Kangaroos in Rwanda - Kagame, Ingabire, Mandela

On December 13, 2013, Victoire Ingabire was sentenced by Rwanda's "kangaroo" Supreme Court to 15 years in prison on politically motivated and trumped up charges including "conspiring to form an armed rebel group," "spreading false rumors," and "genocide ideology"[a]  (a catch-all term in Paul Kagame's Rwanda used to jail anyone with the slightest disagreement with his regime). This sentence came as Ingabire, leader of the United Democratic Party, was appealing her previous 8 year sentence.

Victoire Ingabire with head shaved in prison

There is no doubt that this sentence was politically motivated and a revenge attack on a woman who stood for nothing other than democracy in a Rwanda where tyrannical and murderous rule is the norm.

A very simple web search will show even skeptics that Paul Kagame can be quoted standing against democracy and the rule of law.  Though the "official story" is that he stopped the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, the facts on the ground say otherwise. Kagame even prides himself in the fact that he pursued genocidaires into Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and in the process massacred innocent Hutu Refugees [b].

Kagame makes no secret about being a tyrant. World leaders, including Former American President Bill Clinton and Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, continue to defend Kagame's autocratic rule as a necessary step to retain order.  Kagame has said that his nation is not yet ready for democracy [c].

Such quotes are very disturbing considering that Ingabire's pre-determined trial was underway as Kagame was in South Africa "paying his last respects" to Nelson Mandela.  There is no way possible, however, that one could respect Nelson Mandela and continue to rule in the manner that Kagame rules. The mere presence of Kagame in South Africa at any time during the mourning of Mandela was an insult to the memory of possible the greatest freedom fighter the world has ever known.

The late Nelson Mandela

Mandela stood for justice and equality. It is true that his ways were not always peaceful. It is true that he resorted to violence in order to gain attention and victory for the freedom of Blacks in South Africa.  The difference comes when Mandela was freed from jail.  At that moment, Mandela left all hate in his jail cell. Very few people would have denied Mandela the right to be angry with those who persecuted him and jailed him for 27 years. Instead, Mandela did the unthinkable. When elected President of South Africa, Mandela incorporated many of his former enemies into his government. Mandela formed a "Truth and Reconciliation" committee where true justice and true reconciliation between people could happen.

Kagame's mere appearance at the funeral arrangements for Mandela were a mockery of peace and justice. While Kagame touted Mandela's accomplishments, the very opposite were happening in Rwanda to Ingabire.

Paul Kagame

Paul Kagame is showing the world his true colors - the colors of murder, revenge, hatred, violence, and oppression. The world, unfortunately, is not looking. Kagame has pillaged not only his own native Rwanda, but he has also twice invaded the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Had his targets been solely military and related to those who committed the Genocide of 94, many may be able to excuse these invasions, but when the death toll of his invasions reaches the 6 million + mark, the world must ask itself, "why?" Why is Kagame given free-reign over the Great Lakes region of Africa? Why is Kagame so murderous? Why is Kagame afraid of political threats? Why is Kagame afraid of peace?

It is high time that the nations of the world withdraw aid from the Kagame government.  The aid sent to Kagame only support his terroristic causes. There is no "greater good" with Kagame. Unless Kagame repents of his thuggish ways, all aid should be suspended, all diplomatic relations cut off, and Kagame should be treated as he treats his political foes - But this time, it would be warranted - He would be treated as the criminal he is.


[a] http://sfbayview.com/2013/victoire-ingabire-the-woman-who-challenged-rwandas-paul-kagame/
[b] Ibid.
[c] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubrx3-7Q-DM

Nelson Mandela - A Hero for Our Time

Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa, Former "Criminal" (to the Apartheid Regime), Former Activist, Former Leader of the African National Congress in South Africa died yesterday, December 5, 2013 at the age of 95.  Although he has a lot of "formers" in his long resume, Mandela, or "Madiba" as he is affectionately known through his Xhosa clan name or Tata (meaning "Father"- as in "Father of the Nation") will eternally be known as a Hero!

Madiba is not a hero because he was a super-human who did super-human things. He is a hero because he was a human who did human things in a very super way.

The first time I remember hearing about Mandela was very close to his imminent release from prison in 1990. I would have been 12 years old. I remember that day - February 11, 1990 - watching the news coverage (CNN if I remember correctly) all day to see this man released from prison. My 12 year old mind didn't fully understand his importance, but seeing all the celebration, I knew there had to be something special that was happening that day. I remember sitting with anticipation waiting for this man; this man that I wasn't even sure who he was; to be released. For some reason his release was running late, but I watched nonetheless. When I saw him walk through the gates, I felt a sense of happiness that I could not explain. I had no idea of his greatness except through what the news commentators had been saying up to that point. I heard him speak of a new South Africa.

That was the day that Mandela came onto the radar screen of a young American boy and left an impression that would never leave.  From that day forward, he would be a hero to me.

Mandela stood against injustice and oppression. That is not news to anyone who knows anything about him. This cannot be overstated! Perhaps the greatest oppression he conquered was hate. Mandela had every reason to hate his oppressors that February day that he was released from prison. Instead, he decided to leave his hate and anger behind so that his whole life would not be in a mental prison. He made peace with those who oppressed his people and him. He mastered the art of making peace without making concessions to evil. Mandela did not settle for what would be a "good step," but rather he held out for what was right. In the process, however, he refused to let hate be his motivator no matter what his opponents used as their motivator.

