Kagame the Democrat? Posted by Michael Cohen

A couple of days ago I linked to a piece by Joshua Kurlantzick, which extolled the virtues of Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda as the sort of enlightened yet unelected leader who could help seed democratic renewal and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. An excellent piece in the New York Times offers ample evidence as to why the myth of unelected "democratic" strongmen is just that - a myth.

According to the Times, under Kagame's leadership, Rwanda is once again seeding violence in mayhem in Congo and they are doing it in an underhanded and undemocratic manner:

Several demobilized Rwandan soldiers, speaking in hushed tones in Kigali, Rwanda’s tightly controlled capital, described a systematic effort by Rwanda’s government-run demobilization commission to send hundreds if not thousands of fighters to the rebel front lines. Former rebel soldiers in Congo said that they had seen Rwandan officers plucking off the Rwandan flags from the shoulders of their fatigues after they had arrived and that Rwandan officers served as the backbone of the rebel army. . .

Rwandan government officials are involved, providing bus fare for the men to travel to Congo and updating the rebel leadership each month on how many fighters from Rwanda are about to come over.

And why is Rwanda keeping their involvement in Congo under wraps: "Rwanda’s leaders are vigilant about not endangering their carefully crafted reputation as responsible, development-oriented friends of the West." The Times story also goes on to detail the rampant plundering of Eastern Congo by Rwanda businessmen and the veneer of freedom that defines the nation:

Rwanda may have a lot going for it — a high economic growth rate, low corruption, a Parliament with a majority of seats held by women. But many people here say they do not feel free. When the former government official was interviewed at a Kigali hotel, he abruptly stopped talking whenever the maid walked by.

Its worth a read; and serves as an ample reminder that so-called benevolent unelected leaders are often anything but.

Comments

[Thadeo Nsabimana]

Kagame the Democrat?

Am not fond of writing but I feel I shout write something this time because people are trying to take us for granted providing us with rumor and biased information.

It is outrageous to see the media which would help to educate people misleading them. The New York Times to which many would base their comments is authored by a person who is just biased of Rwanda. I know Rwanda went through tragic times at the watch of international community. Its brave sons and daughters sacrificed their lives and stopped the genocide. Unfortunately most of those who had participated in the genocide fled to DRC and organized FDLR which is now causing havoc in DRC. No one bothered to tackle the root cause of the problem which is FDLR. The Congolese Tutsi are at the verge of extinction if they do not stand up and fight for their life. I do not support fighting, but in the event where the international community becomes indifferent, one has to take arms and defend themselves. It is misleading to say that Rwanda is involved in the Congo simply because Nkunda, a Congolese of Rwandan origin is fighting for his people. Rwanda categorically denies any involvement and despite rumors, no official communication has come from MONUC or any other Western country condemning Rwanda of involvement. It is annoying to read some one portraying Kagame as unelected leader. If leaders are chosen through election and some one wins, who then should question the legality of the election? I believe we have to respect the will of the people no matter who they chose. Every country has its own approach to the needs of her people and no one should mislead us, democracy is not one size fits all. That is why some countries prefer having a Prime Minister in charge while other prefer a president.

The world should help Congo to restore security of the threatened group, Tutsi and deal with FDLR and should leave Rwanda alone.

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I really do agree with Mr Deo Nsabimana. What a shame with the international community that instead of considering people at the same level of dignity and right to life, decides to take sides in defense of people who violate the basic human right!

The armed genocidal forces still roam the eastern DRC with their cherished agenda of exterminating a group of people, the Tutsi wherever they may be. It does not matter for them if it is in Rwanda or Burundi or DRC! And when the government fails to protect its citizens, the community itself fights for their survival. And there is always somebody else to blame for this international obligation failure.

Mr Jeffrey Getteman of the New York Times should not try to confuse people on what is taking place in DRC. Anthony W. Gambino's report has shown an independant and balanced attitude that we should emulate.

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