Muhoozi’s one-day affair in Kigali: When diplomacy is set to die…

You can wonder sometimes… if blood is so important that state affairs and diplomatic agencies loose all values. Because, the Government of Uganda has a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it has a diplomatic corpse in Kigali and has a Ministry of Interior, which all could have enforced and ensure protocol on the matter. However, the GoU sent Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga, the first son of the President and Commander of the Land Forces in the National Army to represent and negotiate with the Rwandan President Paul Kagame. That says it all… and that’s brazen, if anything.

The National Resistance Movement, the State House and the whole “yes-men” will call it an achievement and proclaim whatever the son of the old man with the hat brings home. He could have brought stray-cats from Kigali and they would called him an environmentalist. However, there is no joint-communique or joint statement on the matter. None of the parties have let out much information, if any of substance.

Rwandan Government friendly press New Times states this about the meeting: “Details of the meeting between the two were not immediately made public but the Office of the President described the talks as cordial and productive. “President Kagame and General Muhoozi Kainerugaba had cordial, productive and forward looking discussions about Rwanda’s concerns and practical steps needed to restore the relationship between Rwanda and Uganda,” according to Presidency” (Edwin Ashimwe – ‘Kagame, Gen. Muhoozi discuss mending Rwanda-Uganda ties’ 23.01.2022, New Times Rwanda).

While the Ugandan Newspaper Daily Monitor reported this: “However, following his one-day working visit to Rwanda on Saturday to meet President Paul Kagame in what seems to mark warming relations between the neighbouring countries after years of tension, Lt Gen Kainerugaba who doubles as UPDF Commander Land Forces said Pte Arinda had been released” (Job Bwire – ‘Rwanda releases SFC soldier after Muhoozi’s visit’ 22.01.2022, Daily Monitor Uganda).

This shows that both nations are happy with the meeting, but the ties are not totally mended. We know the Rwandan government have come with clear stipulations to open up border and get back on good terms. However, even with the former meetings and negotiations it hasn’t gotten further.

What is only proof of goodwill is the return of a Ugandan repatriated after being arrested a few month ago. The challenge now… is to use the momentum and continue the talks. Since, the parties and neither state has shown true progress. If there was any progression, the would be a written communique or a statement saying something. There would be a possible Memorandum of Understanding to work to a new diplomatic agreement. However, that seems far away…

The first son can bring home a soldier, which has belonged to a unit and outfit, which he used to be commander of. Therefore, he can boost his ego and make himself look smart. However, that meant nothing to Kagame. Only a few positive headlines, which he didn’t pay anything for. While he gave no way or indicated for changes. As the stalemate and tensions aren’t resolved. That’s because the parties, presidents and authorities haven’t given way to each other.

Lt. Gen. Muhoozi wants to be seen as a diplomat and politician, capable of the big-league, but this meeting hasn’t proven that. The only thing this has proven, is that he can take a few snaps and return home nearly empty-handed. The release of a SFC soldier isn’t anything in the greater scheme of things. There been people wrongly arrested on both sides of the dispute, which has been dumped on the borders to return home. That has been the practice of both parties over the last few years and this isn’t changing anytime soon. Especially, when anyone becomes a dissident in Kampala, they are easily being maligned to counter espionage for Kigali. So, as long as this is happening. We know the things aren’t changing or becoming for the better.

Muhoozi couldn’t win this one and Kagame wouldn’t let him either. That would infuriate the elites and be a shallow one. Therefore, maybe it was for the better, that they only got a token of goodwill and the real diplomats can resolve the issues between them. Since, this was just a publicity stunt to boost the ego of an aspiring son of the President for Life in Kampala. Peace.

Rwanda: FDU-Inkingi – Communique de Presse (29.11.2021)

Opinion: M23 – when the origins come home to roost

The origin of the “Mouvement du 23 Mars – The M23 Movement” or M23 for short isn’t a long one and neither is it a tale of bravery. No, it was joint venture from two parties who was willing to fight a war and cause insurgency in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The M23 was an able body and a well-funded militia from both Kigali and Kampala. They both supported, trained and gave weapons to the fighters battling inside the DRC.

