Part IV: The Silent War continues in North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo…

North Kivu: After tough clashes this Saturday. between the M23 rebels and the Wazalendo in the territory of Masisi, the city of Kitshanga comes under the control of the M23 rebels” (Faustin Bahati, 07.10.2023).

North Kivu: clashes continue this Saturday, October 7 between the Wazalendo and the M23 in Burungu near Kitsanga. It is after the M23 recaptured Kilolirwe, civil society asks the Congolese Government to declare its position regarding the war in North Kivu” (MTV RDC, 07.10.2023).

Some wars never ends and they flair up again. Ceasefires ceases to exist and agreements goes into thin-air. Combatants returns to the battlefield, alliances breaks apart and new options are for former brothers in arms. There are now renewed warfare in North Kivu, which is lethal and endangering parts of the province.

This is nothing new and the ones behind the conflict is well-known. There is nothing new under sun and these combats are no different. It is the FARDC with allies against the M23, which is alleged to be supported by Kigali (RDF). Therefore, the same old story of insurgency and use of militia to extract and exploit the mineral rich province of North Kivu.

In the midst of this, there is a new group of patriots who has started skirmishes against the M23. These are locals who are now para-military group called Wazalendo. In Swahili “Wazalendo” means patriot, so they claim to be a group of patriots fighting for their “motherland” or “fatherland” for that matter. They are now fighting on behalf of the DRC and the needs of the local community. These are doing so because they believe the FARDC has failed them and they need to step in the job of the military. That’s just show how Kinshasa has failed North Kivu and it has done so for generations. We know this and they have allowed insurgencies and skirmishes of militias to tarnish, destroy and deplete region for selfish gains.

This also means that someone is giving weapons and ammunition to the Wazalendo. They cannot have weaponry and getting training without any sort of help. There needs to be backers and logistical support for their cause. To fight a war and a conflict isn’t cheap and there is a need for both military and monetary support to combat other forces. That’s why there always been questions about where the support and the logistical needs are coming from in regard to M23. Now the same question can be asked for Wazalendo too. They need a source and need funding. If not they are not lasting long on the battlefield…

The conflict of North Kivu is far from over. It has been going on for decades. Outside support has made it worse. These have used the fragile borders and the ability to interfere into their interests. That’s why both Kigali and Kampala are well known in these regions. They have had soldiers and troops there. However, they have also supported proxies in the past and possibly in the present. Which is why there is so much animosity between Kinshasa and Kigali/Kampala.

We cannot estimate or assess how this one will play out. The civilians are the ones that is losing. While several different forces are fighting over the territories. They are creating war in people’s homes and villages. Houses are burning and people are dying. While warlords are thriving…. And the evil cycle of conflict continues. Peace.

Opinion: Kagame is tired of his own people…

I did not realise that Rwandans are like this. I have always known that Banyarwanda value highly personal integrity. But I realise now that they are what is called in a foreign language “spineless,” which would mean in Kinyarwanda people who are just there, who do not have the courage to protest something wrong and to dare say: this is not acceptable I do not want it. They are just there, how can I describe it, they are like mud, malleable with nothing hard inside, soft” – President Paul Kagame (06.10.2023).

It is just amazing the life of “Plato”. The life that he has liven and been able to rule supreme for so long now. Partaking in government overthrow in Uganda, Rwanda and the in Democratic Republic of Congo. A man of all seasons, a man who knows publicity and knows how to get attention. That man is surely wise, but also foolish at the same time. Those things can be true and coincidently the recent remarks just proves that.

President Paul Kagame is on a mission to rule for life. His a tyrant and seeking another term in office, which by all records is just procedure at this point. There is no way he will risk losing or opening up the floodgates of liberation, freedom or justice to the people. No, that ship has sailed a long time ago and the Republic is under his spell.

That’s why these remarks are so unique. It shows his contempt of his own. The people he rules over and the system he has created. This is his own making and his to blame. Kagame has made people like this and they are afraid to act differently. Why should they rebel or even try to defy him? If they do they die or if not have an accident in prison. There is nothing to gain to speak or act sincere. Because, that could be your ending. It is like the President forgets that part and no one can touch him.

