Burundi: Ministre de l’Hydraulique de le l’Energie et des Mines – Communique de Presse (08.08.2018)

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Burundi: UPD-Zigamibanga – Declaration du 31 Juillet 2018 (31.07.2018)

Rwanda: The Show Trial of Political Prisoners of FDU-Inkingi Party Postponed Once More (30.07.2018)

FDU-Inkingi: “SOS Rwanda: Appeal to President Kagame to stop Criminal Plots against Political Prisoner Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza” (25.07.2018)

Opinion: Hope Kagame learns from Sri Lanka!

As conning as President Paul Kagame are, he will never outsmart the Chinese in their loans and agreements, especially when concerning their moneys and the planned extension of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Before I show the naive relations that Kagame has with Xi Jinping on the visit. I will first show the statements made by Kagame as he is signing agreements and loans. Kagame is really risking natural resources and the infrastructure projects that the Chinese are supporting. If there is any default on loans or problematic to pay back. The Rwandan state will repay with the resources in the soil or within bound of the structures put in place. Therefore, Kagame shouldn’t think of himself as an equal with China, he should think of it as a borrower and find ways to secure repayments.

“I also want to say a few words from the heart. The growing relationship with China is based as much on mutual respect as on mutual interests. That is evident in your personal commitment to our continent, Mr. President” (…) “More generally, China relates to Africa as an equal. We see ourselves as a people on the road to prosperity. China’s actions demonstrate, that you see us in the same way. This is a revolutionary posture in world affairs, and it is more precious than money” Kagame stressed” (Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban – ‘’China relates to Africa as an equal’ – Paul Kagame’ 23.07.2018 – Africa News).

When you see this, you wonder if the Rwandan President is naive or if he thinking that the Sri Lankan experiment of high loans and bad repayments cannot hit Kigali, like it hit Colombo. Not that I want this to happen to any state. I am as worried about this in Uganda and Kenya, as the loans to for instance Madaraka express, Karuma Hydroelectric Power project and Kampala-Entebbe Expressway. This has to be repaid to the Chinese at some point and with interest.

Kagame is foolish, if he thinks the Chinese will not expect a return on their investment, that is what they do.

Here what happen with the Chinese loans in Sri Lanka:

“Some Sri Lankan economists had privately told me in 2011 that their country will find it difficult to repay the massive loan of USD 8 billion at an interest rate of more than six per cent taken from China for modernising the Hambantota port and that it may ultimately have to convert these loans into equity. That warning came true on July 29, 2017 when Sri Lanka and China signed the Hambantota Port Concession Agreement. Soon after the Agreement was signed, China declared that the Hambantota port is a part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). According to the agreement, China will pay USD 1.12 billion upfront in a debt-equity swap in the ratio of 70:30 approximately, with the China Merchant Port Holdings Company (CMPort) getting 69.55 per cent of the shares and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), a public sector organization, holding the remainder 30.45 per cent. After 10 years, SLPA can buy another 20 per cent of the shares, making the two companies equal partners” (…) “The conclusion of an agreement with China to manage the Hambantota port was seen as inevitable after the government buckled under Chinese pressure when the China Communication and Construction Co Ltd, which was building the port city, demanded USD 143 million as compensation for the stalling of the work. The Sri Lankan government was also compelled to renegotiate the Colombo Port city project last year, which had been suspended due to criticism about the Chinese ownership of 20 hectares of freehold land as well as controversy over the project’s possible negative environmental impact” (Smruti S. Pattanaik – ‘New Hambantota Port Deal: China Consolidates its Stakes in Sri Lanka’ 17.08.2017).

So if the Rwandan take the grants and loans for granted, they might be forced by the financial pressure from Beijing to give away either infrastructure or even make concession of some other vital resources. Because the Chinese expect some value for their money, they are not doing this for charity, but for development of themselves. Therefore, Kagame is not an equal and will not be an equal. I wish that was a serious thing, but the way the Chinese play these agreements. They are not playing around and doling out money for the hell of neither. Neither does anyone else, that is why usually with Western Aid the state expect bought from same source imports and also with strains of governance to get the funds. So, the Chinese does it their way. That is respected, however, the worry is what the aftermath is the for the ones that swallowed to much debt and cannot repay.

