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