalities) to and from Rwanda save for the Rwandan citizens who are only allowed entry and no ex;.t from Rwanda.
ii. The only Rwandan nationals allowed exit from Rwanda from the borders above are the drivers on transit to Kenya and not to Uganda.
iii. It was also noted that the Ugandans who cross to Rwanda only go there mostly to attend Parties or Funerals, and not business as the environment for Ugandan goods and products is hostile.
iv. Whereas Ugandan nationals are allowed to enter Rwanda, it is unfortunate that Ugandan goods/products arc not allowed entry. These are rejected with no reasons given, no rejection notes/documents are provided. Many drivers have suffered the disappointment of being told to turn back to Uganda”
All of this has consequences. Just as the financial implications by this alone. The Ministry can show that in FY 2017/18 value the imports from Rwanda at 160,293,270,436 UGX and in FY 2018/19 it has gone down to 123,338,816,439 UGX. This is downfall of imports of 23.05 % from the last year.
The consequences for the export to Rwanda is also hit. In FY 2017/18 was 585,436,037,282 UGX and in FY 2018/19 is 426,884,832,406 UGX. This is a downfall of export in the amount of 27,08 %. from the last year.
The results of the closure of the border at Katuna has ensured that there was no trucks passing this pass, between March 2019 to the June 2019. When the trucks started to crossover again. Still in a fraction of what was done in the past. Before February 2019, the average inflow and outflow of trucks was above 3000. However, in the months of March to June 2019, there was less than 500 every month. Even ZERO in the months of April and May 2019. Before, the numbers has started to rise, but not more than 300 in June 2019. Surely, One-Tenth is a major change and has affect.
This has resulted in more traffic, within the inflow and outflow at the Mirama Hill. Until February 2019, there was usually about 300 passing in both directions. However after this it was around 2000 trucks passing through every month between March to June 2019. Which is showing that there are blocking of trucks and also the total numbers of trucks passing on both passes is less than 3000 in both directions. That is really hurting the cross-border trade between the Republic’s. It is easy to see.
The closure has had an affect and the new measures on both sides. Has hit the trading, but also general movement. That is visible and surely, would be nice to see what the Rwandan Parliament would write as a counter to the Ugandan side. To see if their have another explanation for this. Peace.