Will that happen to Rwanda?

Kagame shouldn’t see himself as an equal, but wonder how he does fit as a piece of the puzzle in the BRI project of the Chinese and how he can pay back with interests. Because that is the next step. The should also worry the neighbors who has borrowed heavily as well from the same They should all be careful and wonder what would happen. This is isn’t only for Kagame, but he was today speaking a bit to friendly to the Chinese.

As if he haven’t gotten the news of what happen in Sri Lanka and for everyone else, that should be warning. Peace.

Opinion: Kagame will never become the next Madiba!

The respected newspaper from South Africa Mail & Guardian published a story this week on the 17^th July 2018, written by Chude Jideonwo called ‘Kagame could be the next Mandela ― if he steps down’; I will beg to differ. Because Nelson Mandela is a hero and righteously so. Mandela was a revolutionary and a leader who led his movement peacefully from apartheid to Multi-Party Democracy in South Africa. He was jailed for his beliefs and his actions as a leader in the African National Congress. There is nothing in the way of Mandela, that is similar to Paul Kagame.

I don’t know what went through the mind of Mr. Jideonwo, but me and him is not on the same wavelength. For one simple reason, Paul Kagame is a villain and a vicious general in sheep’s cloths. He comes in peace and speaks with flattering words, but the actions in the dark is vindictive and fatal. That is not similar to what Mandela did in any fashion.

Kagame has raised civil war within Rwanda, he has killed opponents and detained opposition leaders indefinitely. There are nothing he will not do to stay in power. He is even uses proxy war in Democratic Republic of Congo. Where he has since 1994 used militias to control mineral and resources in the Kivu provinces for lucrative exports. This he has done, while he also been part of getting rid of two Presidents for securing a puppet in Kinshasa.

Therefore, Kagame is more of a War-Lord, than of someone of the stature of Mandela. Kagame is the ones that trigger elections and making sure to get as close as possible to a 100 %. Mandela trusted the people and didn’t install fear, didn’t use the military or the state to force his following. They followed Mandela because they believed in his cause and the need for the rainbow nation.

However, Kagame would use intimidation and fear, he will consolidate all power within his reach and just use posh words to look good, but behind close doors orders others to stop. That is why I don’t ever see Kagame in the same vein as Mandela. Is someone I aspire to learn from and understand his mindset. But with Kagame, I don’t even want to touch the evil behind his CV. Kagame might have over time delivered good numbers and also a good public persona. Nevertheless, his activity, his attitude and what he really has done is to take all power.

Kagame has used the weapon to gain power, Mandela used the force of good to gain the same power. He didn’t overstay, he didn’t force himself on people, he made a difference and that will be everlasting. What Kagame will be remembered for all the ghosts he created, the people who has lost their lives because of his orders and also the families who has been separated because of his reign. That is not what Mandela ever did.

That is why it is insulting to compare him to Kagame. Kagame is genius manipulator, but a merciless War-Lord behind closed doors. He might talk with beautiful TED-Talks and have marvelous PR Stunts out of this world, but don’t be fooled. Kagame has ruled with an iron fist and with bullets. Not with peace and mercy, he did not speak of dialogue or even inch of pragmatic sense for the betterment of the Republic. No, his acts has of violence and intimidation. That is a far-cry from what Mandela ever did and that why its an insult to compare Mandela to Kagame.

I hope that Mail & Guardian, that it wise-up, because this sort of piece make your mind boggle. I thought the guys of Charles Onyango-Obbo (COO) was there keep things on tap. He has a sound mind, how could he let this one pass him by? Maybe, they are in summer vacation mode? Peace.

Rwanda: FDU-Inkingi Condems Enforced Disappearences and Man hunt for Suspected Non-Conformist (19.07.2018)

Opinion: Is Kagame’s Ghosts Coming to Haunt him?