So, that the M23 returns and causes havoc. Then the eyes return to those capitals. Especially, Kampala, as the Ugandan counterpart has had several of soldiers, leaders and contained them for years now. While the M23 claims they never left. However, leaders have been in “exile” in both Uganda and Rwanda since the Nairobi Accords was signed.

Now, that there is meeting between the FARDC and RDF you know they are monitoring and looking over the situation. While the Ugandan counterparts dismisses everything and claims its propaganda. However, both Kampala and Kigali have created M23, and they must take responsibility for it. No matter what happens and when there are reports of helping hands to support the resurgence. There will be even more speculation into who did what and where.

The talks between Kigali and Kinshasa are a smart move of the Rwandese government. Though they can never downplay the origin or the grand support it gave before. The M23 wouldn’t be what it was without them and neither the support from the Ugandan government either. Them both have helped both the leaders and the militia fighters in time of need. They have given military and strategic support, which cannot be questioned now.

The M23 militia and armed insurgency will forever linger back to Kigali and Kampala. Even if the UPDF/CMI has sponsored the for the moment and given way to transport combatants this time around. Therefore, the bloodstains and the general support will forever be part of history of this group.

The M23 can say they were always there and never ceased to exist. That might be true, but they weren’t strong and suddenly an issue before someone gave them more power and ammunition. That is just a mere reality, as well, as suddenly seeing commanders and combatants coming in groups across the borders. The ones who were contained and in a camp within another state’s territory. Therefore, it had to be planned, organized, and funded to do so now. Years after the previous attempts and insurgencies.

M23 will be a wrecking-ball and be an issue for a long time. As long as it has backers and has sponsors for their machine. They cannot just linger on and not have someone supporting it. That is just a mere fact… for the FARDC and government of North-Kivu it is the same who supports and funds the operations. If they cause pain and suffering, uses military might and force. It will be the same results and damage done. That will not change and only the calendar year is changing. Peace.

Rwanda Defence Force (RDF): RDF not involved in M23 attack in DRC (09.11.2021)

Rwanda: Reseu International des Femmes pour la Democratie et la Paix asbl (RifDP) – Rwanda: Repression contre l’opposition et les medias. Graves Inquietudes pour la securite de Victorie Ingabire Umuhoza (20.10.2021)

Rwanda: FDU-Inkingi – Communique de presse des FDU-Inkingi sur la condamnation de Mr Paul Rusesabagina (23.09.2021)

Rwanda: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Response to Statement by Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium on the FLN Verdict (20.09.2021)

Rwanda: Rusesabagina and Sankara finally sentenced for their acts [of terrorism]

“The High Court Chamber for International and Cross-Border Crimes this Monday sentenced Callixte Nsabimana to a 20-year jail term for his role in several FLN militia attacks launched in the southern part of Rwanda” (The New Times (Rwanda), 20.09.2021).

“BREAKING: Rusesabagina has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for being part of a terrorist group that conducted raids on Rwanda, claiming lives of civilians, wounding others & looting properties. The 67-year-old is the founding president of MRCD-FLN” (The New Times (Rwanda), 2021).

Paul Rusesabagina and Callixte Nsabimana aka Sankara have been sentenced for their actions. Rusesabagina have gotten the most headlines and been seen as a “hero”. However, that is far from the fact and his actions after “Hotel Rwanda” should be treated as it is. Yes, the regime and tyranny of Paul Kagame shouldn’t be left behind or lost in the argument.

Still, these two gentlemen was part of an armed rebellion against the state. Both of these gentlemen participated in acts, which is easily to define as terrorism and acts of treason against the state. They participated in armed rebellion and insurgency in both FNL and MRCD. It is not like they we’re peaceful doves to Kigali. No, they used all means and arms to get their way.

Not like Paul Kagame acts with sincere or just means to his opposition. That is well known. Kagame and the regime has blood on its hands. Still, the sovereign should have the ability and use the Courts to stop acts like this.

