Minister Bizimana Criticizes UN Experts’ Partiality in DR Congo Situation
Jean-Damascène Bizimana critiques the UN Group of Experts on DR Congo for bias against Rwanda, highlighting examples of partiality among specific experts. He underscores the failure of international bodies to effectively address the ongoing threats posed by the FDLR militia and questions the credibility of the selection process for UN experts, especially in light of their potential conflicts of interest. Bizimana’s remarks align with Rwanda’s challenges amid external sanctions and ongoing tensions in the region.
Jean-Damascène Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, has criticized the work of the UN Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) for perceived bias against Rwanda. Speaking on March 5, he addressed a session with various stakeholders discussing the impact of genocidal ideology in the region. Bizimana expressed concern that despite multiple condemnations of the FDLR militia’s human rights violations by international bodies like the UN and the African Union, effective actions remain lacking, allowing the militia to persist in DR Congo.
The Minister questioned the credibility of the UN experts, asserting that their selection process does not guarantee impartiality. He highlighted Roberto Garreton, a former UN expert from Chile, whom he accused of partiality due to his theories regarding Tutsi ambitions in the Great Lakes Region. Bizimana noted that Kofi Annan, during his tenure as UN Secretary-General, had required Garreton’s reports to receive prior review by Rwanda, a practice that he lamented is no longer followed.
Bizimana also pointed to Steve Hege, an American ex-expert who established a mineral extraction company while still with the UN, raising doubts about his impartiality regarding issues involving Rwanda. He emphasized the conflict of interest inherent in Hege’s activities in resource-rich DR Congo. Furthermore, he mentioned Bernard Leloup, a UN expert whose academic ties to anti-Rwandan sentiments raise significant concerns about his suitability for his role, citing his negative publications about President Kagame.
Amidst these expert criticisms, Rwanda faces sanctions from Western nations based on allegations of support for M23 rebels fighting the DR Congo government. Rwanda refutes these claims, asserting its need to protect national security against FDLR threats intertwined with historical genocidal actions. Despite calls from Congolese leaders inciting violence against Tutsis and attacking Rwanda, Bizimana lamented the inaction of the international community regarding these provocations.
Minister Jean-Damascène Bizimana’s critiques of the UN Group of Experts illustrate significant concerns regarding bias and conflicts of interest among specialists evaluating the situation in DR Congo. Highlighting specific individuals, his commentary underscores the implications of partial reports and the urgent need for an impartial approach to resolving ongoing conflicts. As Western sanctions loom over Rwanda, the call for a fair evaluation of the region’s dynamics remains paramount.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