When Mandela was President of South Africa - the first Black President that nation has ever seen, he included members of the former Apartheid Regime in his government. He could have, and some say he should have criminalized them as they did to him. Revenge was not on his mind. Instead, the best interest of South Africa was his goal.

Mandela was not power hungry. While he most likely could have built a cult of personality and held onto power - either officially or unofficially - he quietly stepped down as president without incident.

I stated earlier that Mandela was not a super-human, and I stand by that. But that is what makes him a hero. He was a regular person who did super things. How many people could spend an unjustified 27 years in prison and then forgive his or her captors and go on to lead the nation and include the captors in the government? Who else could set up a truth and reconciliation committee instead of prosecuting and seeking revenge?

Ordinary people can do great things because Mandela did!

Rush vs. the Pope - Really???

Before I begin this endeavor, let me begin by letting my readers know that I am a registered independent voter. I have as many critiques of Democrats as I do of Republicans. Just because this particular critique is of a Republican does not in anyway make Democrats the victors. Democrats have played as much into this issue as have Republicans - it just turns out that a Republican, Rush Limbaugh, is the one that happened to speak up.

We kid ourselves in the United States if we think that either party is "for" the people. Both parties are "for" corporations. That is where they get their financing. I recently saw an internet meme with President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush saying that both are essentially Corporate CEO's.  As sad as that is, that is basically the truth. Of course, these two presidents are not the only presidents who have been "sell outs" to corporations. This has been happening for years.

But now, let me turn my attention to the topic of this writing. The source of my critique can be found here (A Link to the Rush Limbaugh Show).

In this show transcript, Rush Limbaugh takes on and is upset by Pope Francis' "attacks" on "unfettered capitalism as a 'new tyranny.'"

First, Mr. Limbaugh admits that he is not Catholic. That is to his credit. I find this respectable. Unfortunately, this is where Mr. Limbaugh did not stop. Rather than saying he needs to research the Pope's stance or that he respectfully disagrees, Mr. Limbaugh takes a pompous and arrogant attitude displaying that he knows little to nothing about Christian teaching on the subject of economics. What is more disturbing is that the blind followers of Mr. Limbaugh may see what he says as "gospel" and equate it with "true Christian teaching" thus perverting the True Gospel.

Limbaugh says that the Pope has gone "beyond Catholicism" and has become "pure political." It would do Limbaugh well to recognize that the Gospel message is political. By claiming "Jesus is Lord," we are not making a mere spiritual statement, we are making a political statement. By saying, "Jesus is Lord," we are saying, "Caesar (or the President, or the King, or Money, or whatever else) is not Lord." We are saying that we may respect our earthly rulers, but we are saying that we worship our Messianic Ruler. No political statement can be larger than that. It would do Limbaugh well to research the martyrs who have given their lives because they refused to honor the ruler of the day because they worshipped the one true God incarnate in Jesus Christ. Limbaugh would be wise to research those who have dedicated their lives to serving this God incarnate in Christ, who is at odds with the world's political systems, at great risk and suffering to their own comfort and well being.  Limbaugh would be very wise to visit his local homeless shelter where everyday people are violating his "winner take all" system and giving to the "least of these" as Christ commanded. That, my friends, is politics.

Mr. Limbaugh goes on to say that the Vatican itself would not exist without capitalism.  On this point, he may be right. I say, "may be right" because I am not versed well enough in Catholic Church history to know how the Vatican was funded. I would assume, that the ornate decorations, the vast amount of gold and jewels, and the artwork were not donated. But, again, Mr. Limbaugh is assuming that these items were bought on the free market in competition. I will tread lightly because it may be possible that some of these items were up for competition among buyers. The majority, however, were specially made for the Vatican. Of course it took money and profit to buy them. But the capitalism that it took to buy those items is not the same type of capitalism it takes to run a multi-national company that competes with another multi-national company while employing workers and holding the fates of towns and cities in the palms of their hands.

He then goes on to accuse the Pope of Marxism. A "theologian" such as Limbaugh should know very well that a Marxism is a worldly system and is of no concern to the economics of God's Kingdom. Pope John Paul II had strong criticisms of Communism (mostly of the Soviet Union). The fact that Pope Francis is critiquing Unfettered Capitalism does not mean that he is in an "either-or" game. The Pope is advocating God's Economics. When he says that the rich should share their wealth, that is not Marxism, that is "Jesusism." Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me (Matthew 25:40)." Jesus is not advocating an earthly economic system. Jesus is pronouncing the Kingdom of God. Does the Kingdom of God look like Marxism? Hardly! Marxism excludes a certain class of people. The Kingdom of God includes everyone who would be a part. The only exclusion is self-exclusion. 