Callixte Sankara

“In exile, I was the one who spoke real loudly about the Rwanda genocide—the Rwandan genocide; not two genocides. . . . If we Rwandans don’t reconcile, and sit down honestly and talk, then we might see history repeating itself because the Rwandan government as of now also has been involved in many massacres. This is what I talk about” – Paul Rusesabagina (Daniel Kovalik interview ‘Hotel Rwanda Revisited: an Interview with Paul Rusesabagina’ 11.01.2013).

After decades of fighting and supporting militias within the Kivu Provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Paul Kagame’s own militia men and soldiers comes to haunt him in his land. This here will an introduction to the people behind the new Mouvement Rwandais pour le Changement Democratique (M.R.C.D) or Rwandan Movement For Democratic Change.

First the Political parties behind the coalition is The Party for Democracy in Rwanda (PDR-IHUMURE), The National Council for Renewal and Democracy (CNRD-UBWIYUNGE) and The Rwandese Revolutionary Movement (RRM). RRM joined the March 2018.

Secondly, I will look into the three key men running this organization and militia, one is Rwandan in exile, that has been played by Don Cheadle, the second is a former leader and rebel from FDLR. While the third and the spokesman is from RRM.

Who also have the financial backing of the man, whose based of the movie Hotel Rwanda, Mr. Paul Rusesabagina and his political group PDR-Ihumure. His political supportive of the new movement from Brussels, but his supposed net worth is only $600k, therefore, he cannot be the main backer behind itm but he can be the political face of it.

Another leader the former ex-FDLR Laurent Ndagijimana aka Wilson Irategeka, who even formed Conseil National pour le Renouveau et la Democratie (CNRD)-Ubwiyunge in 2016 with 50 officers too. He must be the military arm behind it, as he has been a vital part of the FDLR in the DRC. With the reports through the UN Reports, there was about 600-800 soldiers joining in when CNRD-Ubiyunge split.

The military side of CNRD was this:

“Command of FLN was given to the former FDLR South Kivu sector commander, “Colonel” Hamada Harerimana (also known as Junior Mulamba). “Colonel” Anastase Munyaneza (also known as Job Rukundo) became the South Kivu sector commander and “Colonel” Shemeki became the North Kivu sector commander. The only sanctioned individual who joined CNRD is the new head of operations in South Kivu, “Colonel” Félicien Nzanzubukira (also known as Fred Irakiza)” (S/2016/1102), Who surely would matter if they are attacking on Rwandan soil now.

Last leader is Callixte Nsabimana aka Sankara, who is the Spokesperson of both the political arm and the military one. He comes from the RRM and is the most shadow character, but the one who has posted himself as key name on the Press Release, released on the 15^th July 2018, which stated:

“We, the leaders of the RMDC, decided to rise as one man to face all forms of racism, regionalism, excessive injustice and human rights abuses. The youth of the RMDC, which has already transcended the spirit of segregation that characterizes the RPF, is set to fly to the rescue of Rwanda; We therefore created the armed forces known as the National Liberation Forces (NLF) and we assigned them the mission to put an immediate end to the dictatorial power of the RPF-Kagame. The NLF will use all possible means including the armed struggle to drive the RPF out of power, since it refused all peaceful ways. The NLF comes to the rescue of ALL Rwandans since the young men and women who compose them come from all ethnic divides – Hutu, Tutsi and Twa- and they swore to give their heart and mind to the cause of Rwanda, even if they should pay with their own lives to snatch the victory” (M.R.C.D. – Communique de Presse, 15.07.2018).

After all of this, we can now know, that the Burundian supported militia haven’t attacked Rwanda recently, as the Burundian government verified. However, they might have a base in Burundi, as they CNRD used to be in Burundi and strike the DRC. Now, they might have changed behavior and finally gone after their mission, starting to assault Rwanda. Therefore, the attacks from the Cibitoka Province from the Kibra Forrest into the Nyungewe Forrest in Ruhengeri District. This could be fitting why there was reports of 31^st Brigade from the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and parts of military choppers from 4^th Division in the same area. If they was hunting CNRD or Ex-FDLR rebels attacking Rwanda. That would have made sense. Especially since this has tried to be silenced by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and their control of media. However, the Police have verified, but called them thugs crossing borders. Not saying who they are, but if they we’re the M.R.C.D. there are interesting times ahead.