Just read these quotes from Kagame and you get where I am going…

This is why I am saying this. It may happen that you do not want to tell someone that he is doing something wrong because you have a personal stake in not doing so, but you may not do so out of fear; you cannot look someone in the face and tell him that it is wrong. That is when I compare that person to something malleable/pliable. The Rwandans are there just like that. Sometimes I feel bad to be one of you. To live like that, malleable…” (Kagame, 06.10.2023).

No one able to face the wrong and fight it, face a person, and tell him/her that this is wrong. Seriously this is that what you really are. Just there, malleable, people who cannot boldly say what they like or do not like, who can be carried away by anything, can let water take them and throw them in a place even where they can die. This is what you are you, you, you all you leaders who are here from the lowest to the highest rank. Even your country is like this” (Kagame, 06.10.2023).

You are the type of people who could be sitting in mud and are not aware you are sitting in it and when you realise it you might fear to get out of it. Because you may fear you may hurt the mud and make it sad you may decide to remain in the mud, that is how you are” (Kagame, 06.10.2023).

The mud is where you have put them Mr. President and if they speak. You will bury them under the mud. You haven’t given them an option to move or have it another way. They cannot challenge your government or speak indifferent. If they do… they are in legal jeopardy very quickly. These people just have to comply with the system that you have created and they fear doing otherwise. That’s how you wanted it and that’s the state you operate. You cannot expect free-thinkers or entrepreneurs will show up. When you can easily take it all away and stifle them in their tracks. They rather just live and breathe in the mud. Than trying to take themselves up. Because, if they do… they risk their lives and they rather be content with what they have. It is better to have the mud and live. Than trying to move out of the mud and die by force. That’s the offer you give people and they have to act accordingly.

That’s why its really clear that you disrespect and is delusional about your own state. The President doesn’t see how his iron fist is closing doors and options for others. The iron grip and control is eroding and erasing options for others. That’s why they are malleable and easy to reason with. Because, they know if they dare or begs to differ. That can cost and who want to risk that?

This is where Kagame is failing at his own game. He has rigged it and he doesn’t understand the consequences of it. It is his own making and his to blame. That’s why he blames the victims, instead of looking into himself and taking some accountability. It is always easier to blame others, than blaming yourself.

Kagame proves that and no one is shocked. He is supposed to be blindly trusted and everyone supposed to follow his command. That’s why people are becoming like this and it’s his own making. Peace.

Burundi: Forces de Defense Nationale du Burundi – Etat Major General – Communique de Presse (06.10.2023)

RDC: Province du Nord-Kivu – Cabinet du Gouverneur – Communique Officiel (06.10.2023)

RDC: Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) – Communique Officiel du Mouvement du 1 Juin (05.10.2023)

Rwanda: Nahimana will never become President…

The former Catholic Priest and now self-declared President in Exile, Thomas Nahimana will never run a government in Kigali. He is one of them opposition fellows that has found himself a new racket. The former ousted priest has found a way to stay relevant and have a purpose. Regardless of the validity of it or sense of accomplishing anything.

Nahimana can in safety France toy with the idea. He can play around with it and make himself important. Alas, that is the problem here… his making himself important in Le Havre or wherever he resides in France. However, in Rwanda his a nobody and not a popular leader either. There is no proof of his popularity or trustworthiness.

A man who worked as a priest in Rwanda between 1999 to 2005 when he went into exile. While years later launching his Presidency in 2017. While he tried together with campaign manager and others to return to Rwanda. The authorities of Rwanda blocked the return and didn’t allow Nahimana or any of his associates to board the plane to enter the Republic. Meaning his not allowed to return to Rwanda by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).

While that is useful to Nahimana. That makes him feel special and unique. As his disbarred and living in exile in France. He has been stopped to run as an independent in the 2017 Presidential Elections. An election which Kagame himself “won” with 98% of the votes. We know that Nahimana would get close to nothing in the polls and would be a wasted vote to begin with.

There is a reason why very few has heard of him. That’s because this priest has made this his gig. The Ishema Party and the ideas of a “New Generation” sounds cool on paper. The former Priest have no soil to let this seed grow. It is only make belief and smoking mirrors. The ones believing in it is tricked.