Limbaugh sets up a poor argument to accomplish his political agenda. After accusing the Pope of Marxism, he goes into a rant about how Democrats are modern day Socialists. First of all, this is completely untrue, and second of all, this is just short of blasphemy that he uses the Church to do this. The Democrats are as close to Socialism as Limbaugh is. Both Republicans and Democrats are beholden to Unfettered Capitalism. The Democrats give lip-service to "care for the poor" as do Republicans. Both parties say they have solutions, but in the end, neither party delivers. Neither party creates jobs. Neither party increases the family income. Neither party decreases the number of people who need social welfare. Instead, they blame the need for welfare on the recipients instead of on the system. Of course there are some who abuse the system. There will always be people who abuse ANY system. But to blame the millions who are on welfare for their own plight is ludicrous. When there are no jobs to find, when the poor and racial minorities are confined to the worst parts of cities with bad schools and no job training, when faith communities refuse to see their neighbors as themselves, what do we expect? 

Later in his show, Limbaugh goes on a patriotic discussion of the United States. He talks of American exceptionalism. I certainly hope Limbaugh is not expecting to convert the Pope to his line of thinking. I also hope he is not expecting to convert Christians to this narrative. Christians can love whatever nation they are from. Christians can find beauty and goodness in the world. Christians, however, are "resident aliens" in this world. Stated differently - This world is not our home. Those of us who live in the United States do not deny the goodness of our nation. Our ultimate allegiance, however, is with the Kingdom of God inaugurated by Christ. Contrary to Limbaugh and our founding documents, we DO NOT have a God Given Right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." We may have a legal right to that here in America, and that can be debated depending on your social and racial class, but we do not have a God Given Right. God did not inspire the Constitution. God inspired the Bible. There were some God loving people who wrote the Constitution, and there were some who did not know God who wrote the Constitution. Compare it to this: I love God, but God did not inspire this article. I wrote this article. God did not. This article is not Scripture. God gave me the skills to critique and to write, but this article is not beyond error. You, my reader, are allowed to disagree with anything in here. I may disagree with my own writing in a few days or weeks. It's happened before, and it may happen again.

Limbaugh concludes with a long rant about Democrats, Communism, and sharing wealth. Basically, Limbaugh is shadow boxing in this argument because he does not know what he is arguing. He thinks he is arguing against a real political foe, but he is not. Limbaugh is not arguing against a Democrat or a Communist. Limbaugh has labeled the Pope something he is not. The Pope is not concerned with changing from one system of economics to another current system of economics. In that area, Limbaugh is right. Moving from Capitalism to Communism would be disastrous - Or, it would be as disastrous as Unfettered Capitalism.  Instead, the Pope is calling all Christians to follow God's Economic Plan. 

God's Economic Plan is one of abundance. The world's economic plans are of scarcity. If we followed God's plan, there would be enough for all. Look at the statistics - there are enough resources and wealth for every person on this planet. There is no statistical reason that anyone should starve to death. Notice I didn't say, "be poor," or "go without something one wants." I said, "STARVE TO DEATH." Take a moment and think what that means. Most of us can't even envision ourselves starving to the point of death. But millions do it every year. Millions do it when there is enough food and resources to prevent it. The Pope is calling for simple Christian charity, but he is also calling for world transformation. He is calling for us to live into what Christ has called us to do. We don't change the world - God does. But, Christ has already told us what to do - When will we actually listen?

The Power of Just a Little Money

November 20, 2013

For some reason, despite his abysmal human rights record, the United States Government has continued to fund the Paul Kagame regime of Rwanda. Never mind that there are at least 6 million dead at his hands. Never mind that he invaded the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) twice (officially) - According to his Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) Government, it was to rid the DRC of forces hostile to Rwanda, however, these invasions openly killed innocent civilians as well, without apology.

The latest invasion into the DRC by Rwanda was unofficial. It came in the form of an illegal militia named M23 (named after the date of it's founding - March 23). While many journalists call M23 a rebel group, I will not - it was an illegal militia sponsored by Rwanda and Uganda to destabilize the DRC. 

Recently, the Army of the DRC (FARDC) with the help of the UN (MONUSCO) defeated M23 and sent over 1000 militants fleeing the border to Uganda and over 100 militants into Rwanda. Both countries refuse to turn those militants over to the DRC for justice. Since they deny any involvement in this militia, it is interesting that they do not help prosecute these criminals. 

The FARDC and MONUSCO was only able to finally defeat M23 when the United States temporarily withdrew military aid money from Rwanda. Interestingly, President Kagame shunned this gesture and laughed in the face of his ally - the US, but in the end, his neo-colonial movement failed. 

For the time being, the DRC is free from M23 oppression. At the same time, we must remember that there are many other militias in the Eastern DRC that would destabilize this mineral rich nation. What could be one of the richest nations in the world has its citizens living in abject poverty due to poor governance on the part of President Joseph Kabila and his cronies and also because no leader has ever been given the chance to actually lead without being under constant attack from outside forces - be them nations or corporate interests. 

The Gospel of Mark Bible Study

I publish my Bible Studies on my blog to so that I can find them for use later. I also publish them to be used by others. The Bible Studies I create are very contextual to my particular congregation and setting. I invite anyone to use this Bible Study for Church, Small Group, or Personal use. I just ask that if you choose to use it, you leave a comment letting me know that you are using it and how it is working (or not working) for you. Let me know of any improvements that could be made.  Again, keep in mind that when I create a Study, I create it for a specific group of people, so adapt as needed. 