They used proxy militias to try to overthrow Kagame. Yes, Kagame and the Rwandan Patriotic Army/Front (RPA/F) used the same means to take power. Nevertheless, the state is doing what is righteous. We know this is targeted against their enemies. Because, we know the Kigali government have sponsored and financed militias in proxy as well. Therefore, the state knows perfectly well how these are run and the persons who are sentenced should have known better.

I have little to no sympathy for these gentlemen. They acted with intent and means. Armed and trained militias for own personal gains. This would have made them powerful and the new regime. That would have been the case, if they had succeeded and ability to overthrow Kagame.

This is why they are sentenced and its well deserved. The ones praising and shocked that ‘Hotel Rwanda’ hero is charged and sentenced. Well, they shouldn’t be… because his acts since then is vicious and sinister. He acted as another warlord and he got caught. That’s why he will be behind bars and pay the price for these actions. Just like Sankara did for his participation in the MRCD. Peace.

The inevitable fallout: The tale of distrust and dishonesty [a broken bromance between Kagame and Museveni]

The ones who has followed the politics of the Great Lakes Region and East African Community knows that these Heads of States has butt heads. This being Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Ugandan President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni. They have bought fought together, battled enemies, settled scores and in the end turned into enemies.

What is striking is that they both needed each other. Kagame was useful for the National Resistance Army and early years of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Before he went into a second war and became the President in Rwanda. Museveni needed the services of Kagame and they trusted each other. It served a purpose for Kampala and the new leadership there.

When Kagame took power with the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) things changed a bit, but they we’re still close. These Heads of State could even connive and conduct new military enterprise into another country. Just to topple the second head of state. They went into Zaire and they together brought down two President’s. Was main architects of two huge wars in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Where they both looted the Republic and have ever since held military presence there.

Kagame and Museveni fell out of love for each when the greed for resources and power in the DRC happened. The Presidents wasn’t in clear accord of how the military enterprise and looting was supposed to happen. Which was a start of souring their relations.

Since then the levels of distrust and dishonesty has grown. They have both used each others state authorities, security agencies and spies to get ahead. These gentlemen have used shadow wars and conspicuous games to outplay each other. This being interference within the ranks of each others government. While they have sponsored militias and other organizations to undermine each too.

The states has also targeted civilians, deported them, tortured them and even extra judicially killed. That’s why some citizens has ended up in caskets on the border-points for the authorities to pick them up for burial in their respective countries. We can therefore see that the feudal leaders are using their citizens as pawns in their battle for supremacy.

Kagame and Museveni are doing this. It is not like only one fella is doing this. They are both doing it with their respective agencies. The numbers of deceased may vary and we can never know the whole total. As these leaders easily keeps things under wraps, unless they can humiliate and ridicule the other.

The latests tension and border closure of three years between only shows what sort of characters they are. These two are brothers of war. They won trust of each other in the battlefield and use their mind to get ahead of their enemies. Not like they made political gains by actually winning popularity.

We know recently the Kigali regime have been reported to be spying directly on people in Kampala. That is not surprising, but Kampala has also done the same to Kigali. Therefore, it is just a another twist of the tale. Clearly, the distrust and dishonest is continuing. The leaders cannot talk or make deals, which settles the stalemate. They don’t want to loose face and give way.

These are men who is used of burying their enemies. Kagame and Museveni have used military means in politics and their foes has had fatale endings. Even internal high ranking officials has lost their lives, because knew to much and they were afraid they would talk. That’s what sort of men these men are. Not only are targeting their enemies, but they can silence loyal friends too. If they have too… they are doing it and it usually poison or a “medical condition” even if all reports of these officials was healthy until the “final hour”. That’s why it will take a lot to get them talk and parley.

Certainly, the shadow games has to be addressed. The reasons for distrust and dishonesty has to severed and shared among them. They have to find measures and means to talk. The two has been able to wage several of wars. They know how each other operates and what objective they serves.

With that in mind… Kagame and Museveni should have all things ready. They could easily get the meals, the documents and their handlers on speed-dial. However, these two don’t want to humble themselves. They are demi-gods in their own domains. The brothers has become bigger than life and that’s why they cannot just discuss the matters. No, it has to be epic and a legendary end.