The lack of legitimacy or even tested qualities as a politician is obvious. Not that it matters. He has to face possible charges and participating in alleged serious crimes. We can also beg to question these ones, as this is one of the tactics of the state to silence or muffle with the critics. If Nahimana ever would enter or be allowed to return to Rwanda. Expect him to arrive in bracelets and be prepared for trial. He would be a felon and wouldn’t be eligible for any sort of campaign or presidential elections. The man would face serious time and wouldn’t ever be on the ballot.

It is therefore hard to imagine that this man will ever be seen as viable or even a considered candidate. There are others miles ahead of him. That has even faced Kagame’s regime from within. People who has lost businesses and become prisoners. We all know that what the RPF does to dissidents and the ones stands up to it.

Nahimana has no chance to succeed. Not that he needs to do it either. Someone will fund his “enterprise” and “gig”. Not that they should and no one should take it seriously. Not unless his suddenly has thousands of supporters from within and a diaspora waiting in joy to hear his speeches. Alas, I doubt he has anything significant. Because, his name isn’t even that relevant to begin with.

I don’t see him becoming someone worthy of a throne or even an office. Regardless of that, he can prove me and others wrong. However, I wouldn’t count on it. We cannot expect him in a race or be able to run either. Since that has been out of question the last time and the authorities most likely won’t allow him to enter Kigali this time either. That would be shocker, but it would end up with a legal jeopardy and not much fanfare for the man. He would regret even doing it and would spent the rest of his life behind bars. That the only place his going too… if he thinks he can succeed and overcome Kagame. At this point of time… that is a hopeless expedition and will cost your life. There been plenty before him and will be plenty after him.

Nahimana just think his special… when his not and I don’t expect any of his prayers to be heard. Peace.

RDC: Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) – Communique Officiel du Mouvement du 1 Juin (01.10.2023)

Opinion: Kagame’s “message” with the new appointment of Gen. Kabarebe

Today, the Office of the Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente released a communique of new appointees from the President Paul Kagame. The first one on the list which is a notable character and a man of all seasons, General James Kararebe. The role his appointed to is no other than the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs.

He has had plenty of roles surrounding Kagame. A man that Kagame really trusts and knows does his bidding. That’s why he has had so many titles and gotten promoted over the years. It is for one simple reason, he does as his told and serves in the fashion that Kagame deems fit.

That’s why he can continue to operate and do shadow games. Gen. Kararebe is no stranger to foreign enterprises or pillages. No, he has partaken in that in Easter Congo for years. He was one of the commanders who was bestowed the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) in the first and second Congolese War. Therefore, he knows the region and has fought in it. The General is even mentioned as a supplier and a supporter of M23. Which is fitting these days when the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) is trying to refute and distance itself from the rebellion and militia in the DRC. That the man who has been reported in UN Experts Reports on the matter is getting a Ministerial Post like this.

Is this Kigali trying to send Kinshasa a signal. They are now entrusting a General that fought and partook in the loot in the Democratic Republic of Congo. That man is now their envoy and a man on a diplomatic mission. This is the one that is sent to cause peace in the Greater Lakes Region. A man who is a warrior and a warlord. It isn’t even clever, but a brutal assessment of the priorities of Kigali.

Kagame is sending a signal to Kinshasa. Not the one he envisions. Maybe he thinks the “Visit Rwanda” on Football Shirts is saving his grace and image abroad. However, when the news hit and the stories of Kararebe is out. The strategist that helped Laurent Kabila to power and engineered the capture of Kinshasa on May 17th 1997 where the ADFL deposed Mobutu Sese Seko. When you know this all and the allegations against him.

Surely, the title is mystifying. It shows what sorts of friends and close associates Kagame has surrounded himself with. Kagame in 2023 thinks its wise to have a man known for his vicious actions and possible war-crimes is the dude to represent and partake in diplomatic enterprises in the region. A man who now will visit the likes of Kinshasa, Kampala, Bujumbura and elsewhere to represent Kigali’s interests.

It is hard to believe that this is happening now. However, it is maybe the message that Kigali does support M23 and the former RDF commander who supported them will now deal with the talks. He will now ensure the diplomatic channels are open and that there ways to manoeuvre. We know that Gen. Kararebe is smart and can think ahead. That’s why his been successful as a military strategist and gotten results in the past. No mater the consequences or the lives taken in the process. He has succeeded and been entrusted with more as time goes by.