The Gospel of Mark Bible Study

Background Information:

            The Gospel can never be fully written.  The Gospel is not a book, but it is Jesus Christ.  As far as written Gospels go, scholars believe the Gospel of Mark was the first written Gospel.  At that time in history, being able to read was not normal, so stories and news were passed orally.  Though the story of Jesus was first written in Mark, the Gospel existed long before that.  Mark was probably written around the year 70 AD.

            Mark is one of the 3 Synoptic Gospels.  The Synoptic Gospels are Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  They are called Synoptic Gospels because most of the information is the same in all 3 (or 2 out of the 3 depending on the story being told).  Often the wording is almost “word for word.”  John is not a Synoptic Gospel.  John’s wording and emphasis is much different from the other 3. 

            Scholars say that Mark was written first because most if its information is in Luke and Matthew.  Scholars also say that Luke and Matthew got some of their information from a source that hasn’t been discovered.  They call that source “Q” (from “quelle”- a German word meaning “source).  Whether or not “Q” existed is unknown, but it would explain information in Luke and Matthew that is not in Mark.

            No one really knows who wrote Mark.  Names were not given to the Gospels until the 2^nd Century (101-200 AD).  Traditionally, the story says that Peter’s interpreter (John Mark) wrote Mark.  This may be the case, but it’s difficult, and probably impossible to prove now. 

            It’s also important to remember that just like every book in the Bible, each Gospel was written for a particular reason.  First, the reason was to give the story of Jesus Christ and to make believers.  But, each book was originally written to a specific group of people.

            Scholars believe that Mark was written to a community of people who were going through persecution and suffering.  As we read, we will see evidence of that.  Luke was probably written to a non-Jewish group, and Matthew was probably written for a “lower class” of Roman Citizens (Remember, Rome had control of the whole “known world” at that time, so this doesn’t mean that the people lived in Rome). 

            There are many ways to read the Bible.  We can read it for the story.  We can read it for a deeper meaning.  We can read it to see how it speaks to our situation.  As we do this study, we will see how Mark speaks to us today.  It is important, however, to remember that Mark did not write this Gospel for us.  In fact, Mark probably didn’t think the Gospel would last as long as it has.  It was written to a specific group of people for a specific purpose. 

            The beauty of the Bible is that even though the books were written to specific groups, they speak to all generations.

Schedule:

Week 1:  Introduction and questions.  Chapter 16 (Read together)

            Notice there are 2 Endings—why is that?

            Why would we start at the end?

            What does the resurrection mean for you?

            Why were the appearances added in the Longer Ending?  How do they speak                                     to us today?

            How does Jesus still speak to us today?  Personal examples you are willing to                                     share?

Week 2:  Read Chapters 1 and 2 and think about the following questions:

            Why didn’t Mark include a birth narrative (Christmas Story)?

            Why is John the Baptist so important?

            Why does Jesus tell the leper not to tell anyone who healed him?

            Why does Jesus do so many healings?

           

            How does the calling of disciples speak to us today?  What does it mean to be                                     “fishers of people?”

            How have you had an “unclean spirit” (vs. 21-34) and how has Jesus healed                                     you?  What do you think Mark meant by “unclean spirit?”

            Look at Chapter 2 vs. 17.  What does that mean for you? For the church?

            What is the importance of Sabbath to you?

Week 3:  Read Chapters 3 and 4

            Why did Jesus choose 12 apostles?  Why not another number?

            Why does Jesus sound so harsh in 3:31-35?

            What is a parable?  Why are they important?

            Why does Mark discuss Jesus stopping a storm?  What is the deeper                                                 meaning?

            3:13-19- Picture yourself as one of the apostles.  What would it take for Jesus                                     to convince you to be one?

            3:20-30-  Think about “a house divided against itself…will not be able to                                     stand.”  Do you see that in today’s world? In your life?  In the Church?

            3:31-35-  How has being a “family in Christ” affected you?  What more (or                                     less) would you like to see?

            4:30-32-  What does it mean that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard                                     seed?  How do you see it today?

            4:35-41-  Does Jesus stop storms today?  If so, how? If not, why not? 

Week 4: Read Chapters 5 and 6

            What is the Demoniac?  How might we describe him if he were alive today?

            What does the restoration of life to Jarius’ Daughter and healing the woman                                     with hemorrhages say about Jesus?  Does it apply today?

            Why does Jesus call the older lady “Daughter” and the young girl “Little Girl?” What would Jesus call you?

            Why would Jesus’ hometown reject him?  How does this happen today? (to                                     Jesus and people of this community)?

            If Jesus fed 5000 one day, what does that say about Jesus in today’s world?

            Does Jesus’ walking on water hold significance for you?  Why/Why not?

Week 5:  Read Chapter 9:1-13, 9:33-37, 10:17-31, 10:32-34

            Picture the Transfiguration.  What does it look like? Why is it important?  If                                     you were there, how would you have reacted?

            What does it mean to be the Greatest in the Kingdom?  Can we name people                                    who are/will be greatest?

            Why does Jesus tell this Rich Man to sell all he owns and give it to the poor?                                      He didn’t say that to everyone.  How does this speak to you and your situation?

            If you were with Jesus when he foretold his death, how would you have                                     reacted? Go back and read 8:31-38.  Was Jesus too harsh on Peter? Why didn’t Peter understand?  Do we understand?