That’s why Kagame is sponsoring Arsenal and PSG. This is why Museveni is preparing Muhoozi and awaiting his oil to produced. Nevertheless, lives is at stake and these two doesn’t seem to care. These lives are disposable anyway. Just like their critics and their foes.

That’s why the ones who made each great and helped each other to become the “new breed” of leaders. Are now becoming old men with grudges. Who cannot forgive and forget. Neither can they show character or even courtesy. Instead they just show bloodlust and greed. As they are trying to figure out the next scheme to undermine each other. Peace.

Opinion: Lurquin is a fool

“JUST IN: Rwanda has deported Belgian lawyer Vincent Lurquin for violation of his tourist visa. Lurquin showed up in court on Friday, dressed up in a lawyer’s gown, as one of Paul Rusesabagina’s lawyers yet he is not licensed to practise in Rwanda” (The New Times (Rwanda), 21.08.2021).

You know… lawyers and advocates are supposed to be smart. They are supposed to read the room and have knowledge of law. In such a manner, that they can win a case and come up arguments to “save” or “win” for their clients. However, the Belgian Lawyer Vincent Lurquin isn’t that smart or brilliant. His a man who thinks his above the law.

If this case had been in Belgium and a Rwandan lawyer came to represent someone. First, the lawyer would need the right type of Visa and be allowed to enter the Kingdom. Secondly, the lawyer would need to accepted by the bar and by the authorities to be authorized to work. Therefore, the Rwandan lawyer couldn’t just show up on a tourist visa and expect to work or represent a client in the first place. The lawyer would have to peel the onion of all the layers to be allowed to do his work.

The same would be in regard to Lurquin who was brave enough or dumb for that matter. To think because of his heritage, nationality and profession. That he could just walk into a court room in Rwanda and represent his client without the right working visa and secondly not be authorized by the authorities to do so. That just shows ignorance and blatant disregard for Rwandan Bar Association and legal system.

He could have gotten way out, but he didn’t:

“Advocates from foreign Bar Associations shall be granted the right to practice if need be, provided they observe the regulations governing the Advocates’ profession in Rwanda. The President of the Bar Association has the power to grant such authorization” (International Bar Association – ‘Rwanda International Trade in Legal Services’).

Seemingly, there are provisions and possibilities for foreign lawyers to practice in Rwanda. They just needs to observe and follow regulations following the Rwandan Bar Association. Just like a Rwandan lawyer would have to follow the regulations of a Belgian Bar Association. That is just how things goes and I have little to no pity for fools like Lurquin.

Lurquin should know better… he is just acting arrogantly and without jurisdiction. He was out of his zone and had no rights to practice as a lawyer. No, matter if his client had hired him or not. The lawyer couldn’t just show up in court and act supreme without any prior authorization or viable working visa. That just show his arrogance and ignorance.

That is a disgrace and wouldn’t be acceptable anywhere else either. It is stupid and dumb. That a man of his profession is acting this way. Actually, this is illegal and it was righteous to deported.

For a lawyer and a attorney he is surely not worth his salary. He should know better and before he put himself on the plane to Kigali. The lawyer should have fixed the formalities and also applied through the proper channels. Since, they exists and even if they are time-consuming. It is the right thing to do. Especially, when you are representing someone who is seen as a terrorist, treasonous and been supporting armed militias to overthrow the current regime. At that very moment, you should be more careful and consider all angles, as every step or move you do will be analysed. However, he was a fool and he thought he could get away with it.

I don’t even think a Rwandan lawyer could pass the airport in Brussels without the right paperwork. The immigration and clearance unit into Schengen area would restrict access to the person. If they believed the “alien” would practice law without prior paperwork and visa’s to do so. Therefore, the Belgian Lawyer is lucky that he wasn’t getting into more trouble. He was able to fly and even participate on Friday in Court without license. That says it all.

He is not that bright. This will not shed a light on the case and neither be a valid argument for the proceedings. Only show how one of the defence lawyers was in contempt of the court. As he didn’t even care to follow the practice or the regulations of set court. Peace.