|
|
|
|
NEWS & LETTERS, February - March 2009
World in View
Rwanda-Congo unity
by Gerry Emmett
In a surprise reversal in mid-January, President Joseph Kabila's Congo government allowed up to 4,000 Rwandan troops into Congolese territory in pursuit of Rwandan Hutu militias. The Hutu militias, which took part in the genocide of up to half a million Rwandan ethnic Tutsis and dissident Hutus, were forced out of Rwanda in 1994 and have been based in eastern Congo. They have terrorized that region since then, taking control of villages, mines and businesses.
In return, the Rwandan government sponsored a Congolese Tutsi rebellion led by General Laurent Nkunda. In another surprise reversal, Nkunda was apprehended in Rwanda as part of the deal. He and his militia have been charged with massacres and other wholesale violations of human rights. Congo says it will seek extradition. Nkunda's militia underwent a recent split with part of the leadership seeking peace with Congo's government. In an unprecedented cooperation, Rwandan and Congolese forces have been fighting together in Kasinga against the Hutu militias.
The ongoing war in eastern Congo has been incredibly brutal. Over five million people have died from violence, famine and disease. Of the 45,000 who die every month, half are children under five years old. Millions have become refugees. The practices of ethnic cleansing, genocidal rape, and press-ganging child soldiers are common.
In its previous ventures into Congo the Rwandan government has been accused of exploiting eastern Congo's people and mineral wealth. But if this new agreement holds it can be a very positive development.
|