Week 6: Read Chapter 11:1-11, 11:15-19, 12:18-40, 12:41-44

            Describe how the Triumphal Entry must have felt and looked.

            Would Jesus act the same way if he came to modern churches as he did in the                                     Temple?  What would he cleanse (if anything)?

            In 12:18-40, what do we learn of Jesus’ identity?

            How are we like/unlike the widow?

Week 7: Read Chapter 13

            Describe the significance of the Temple being destroyed.  Is he just talking                                     about the Jerusalem Temple?

            How do you feel about persecution?

            Did Jesus’ Death/Resurrection bring on the Kingdom of God?  Why would he                                     Return?

Week 8: Read Chapters 14-16

            Look at the details.  Why are they significant?  Which ones are most significant?

How to Read the Bible - Guide for Youth or New Readers of the Bible

I publish my Bible Studies on my blog to so that I can find them for use later. I also publish them to be used by others. The Bible Studies I create are very contextual to my particular congregation and setting. I invite anyone to use this Bible Study for Church, Small Group, or Personal use. I just ask that if you choose to use it, you leave a comment letting me know that you are using it and how it is working (or not working) for you. Let me know of any improvements that could be made.  Again, keep in mind that when I create a Study, I create it for a specific group of people, so adapt as needed. 

Learning to Read the Bible

The Bible isn’t a book, it’s a LIBRARY of books.  There are many different authors, and the different books are about different things.  But, the WHOLE BIBLE is about God.

The Bible has two main parts. The Old Testament takes place BEFORE JESUS was born.  The New Testament takes place from the BIRTH OF JESUS and about 100 years after.

HOW TO USE THE BIBLE:

1.    Find the BOOK.  (Most Bibles have the name of the Book at the top of      each page).

2.    Find the CHAPTER.  (The Chapter is the big number on the page).

3.    Find the VERSE.  (The Verses are the little numbers in the story).

Here is how we write Books, Chapters and Verses so people can find them:  Example:  John 3:16 (That means the Book is John.  The first number is the chapter.  Here we want Chapter 3.  After the chapter is the verse.  We want verse 16.)

Let’s Start with The Gospels:

            The Gospels are the books about Jesus and his life.  Gospel means “Good News.”  There are 4 Gospels:  MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, AND JOHN.  All the Gospels tell about Jesus’ life, but each one is a little different from the others.  Why would they have differences if they’re about the same thing?

1.    Find each Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

2.    Let’s find some specific parts in the Bible

a.    Matthew 2:1 (That means the Book is Matthew, Chapter 2, Verse 1).  What is happening here?

b.    Mark 8:5 -  How many loaves of bread did Jesus have?

c.     Luke 6:20-21 (That means Luke, Chapter 6, verses 20 to 21).  What is Jesus talking about here?

d.    John 3:16 – What does this verse say?

Homework:  Read any 2 chapters from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.  When we meet again, tell me what they were about.

 

The Old Testament

The Old Testament is the story of God before Jesus was born.  It starts with God creating the world and 

goes on to tell the story of Israel, Gods Chosen People.

         *Chosen People means that God chose Israel          to teach the whole world about God.  It doesn’t mean God loves them more.

Find Genesis 1 (Genesis is the first book of the Bible, then find chapter 1).  Read the story of Creation then answer the questions.

 

         *How did God create everything?

         *How many days did God use?

         *What did God do on the 7^th day?

Read Genesis 2 about Adam and Eve.

         *How did God create Adam?

         *How did God create Eve?

         *Why did God create Eve?

Homework:  Read Genesis 1 and 2 at least 2 more times.  Picture what is happening in your head.  Tell me what you saw, or draw a picture of what happened.

Why? - An Answer

A person I respect made the following statement via Twitter, and I feel I owe this person response.  Here is his statement (edited only so that it can have full words and be in more than 140 characters): "It's astonishing how certain people get exercised about Rwanda, but you never hear a peep out of them about any other African country."

Any reader of my blog realizes that I am one of those voices, and I will offer my explanation. I can only speak for myself. Others may have their own reasons, and I cannot answer for them. So, please know that these responses are my own and only my own.

1. I cannot stay contained to US or Regional issues only. I have a strong believe that as we are all created by God, we are all connected. I do not believe in regional issues. What happens in one area affects the totality of humanity.
a. Why? I have a strong Theology of the Incarnation - That means that the coming of Jesus Christ means the fulfillment of humanity. Christ made us fully human. By God coming as an embodied person, all human barriers that we put between ourselves are null and void. Galatians 3:28:  There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

2. Though many accuse me of only being involved in Rwandan issues, they only know me via this medium. I am involved in many issues in different mediums. This involvement happens to be the one that is most public. That is so because it is currently impossible for many reasons for me to be physically present in Rwanda. Writing is my only voice.

3. Why Rwanda and not any other African Country? - That is only partially true for me. Rwanda gets the majority of my attention, however this is not where all of my attention resides. 

