Opinion: Some says War has returned to Europe [and I say it was exported but now came home to roost]

It been a long time since the Yugoslavian war in the 1990s. That was the last big-war and conflict, which the world powers came into play and fought on separate sides. As all the Slavic people of region fought for their statehood and such. Which in the end has ended up on in several of independent nations, but has since then been at peace.

Alas, there haven’t been a moment where the European powers haven’t been involved or participated elsewhere since then. They have either done that by proxy, by exporting military weapons or equipment or themselves participated in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations or invasion. If not, it has directly invaded or made itself impose it’s power onto a nation. Therefore, it has never ceased to use weapons and war. The only difference, it has happen far away and for other means.

The United States has supported wars, been the main aggressor or the initiator in several of conflicts. While United Kingdom has participated directly too. Other European nations has been parts of coalition of a willing. Therefore, we know they are willing wage war and has done so too. This been done over years and the conflict ever ceasing. Even after they are leaving. The parties are still unresolved and the conflicts persist.

So, when I hear again and again that the war returned to Europe. I am saying “yes it did, but it was already here”. What I mean by that… the Europeans has exported the wars. They have supported proxies, which has fought their wars. Europeans has sent brigades, operative armies elsewhere and done warfare. This being as part of United Nations Peacekeeping Missions or directly work for own interests in former colonies.

That’s why the European nations haven’t been all peaceful. They have used arms, weapons and military equipment all across the globe. They have traded and earned profits on wars. This has been done and these wars has only been bylines or parts of bulletins in the tabloids. While bloodshed, massacres and whatnot happens in these conflicts. That is just what’s going on. If it is in Yemen, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo or in the Central African Republic. These things can be prolonged and the conflict is a very valuable commodity. A commodity and a business, which is a never ending ride of profits, both in weaponry and resources, which becomes easily accessible when you have the right leader serving any given territory. Therefore, these sorts of moves has happened and the West has gladly joined the ride.

This is why the powers of the West, United States and others has supported the end of certain leaders. In such a fashion, that it get rid of a popular leader who intends to nationalize or reform the mineral extraction industries and instead get a puppet regime there. While using armies and support to keep it up. A war for the interests of the West and not for the nation at hand. Just like it accepted to use illegal means to overthrow Morales in Bolivia. That sort of play fitted the U.S. and Washington D.C. and it could have been much more bloody. However, that’s how it does it and we cannot deny this fact in 2022.

Yes, Russia’s imperialism in Ukraine is wrong. Nevertheless, that doesn’t justify the imperialism of United States or any of it’s NATO allies either. What the USA did in Iraq or Afghanistan should be addressed. Just like whatever war-crimes that all parties have possibly done in Syria. The same can be said about the parties involved Yemen or Ethiopia for that matter. All war-crimes should be punishable and be investigated by the same International Court. Not just go after Russia now. The other nations and the leadership of that time should be held accountable. That is only fair.

So, when saying all this. African Union has worked for a few years now to “silence the guns” which is an ideal programme. No matter how faulty and weak the AU is an organization. How the AU as an entity tends to favour tyrants and dictators, instead of the will of the people. Still, the ideals of that programme is something the European Union and United States should look into themselves. As it is a set of ethics, which could inspire them to think about the consequences of it’s actions elsewhere.

Right now it is justified to enlarge military budgets, expand spending on upgrading the military equipment and vehicles, ensure you have a decent air-force and whatnot. When the war-drums are happening so close to your own shores. It only makes sense, as the borders and the length of distance to Ukraine set the parameter of action of own self-defence. However, Europe has participated and been acting in accordance with war. Just not on their shores or in the near borders of own capitals. It hasn’t gotten close to comfort. Neither has the consequences of it or the ramifications of a war. No, that has been held at a distance…

Now, the conflicts of Europe is coming home. The weapons exports is happening to far-away hinterland or to any of their allies world-wide. Therefore, this war is more consuming to the West. Since, it involves them all and it’s a worry of escalation. Also, if Russia want to further it’s borders and annex even more countries after Ukraine. That is unknown and uncharted territory of Europe in this day and age. They have accepted and participated in conflicts outside of their home-bound regions. But now it’s happening there and it makes things more edgy.

That’s why people are speaking of the wars are coming home. I will say they were always here. That’s why we was busy making advanced weapons, exporting ammunition and selling artillery across the world. While also either being part or being parties in conflicts across the world after the 1990s Yugoslavian war.