Gen. Kararebe will have a tough time. I don’t see how this will go smoothly with Kinshasa. I cannot see that happening. Kampala will be fine and his a graduate from Makerere University. The General was the aide-de-camp of Kagame in the liberation war in 1994 and that was coordinated with help from Kampala. While he was also part of the invasion of the DRC and two Congolese wars, which means he had to talk and be an ally with the Ugandan Army at one point too. So, these are familiar people and would only serve similar interests in regional affairs now too.

Alas, here is the issue and its big. That’s why I am entertaining it. Because, it was needed to be said. To appoint him now and this time is just tragic. It is like Kagame wants to test Tshisekedi and see how he handles pressure. As Kagame says Tshiskedi is using Kigali as a scapegoat for the failures of Kinshasa. However, now a man who is known supporter and a facilitator of M23 in the past are getting this role. That is certainly questionable and can cause a stir.

I am wondering if the General will even get entry to Kinshasa or the DRC as a whole. That is something that has to be seen and at what cost. Because, that will be humiliating now. Even if the General was born in Eastern Congo himself. Still his a man of Rwanda now and been a loyal crony of Kagame. His not a favoured lost son returning to the DRC. Peace.

Opinion: Kagame is the one and only to reign for life…

You just said that it was obvious in the eyes of public opinion, so it is the case. I am pleased with the confidence that Rwandans have shown in me. I will always serve them whenever I can. Yes, I am indeed a candidate” – President Paul Kagame (Francois Soudan – ‘Kagame: The problem is not between me and Tshisekedi, The New Times, 20.09.2023).

In the 2017 Presidential Elections, Kagame got 98% of the votes. Back in 2010 he got 93 % of the votes. All the way back to 2003 he got the total of 95% of the votes. Meaning his numbers are jacked up like crazy and there is no way others will ever compete with Major General Paul Kagame of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). The government that took over with force in 1994.

Kagame himself has been the President of the Republic since 22nd April 2000, but was substantial to the regime before that. Just like he had in the days of the National Resistance Army (NRA) and helping Museveni getting into office in 1986. Therefore, the guerrilla warfare done in Uganda helped him and his allies to conquer Kigali in 1994.

Now years after that and working to rebrand himself. His still the same old “Pilato” and Self-Styled President for Life. A man who needs referendums and changing of the Constitution to be able to run. His party is just fearing for his wrath and possible usage of power. They know if they double-cross him or look at him sideways. They will suffer and so will their families.

We have seen how dissidents, real opposition and anyone who dares to speak out is treated in Rwanda. It isn’t a safe-haven and Kagame knows this. That’s why political satire is dangerous and even political cartoons can get you into trouble. The demi-god of Kagame cannot be challenged.

So, the ones that is shocked or amazed that his running in 2024 is naive. This man will never ever step down from office. He will use the “will of the Rwandan people” as a shield. While the numbers are cooked and the people just have to “vote” for him. Because, if they don’t they will be in real trouble.

The numbers in 2024 will be in the 90s and by the RPF polls for his candidacy. The 98% vibe is continuing for him. Meaning any other candidate is hopeless and wouldn’t stand a chance regardless. They are only on the ballot to make it seem like there are “opposition” or people who dares to question Kagame. When we know they are hired and people who are trusted by the RPF.

It is a reason why the only way to bring Kagame and RPF is by the guns. Act within treason and use weaponry. Because, there will never ever be a free and fair election under Kagame. He wouldn’t trust that process and he cannot trust the people either. That’s why he has to install fear and intimidate. The strength of the army and the authorities that can take everything away, even take away your last breath. That’s if you dare to sing, dance or even openly oppose him. Just making a YouTube video or singing a requim for everyone who has been lost. That’s insulting the Don and the ones in power. Therefore, you will be gone and the remaining part of your life will be in darkness.

Kagame can speak of big words and rebrand himself on Football T-Shirts around Europe. The Football Clubs can take his blood-money. However, that doesn’t make his reign any better or sincere. His a warlord and a tyrant who kills to stay in power. That’s what Kagame does and he has no plan of stopping either. He knows that if he would and dared to stop. Someone could retaliate or avenge a fallen soldier or brother who he took during his reign.

That’s why Kagame cannot quit or retire. It is to dangerous and could be fatal to him too. Peace.

Burundi: Red-Tabara – Communique (03.09.2023)