That this is previous FDLR and part of the deflectors of 2016. This is not a minor group and who knows how much part of the illegal smuggling from the Kivu’s the CNRD have gotten over the last two years. Also, what part the two other parties of the coalition play. This being RRM and the PDR-Ihumure, I wonder what they are bringing to the party, if they are giving political leverage or even legitimacy of some kind. Because, there is not much to find on these and what they are about. If they even have a size or is built around the individuals and nothing else.

Time will tell about this, as this has been sudden, but the MRCD established in 2017, became three parties in 2018 and attacked Rwanda in July 2018. Therefore, time will tell, but it is hard to know by now.

This is what I found out today. Peace.

Mouvement Rwandais pour le Changement Democratique (M.R.C.D) – Communique de Presse (15.07.2018)

Kagame is a joke: Bans satire and political cartoons!

“It is hard for power to enjoy or incorporate humour and satire in its system of control” – Dario Fo

You would think that someone running a nation practically been running Rwanda since 1994. That a President of that kind would have the stature and the character to manage some criticism and some satire. Kagame has gotten rid of his opposition, both internally and abroad. He has taken real Presidential Candidates and put them in jail. Where they are rotting as we speak. So its not like there is a real democracy or real elections. The ones countering the image of Kagame is already silenced. This is just taking it to the next level.

In Rwanda from now on, if you mock or play for laughs by cartooning any Rwandan Patriotic Front figure or leader, you could be sent to jail or fined. This is the reality of the free speech and liberties within the 1000 hills Republic. Look!

“The new 335-article penal code might have decriminalised general defamation for which a journalist would previously be sent to a year in jail and a fine of Rwf5 million (about $5,800) on conviction–the Rwanda Media Commission is now mandated to handle the matter–but editorial cartoonists and satirists now need to thrive without depicting politicians and other leaders in a manner that mocks their deeds. As well as cartoons, the penal code has no place for humorists who write satirical articles that thrive on mockery of personalities, especially leaders, has been criminalised. “Writings or cartoons that humiliate Members of Parliament, ministers, other government authorities and security agencies when they are exercising their mandate will be punishable by law,” says Article 233 of the new penal code” (Seaman, 2018).

As we see here, the leeway for cartoons and satire have gone away. If you joke about Kagame your possibly detained or gotten a hefty fine. Nothing that the President wont do to save his image. A real spirit of a grand dictator. He just want praise and PR Stunts, not the real deal. Kagame just want the passion and blessings of the office, but not the sincere criticism of him. That is a no go!

Kagame is this weak, when his state puts in laws like this. Rwanda is silly and stupid, because the Presient wants this. He is afraid of how the media will make him look like a fool, but by pursuing laws like them make them just look dumb.

They are little whiny bitches who cannot manage questions or even satirical words. They don’t have the heart or the ability to stomach it.

Let me just end with a satirical piece from The Rwandan:

“As the former president prepared to depart Rwanda, a reporter asked him two questions: Had Kagame managed to visit the devastated regions of Rwanda by heavy rains and landslides that killed hundreds and left thousands homeless? Kagame replied that he did not have time for that” (…) “What are Kagame’s next destinations and when might he visit Rwanda again? Kagame told the reporter that ”it was none of his business.” (Himbara, 2018).

To write like that is now outlawed, because the RPF cannot manage this sort of jokes. That should be non of their business, but apparently it is. Peace.

Reference:

Himbara, David – ‘Kagame Ends His Brief Visit To Rwanda 😂 (Satire)’ 03.07.2018 Link: http://www.therwandan.com/kagame-ends-his-brief-visit-to-rwanda-%F0%9F%98%82-satire/

Seaman, Jacobs S. – ‘Rwandan MPs criminalise cartoons, satirical articles that mock politicians, leaders’ (15.07.2018) link: http://thecrime24.com/law-and-order/human-rights/rwandan-mps-criminalise-cartoons-satirical-articles-that-mock-politicians-leaders/