4. I became involved quite unwillingly. President Kagame was scheduled to be a speaker at a Quaker University Graduation in the US. I knew some of his biography and alleged warcrimes. I did some research and was overwhelmed by the official UN Documentation that I found. I wrote a letter to the university asking them to reconsider having President Kagame as their speaker. For those unfamiliar with Quakerism, it is a Christian "peace" denomination - meaning the majority of Quakers oppose war and violence under all circumstances. This is a general statement to which there are many interpretations.
     a. Had my letter been received and acknowledged, I most likely would have stopped and not become anymore involved.  Within a day, my e mail inbox was flooded with threats of bodily harm and other threats from people claiming to be in the US from Rwanda and huge overreaction for just suggesting that this university should reconsider having President Kagame as its speaker.
    b. This overreaction was a sign to me that there is more to the situation than I knew. Why would I be threatened? I made a simple statement. I could have received a reply that my letter was received and then the university could have gone on with their plans or chosen to reevaluate. How did Rwandans (or people claiming to be Rwandans) receive my e mail? Why didn't they just point out that I was wrong (if I was wrong)? Why did they immediately threaten me?

5. This engagement showed me that I needed to do more research. I read many official documents including the UN Mapping Report of the DRC, Reports from Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International among many other books and studies. I read the GOE Report that Rwanda was sponsoring M23 in the DRC. I saw the proof.

6. I saw President Kagame's denials - written and in interviews - but each time, they were anger filled rather than explanations. I understand that when one is falsely accused one can become angry, but when one is a national leader, that person does not have that luxury. His anger made me think he was hiding something. The evidence was too convincing. 

7. When engaging in discussions, I have been constantly attacked. The other party (if Rwandan) would not have a discussion. He/She wanted to jump to ad hominem attacks. This can be seen in the "journalistic" (I use that term VERY loosely) trash The Exposer. Though it claims to be a newspaper, it only engages in personal attacks on a person's character and makes up trashy stories. Why would a reputable regime need to do that? (And yes, I know of the relationship between the owner of The Exposer and Pres. Kagame's wife - NOT a scandalous relationship to be clear).

8. President Kagame has been responsible for the deaths of millions of Rwandan refugees and Congolese people in his pursuit of the interahamwe after the 94 Genocide. Such a big deal may not have been made if attacks were made against legitimate military targets, but attacks were made against entire refugee camps. It is true that there were most likely armed enemies there, but everyone was not the enemy. President Kagame has caused many people to disappear or be arrested illegally. As I said before, Rwanda is not unique to this, but this space is where I engage Rwanda. I use other outlets to engage other nations including my own.

9. While the DRC does have governmental problems, Rwanda sparked the 2 Congo Wars. These wars killed millions of innocent people. 

10. Why not other African Countries? - Mostly because at the present moment, Rwanda is the one that is causing the most bloodshed and is being supported by my tax dollars. Again this is not fully true. I do and have engaged other issues in other nations. This space is where I engage this issue. 

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That said, I hold no resentment for the people of Rwanda. I pray that Rwanda has a good future! 

I also acknowledge and condemn the sufferings my own nation has caused on Rwanda. 

I cannot blame everything on President Kagame. He too was once a refugee undergoing a sad injustice. He was once not allowed to enter his own homeland. The cycle of violence and exclusion must stop. Someone must say that enough is enough. The needs of the people in all nations cannot be put aside for victory of the politicians. Eventually to stop a powder keg from exploding, someone must take the words of Abraham Lincoln which I will loosely quote - "The best way to destroy your enemy is to make them your friend."

Who Will Extend the Hand of Peace?

The problems that began inside of Rwanda have not stayed within Rwanda’s boundaries. For various reasons – refugee situations, greed, and so forth, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (at one point in history named Zaire) has received more than its fair share of spillover problems.

Of course, no one can blame a refugee for where he or she flees. Refugees are trying to survive. For that, the DRC should be commended in hosting so many Rwandan refugees. The conditions of these refugees have been below standards most would call acceptable, however the living conditions of citizens in the DRC are among the most tragic in the world. Maybe the DRC didn’t have a choice but to accept these refugees, but accept them they did. Were there some bad hosts? Yes! But there were some good hosts as well.

The problem in the past 19 years goes back to the Rwandan issue. The Rwandan issue cannot be summed up as simply as many would like it to be. In the current state of affairs, Rwandan President Paul Kagame is terrorizing the DRC in pursuit of his boogey man, the FDLR (Hutu Rebels in pursuit of liberating Rwanda from Kagame’s Regime) with his proxy the M23 militia.  Kagame firmly denies any involvement with the M23, but irrefutable evidence has been presented to the United Nations, and Kagame’s repetition of the same lies DO NOT make them true.

The Rwandan issue is still not that simple. The M23 militia could be defeated, and there still would be a problem. This problem stems from history.  President Kagame came to power after his now government, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) was a rebel movement of invaders. They were once the outsiders standing in a similar position to where the FARDC are now (except the RPF was stationed in Uganda). In 1990, the RPF launched an invasion into Rwanda to allow exiled Tutsis into their homeland.  In 1993, the Arusha Accords were signed allowing the RPF to share governmental power with Hutu President Juvenal Habyarimana.