There is time to recognize this and acknowledge this. Because, if we don’t, we are hypocrites and people who don’t reflect on our own actions. My own home country has exported weapons and participated in NATO missions across the world, which has inflicted insufferable damage and destruction. This is why we cannot act like we didn’t wage war or had no say in it. Our nations and participation had consequences, which is felt today in Libya and Afghanistan. These sorts of acts shouldn’t be forgotten. It is the act of cruelty to forget that… and we can’t if we are honest.

The wars wasn’t in Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Rome or in Warsaw, but we never know our future. Yesterday it was in Kabul and Baghdad. Now it is hitting Kyiv and we should stand in solidarity with Ukraine. However, at the same time, we need to reflect on the policies and actions, which lead the West and U.S. into similar conflicts anywhere else. Peace.

Association des Conferences des Ordinaires du Rwanda et du Burundi: Communique de Presse de l’ACOREB a l’Issue de son Assemblee Pleniere Ordinaire (17.03.2022)

The ICJ Case Judgment [DRC V. Uganda] set precedence for more cases [towards the other nations participating in Congolese Wars between 1996 – 2003]

Yesterday’s landmark ruling in the International Court of Justice is astonishing and vastly important. As it sends a message and opportunities for the Democratic Republic of Congo to seek remedy from all the parties that looted, destroyed and directly added harm to the conflicts in the two major Congolese wars, which lasted from 1996 to 2003.

All of these years, it wasn’t only Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) who invaded the then Zaire or Democratic Republic of Congo. There was several of other parties and militias that participated in it. Which was sponsored by various of parties and took part in the looting, destruction and killings. Therefore, it is right that the Government of Uganda is punished and have to pay, but the DRC have to build on this.

The DRC have to go after all the other ones who participated in the Congolese Wars. There is a need to collect evidence, witnesses and documentation, which will be deemed fit for the ICJ. Because, the DRC has been able to prove and challenge the Ugandans in the same Court. Now, it is time to do that with others. Since, we all know the Ugandans wasn’t alone in this and it was several of other parties, nations and warlords who took part. They all should pay for the grievances and harm it has committed in the DRC.

In the first Congolese War, the nations participating, which we know of was also Rwanda, Burundi, Angola and Eritrea. While in the second Congolese War there was also several of others participating in the warfare. This time it is been proven that Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Tchad.

We know there was several of militias that had foreign support as well. These was various of them and they had real relevance and amassed vast fortunes for the ones trading illicit mineral resources. That’s why we know the participants did use the war for profits and earn wealth on the plights of the DRC, which is just the bleak reality of all of this.

That’s why the DRC and authorities in Kinshasa shouldn’t just celebrate the victory of yesterday. They should run wild and start cases against the other parties in the conflict as well. That would be justified and fair. To go after all the nations and their armies who was in the wars. To go after the ones sponsoring and making it possible for militias to collect, earn and profit of warfare in provinces across the DRC. That would be justified and get the Republic some relief of the suffering, which it has been living through and continues to have.

It is not like the monsters of these wars are gone. They are still prominent and has possible state sponsored militias within the DRC. It is not like the neighbours has totally left and doesn’t profit on the porous borders between the republics. That what it does and this should give Kinshasa more reasons to go after them.

Let’s hope they work on it and pursuits justice, because it’s the only reasonable thing to do. The DRC should go after the other parties now, as they won over the Uganda. There are other government that should shake their boots and worry about the future tab they have to return to Kinshasa. That would only make sense at this point.

Yes, it will take years and years to get it happening, but yiu see the pay-off in the end. The DRC know how things work and should build on it. As it has the strength and wisdom to pull it off. Peace.

Republique Centrafricaine: Communique de Presse de l’Opposition Democratique (03.02.2022)

Uganda-Rwanda Tensions XXVIIII: Rwanda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Re-Opening of the Gatuna border post with the Republic of Uganda (28.01.2022)

Republique Centrafricaine: Union pour le Renouveau Centra Africain (URCA) – Communique de Presse (26.01.2022)

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.

Republique Centrafricaine: Mouvement Cœurs Unis – Communique de presse du Bureau Politique du Mouvement Cœurs Unis (21.01.2022)

Republique Centrafricaine: Angola, RCA & Rwanda – Communique Conjoint (14.01.2022)

Uganda: Ministry of Defence & Veterans Affairs – Press Statement (04.01.2022)