Poem in Memory of the Rwandan Genocide

Where was God on those days defined by maniacal violence?

            I was being slaughtered by my neighbor

The political words of humans give false meaning to the worth of the death of a human

            War Genocide Murder Eradication Conquest

Dead is Dead

            Mourning is Mourning

Blessed are those who mourn the Savior said so many years ago

            But those words ring eternal today

The Savior Lives and so do the memories forever etched in the brains of the victims

            Victims of a people gone mad with the taste of blood

            Victims of an army gone mad with the taste of power

            All victims yearning that somewhere in the sea of death would be life

Lies do not bring life

            Lies are death - Lies are Babylon

Cry Weep Wail

            A voice is heard in Ramah – Rachel still weeps for her children

            Will she ever know solace? Will she ever know justice? Will she ever know peace?

Sing Songs of Praise

            These bones will live again

            They will join together to form a new body – a new hope

Resist the evil that is among us

            Do not give it power – Do not give it authority

Tell the truth

            Or the Truth will tell itself

Our God will not be mocked said the prophets of old

            Our God will not be mocked say the prophets of today

The Most Perfect Man in the World

Why would I write a satire piece about President Paul Kagame during Congo Week? President Kagame is singlehandedly responsible for the most suffering in the DRC in the past 19 years through orders he has given. Yes, it is true that there are other factions and militias in the DRC that rein havoc on the people of the DRC, but President Kagame is Terrorist #1 (at least for the past 19 years). This is not my opinion – this is documented fact. To find some of the documents that attest to this, please click THIS LINK.

Paul Kagame is no ordinary president. Most presidents are human and subject to human flaws. Such is not the case with Kagame. He literally cannot make a mistake! He is the most perfect man in the world!

Global leaders yearn for approval rankings that even approach his. Of course, such feats can only be attained by statistical manipulation or voter fraud in any other nation. But not in Paul Kagame’s Rwanda! He truly has the love and support of his people! Who else wins free and fair elections with over 90% of the vote?

Not only do his people love him, but the world community also loves him. They love him so much that some nation in the world hosts “Rwanda Day” each year. Is there a “Sweden Day?” Is there a “Croatia Day?” Of course not – those nations are mere peasants compared to Kagame’s Rwanda! Nations bow down to Kagame’s Rwanda so that he can show off his accomplishments and we can all marvel and hope to become the nation that he models.

In fact, let’s separate Kagame from Rwanda. These “Rwanda Day” celebrations are not about Rwanda. They are about their superhuman leader – President Paul Kagame! They should be called “Kagame Day!” The man (if I dare call him a mere mortal) is flawless! In these celebrations, audience members shower Kagame with his well-deserved praise! Let me hereby propose “Kagame Week!”

Let us reset our outdated calendar that is based on the birth of Jesus Christ and instead base it off of the birth of President Kagame! Forever, the former October 23 shall be our New Year’s Day – Kagame’s Birthday! October 23, 2013 shall be Day 1 of the Year 56!

What other president can literally spank government employees in his office as a form of discipline? Who else can an illegal militia in plain sight and deny responsibility, and then have people actually believe it? Who else can start two Congo Wars leading to the deaths of over 6 Million people and still be hailed as a hero? Who else can then say he had nothing to do with starting the wars in the Congo? Who else can terrorize his neighbors the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and exploit its minerals and then in turn be commended for his ethical leadership? Who else can torture opponents and then have world leaders such as Bill Clinton and Tony Blair sing his praises? Who else can lead a silent genocide in the DRC and face no consequences? Who else can have Megachurch pastor Rick Warren claim that he is blessed by God as a leader even after his genocidal crimes?

What’s next for Kagame? Will he walk on water? Will he raise the dead? Is he divine? He would certainly have us think so!