The Arusha Accords allowed 600 RPF government officials to occupy the Parliament Building in Kigali – the capital of Rwanda.  Secretly, however, according to multiple sources (who have asked to remain unnamed) who were in Kigali at the time, the RPF brought in approximately 1500 RPF members.  On April 6, 1994, according to now defected RPF Top Agent Dr. Theogene Rudasingua, Paul Kagame ordered the shooting down of President Habayarimana’s airplane that sparked the genocide killing between 800,000-1,000,000 Rwandans.

One survivor who was in Kigali at the time said that Tutsis were targeted because there was an initial panic and no one knew who was RPF and who was not. Eventually, the killing became automatic. The victims of the genocide inside of Rwanda were mainly Tutsis, but also killed were Hutus who did not “tow the company line,” or those who tried to help their Tutsi friends.

This genocide caused many to flee into the DRC, including Hutus who were afraid for their lives as the RPF took control of the nation. Some of these Hutus did attempt raids on Rwanda – these are armed militia members are now termed the FDLR, but the vast majority were not fighters – they were ordinary people fleeing for survival.  After coming to power, the RPF launched an invasion into the DRC. There, they slaughtered entire refugee camps in search of those who committed the genocide inside of Rwanda, but at the same time, they killed all refugees they could find. The RPF claimed they were seeking the genocidaires (those who committed the genocide), but such was NOT the case. The idea of victory for the RPF was “body count.”  Massacres happened to several refugee camps and sparked two Congo wars killing over 6 million people.

To understand the RPF, we must understand why they were once refugees. Between 1959-1961, there was the Rwandan Revolution.  This war dissolved the Tutsi monarchy – where there was a long line of Tutsi Kings. The Hutu population, which was oppressed by the Tutsi aristocracy, rose up and rebelled, killing approximately 100,000 Tutsis and forcing more into exile. This is why many RPF members found themselves in Uganda as children – as refugees who had fled for their lives. Among these children in exile was a child named Paul Kagame (Now RPF President of Rwanda). According to Paul Rusesabagina (made famous by the movie Hotel Rwanda), in his autobiography An Ordinary Man, young Kagame was carried on his mother’s back as a refugee from Rwanda into Uganda. Some of these refugees would later return as adults in the RPF to reclaim their homeland and then to invade the DRC.

History speaks to this Hutu led war. In a very simplistic explanation, The Berlin Conference of 1884 assigned colonial power of Rwanda to the Germans. During World War I, the Belgians under King Leopold II took power. In order to help their rule, both the Germans and the Belgians capitalized upon the local power structure already in place in the local culture. They used the Tutsis to be their proxies over the Hutus.  In 1935, the Belgians introduced “Race Cards” which identified each person by his or her tribal membership.

Before this, we must look to history before colonialism. It is generally accepted that the Twa (pygmies) were the first settlers in ancient Rwanda followed by the Hutus (a Bantu people coming from the South) then followed by the Tutsis (coming form near Ethiopia). While there were most likely sporadic conflicts, all tribes have lived in peace. In the 1700’s, kingdoms emerged where the Tutsi Kings enslaved the Hutus.

We must also remember that ALL of the above named conflicts were first political conflicts and then civil conflicts. They began with rebels or politicians and only then fed their way to average citizens. Hutus and Tutsis have lived in peace and it is not uncommon to have inter-tribal marriages.  Survivors of the 94 Genocide have said that they had good friends who were of another tribe. This proves that peace is possible.

For real peace to take place, there must be reconciliation. Reconciliation means that all sides must admit that killing was done in their name and they must vow to never do so again. Let me give you an example using myself: I am a white American Male. White American Males have a history of holding African Slaves. To complicate issues, my ancestors had no part in this – my ancestors came to the United States much later. However, I must acknowledge that in the name of my race, horrible things were done and I will not continue those things. Furthermore, I will do what I can to acknowledge and when able undo the wrongs of the past and promote healing.

This CAN be done in the Great Lakes region of Africa! Hutus killed Tutsis and Tutsis killed Hutus. Other tribal groups that I have not named and nations that I have not named should also do their part for reconciliation in their parts of the world. Obviously, after hundreds (and in some parts of the world thousands) of years, this has solved NOTHING! It’s time for someone to reach out and say it’s time for peace. It’s time for someone to reach out and say that both sides have suffered and that peace is the only viable solution.

More disturbingly, Rwanda and the DRC are 2 nations of a high majority of Christians. Killing is incompatible with the teachings of Jesus. Killing one’s brother or sister in Christ is deplorable. Killing any human, since ALL humans are created in the image of God, is deplorable.

Someone must reach out and say that the only option is peace! Apparently, it doesn’t seem as if President Kagame will do this! According to Deputy UN Representative of Rwanda, Olivier Nduhungirehe the only solution to those who oppose Rwanda (namely the FDLR) is annihilation. Annihilation is not a solution. It is only a continuation of the problem. It only creates a new generation of radicals.

President Kagame will not last forever. The children of these rebels will one day be adults. If peace is not made, the cycle of bloodshed will continue. Hate breeds hate. Who will extent the hand of peace?

