The Return of the Rwanda conflict
Chris McGreal, The Guardian | May 16, 2008
Brought up by their fathers - the men responsible for the mass killings back in Rwanda - or by extremist Hutu rebels, the second generation of Hutu child soldiers has grown up.++ They are imbued with the same mind-altering ideology of extermination as during the genocide and reared to hate and murder Tutsis. ++ Most of the children are members of the FDLR's armed wing, known as a terrorist organization under the leadership of men worth multimillion-dollar rewards. ++ The government is not even able to come near their land.
Mon, Oct 5th 2009, 00:40
Nicole Greene, NYU - Global Affairs, (3)
Despite the successful recovery of Rwanda's economy, along with the creation of a robust social service sector in which women have emerged as important members within civil society and the government, there is still a deepening darkness within Rwanda – its failure to achieve democracy.
In my opinion, the lack of post conflict reconciliation and healing within the country has deeply impacted Rwanda’s ability to forgive and unite as one nation. In turn, the genocide’s legacy continues to thrive as political violence and unrest persists within Rwanda, and in the surrounding region, posing a threat to peace and security in the entire Great Lakes area.
While there is hope for the country, the following must occur before Rwanda can be considered a free and fair state. First, opposition parties must be allowed to campaign against Kagame, and without fear of reprisal. Second, there must be greater representation of the majority Hutu population in office. Denying any ethnic group, particularly a majority, access to political power ignites tension, and has the potential to evolve into a massive attack. Third, Kagame’s government must reach out to civil society in order to open the lines of communication. Tutsi and Hutu’s cannot fear each other, and the levels of suspicion and anxiety associated with each group, by the other, must end.
It is important to remember that there was a time when Tutsi and Hutu’s lived together in relative harmony. In the days leading up to the genocide, they were friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family. With a home grown reconciliation effort, healing can occur, restoring the trust that once existed. Only then will Rwanda successfully evolve the necessary framework and institutions needed for democracy.