Guest Blog - The Cycle of Horror in the Great Lakes Region

Source: http://alfajiri1.wordpress.com/the-cycle-of-horror-in-the-great-lakes-region/

The cycle of horror in the Great Lakes region

 

I grew up in the city of Bukavu in south Kivu. From my bed, I could see Rwanda on the other side of the lake Kivu. Bukavu was a great place to live ; even during the last years of Zaire. Indeed, many neighbours, especially rwandans , prefered to struggle for life in Zaïre along with zairians, than staying in Rwanda where ethnic hatred was undermining chances of peace between Hutus and Tutsis. Then, Hutus and Tutsis could better live in Zaïre than in Rwanda.

Bukavu

During the 90’s, ethnic tensions are at their peak in Rwanda and Burundi. In 1993, the  first elected president  in Burundi, Melchior Ndadaye, is savagely butchered by Tutsis soldiers. He was a Hutu. Tension get higher in Rwanda then, as Hutus was rulling the country and fighting a Tutsi rebellion, the RPF. Mistrust of each other gave birth, particularly in Rwanda in 1994, to large scale massacres. During the rwandan genocide a million had been butchered ! In July 1994,  the RPF seized all the country and all the former governement ran abroad like in Zaire for instance..

Melchior Ndadaye

With the advance of RPF, many Hutus choosed to run away from « these Tutsis who came to have their revenge ». They came into Zaire while Tutsis from Zaire was managing to go back in Rwanda. After a couple of days, more than a million had already crossed the border, invanding Bukavu, Goma and all the villages around.

Hutus Refugees crossing the Zairian border

The UN settled camps for them in Mugunga (North Kivu) and Kashusha (South Kivu). Kigali’s new athorities considered those camps as a actual threat as those responsible for the genocide was among innocent people and was training to go back « finish the job » in Rwanda.  While the whole world was denouncing the genocide, with slogans like « never again », none could have guessed that worse was about to come. In 1996, the Afdl of Kabila started fighting against Mobutu. Supported by Rwanda and Uganda, he seized the country after 7 months ! His troops was actually mainly composed by Tutsis soldiers from both Rwanda and Uganda who wanted to seized the opportunity to wipe out Hutus milicia ( Interahamwe).  Everything is in place for a clash between brothers enemies on Congolese soil. Congolese found themselves caught between two fires. This is the basis of the carnage of Kivu.

Laurent Désiré Kabila, Afdl leader

Once in Zaire units RPA (Rwandan patriotic army) employed firstly to empty the refugee camps. Hutu militias plunged into the Congolese jungle. While some civilians have been forcibly repatriated to Rwanda, others have had no choice but to flee deeper into Zaire.

Refugees mouvements in the region

Those who could not escape, the wounded, the elderly, children , were killed , victims of shell fired by units RPA in Kashusha and in Mugunga. It numbered more than 400,000 people fleeing in the Congolese jungle. The plight of these people surpass all understanding and ignorance of their suffering will be all the more disgusting. The UN will just state that they have disapeared in the forest !!!

Hutu refugees going deeper in DRC, 1996

 Indeed, the Hutu refugees were now out of sight except from Congoleses. The revenge could now begin ! Kindu, Ubundu, Tingi Tingi and beyond , the graves flourished . The units of the APR trapped refugees in the forest and excelled in method of mass execution. The UN mapping report traces those killings in the DRC and emphasize the systematic tracking Hutu refugees. Thus, if the APR brought order in Rwanda after the genocide, i twas also specialized in large scale massacres across the Rusizi in DRC . People of Kivu were also slaughtered because of the fact of their presence : Kasika where hundreds of women were buried alive by the RPA, Makobola massacre, and many others.

Killings in South Kivu, 1998

It was during this period, about 1999, that the first reports of mass rape began to surface. The torture of our women actually respond to new expansive view of Rwanda in eastern Congo . Kivu population no longer knows peace since that time !

Taken hostage in their own home by Hutu militia on one side and the mainly Tutsi Rwandan army on the other , kivu people pays a heavy price for this cycle of hate. In response, they organized themselves into local militias : the Mai Mai ! They are these villagers who had enough to see their relatives get slaughtered without reason by foreigners.

In 2003, the APR has officially left the DRC , but to keep a grip on the rich land and discovered mines in east Drc, Rwanda and Uganda will create fake rebel movements.

Since these groups are active in the country to keep the space uncontrollable and facilitate the looting.

These countries officially praise these rebels movements internationally and, informally , provide reinforcement , weapons and plan attacks. This is the situation that is still ongoing today even if these movements have changed names several times. RCD ->CNDP ->M23, both are the same people ! (Nkunda, Ntaganda, …).

Our role today as human beings is to expose this hypocrisy that has costed the DRC more than 6, 000,000 souls.   It’s not about taking any sides but the justice’s and humanity’s one. Rwandan and Ugandan officials behind this massacre shouldn’t be praised by any government as we can see today. Because it is a permanent insult to all those who died to treat as heroes the notorious criminals of the region.

Kagame from Rwanda and Museveni from Uganda

 

Links:

Hutu ordeal in Kivu + Kisangani diary by Hubert Sauper : (the 400000 who disapeard)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yEAfxf6r6U

Mapping report by UN :

http://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/africaregion/Pages/rdcProjetmapping.aspx

Denis Mukwege, the Congolese doctor who heals raped women

http://www.france24.com/en/20130201-reporters-dr-congo-drc-doctor-denis-mukwege-heals-scars-rape-women-kivu-bukavu-democratic-republic-congo