Obama's Hypocritical Response Regarding the DRC

Dear Friend: Thank you for writing.  I have heard from many Americans concerned about human rights issues, and I appreciate your perspective. As a free people, we stated our convictions long ago.  We believe that each of us is created equal with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  And for more than two centuries, we have fought to extend that fundamental promise of fairness and opportunity to all our citizens. Many countries have made that same commitment.  Nations around the world have pledged themselves to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, recognizing the inherent dignity and rights of all members of our human family. But even now, we know our journey is not yet finished.  Too many people still labor in the darkness of tyranny and oppression.  In too many parts of the world, fundamental freedoms remain unrealized, and the protections of law extend only to a privileged few.  Our values call upon us to care about those who are denied the chance to build a decent life for themselves and their families, no matter where they live.  They call upon us to embrace the common endeavor of all humanity. I believe that work begins with the example we set here at home.  We know from our own history that intolerance breeds injustice, whether it is based on race or religion, gender or sexual orientation.  We understand that we are stronger when all our people are granted opportunity, and when our wives and our daughters have the same opportunities as our husbands and our sons. But our commitment to expanding opportunity cannot stop at our shores.  Standing up for peace and justice means extending a hand to those who reach for freedom around the world.  It means supporting Afghans as they take responsibility for their future, and people across the Middle East and North Africa as they keep reaching for their rights.  It means working for an Israeli-Palestinian peace, no matter how difficult it may be.  It means engaging in places like Burma, where brave people are stepping forward to play a role in determining their country’s political future. These are moral obligations, just like our moral obligation to help lift impoverished corners of the world.  We promote growth, education, agriculture, and public health.  These efforts are about more than charity.  They are about new models of empowering people by building institutions and abandoning the rot of corruption, and creating ties of trade.  Because when developing nations succeed in offering all their people the opportunity to start a business, educate their children, and improve their standard of living, America will be more successful as well. Yet none of us can be truly prosperous when unspeakable violence continues to rob men, women, and children of the chance to live in dignity with basic rights.  My Administration puts preventing genocide and other mass atrocities at the forefront of America’s foreign policy, and we are bringing every tool to bear in this critical fight.  And while we know too well the challenges that remain in places like Sudan, we also know that our efforts have saved lives in places like Libya and Burma, and areas of Central Africa affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army.  In Syria, we continue to stand with those seeking a free, inclusive, and democratic future.  We are helping lay the groundwork to hold the perpetrators of atrocities accountable while providing support to those who work for the common good of all Syrians. Upholding our commitment to universal human rights also means combatting human trafficking, whether it occurs halfway around the world or here within our borders.  The United States will continue to lead in this fight.  We will keep giving countries incentives to meet their responsibilities, supporting those that pass and enforce anti-trafficking laws and calling out the worst abusers.  We will keep working to put traffickers behind bars and dismantle their networks.  And we will keep making sure investigators, law enforcement, and advocates have the resources they need to take meaningful, effective action.  Together with nations worldwide, we must speak with one voice:  our people and our children are not for sale. No country can claim immunity from human rights abuses, or from the responsibility to confront them.  By embracing that responsibility, we will help prevent mass atrocities, replace tyranny with good governance, and enlist free nations in common cause.  To learn more about my Administration’s human rights agenda, visitwww.HumanRights.gov. Thank you, again, for writing. Sincerely, Barack Obama

Paul Kagame - the Neo-Colonialist

When Westerners write on African issues, it is morally and ethically imperative that we remember the Colonial past that our ancestors wrought upon the African continent.  Explorers came, natural resources were discovered, and then all hell broke loose.  The power of the gun won over the power of peace.  The Colonizers claimed ownership of the African land and people.  Missionaries were sent to Africa. While some missionaries had very good intentions, they were still part of the oppressive system of enslaving the people and exploiting the land. This very brief introduction is an understatement of Colonialism and its horrors. I invite all readers to research Colonialism to see the depths of the evils it brought to the African Continent. 

In modern day, when Westerners write on African issues, we are often labeled as “Neo-Colonialists.”  That is, our detractors call us the new breed of Colonialists.  In some cases, that very well may be the case. I will not rule that out.  But in others, just because a Westerner discusses a fact on an African issue, that does not make him or her a Colonialist.  The Pro-Kagame faction of Rwanda is very good at throwing the term “Neo-Colonialist” at anyone who points out flaws within the Rwandan Governmental system and its Human Rights abuses both within and outside the Rwandan Borders.  However, if we closely examine the President Paul Kagame, we see that it is he, and not his detractors, who have sold out to Colonialism.  It is he who has made Rwanda a puppet state of the West. It is he, for the sheer pleasure of elevating his own ego that has made the façade that is Post-Genocide Rwanda.  Rather than bring reconciliation and doing the hard work, Kagame has come in as dictator and wrought fear among his citizens much as any Colonial power did curing the Colonial days of old.

Where did this once refugee get the power to lead a rebel army to overtake a nation?  Paul Kagame was a refugee in Uganda, and while forming his Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), he was somehow brought to the United States and trained at Fort Leavenworth.  This is a military base where top United States Generals are trained.  The average soldier does NOT train at Fort Leavenworth.  Had Kagame not “sold out” to the West in the 1990’s, would he have been allowed to train there?  I would posit that this is where he officially became the puppet of the United States Government.  Despite all of his rhetoric against the West and against the United States and against Whites, Kagame owes his beginnings and all he has to the training he received to the United States.  Did he not see that the US was not interested in him, but rather in what he could accomplish for the US? I will leave that question and answer up to the reader.

When Kagame began his civil war against the Rwandan Government before the Rwandan Genocide, where did he get the weapons?  There are no weapons factories in Rwanda or Uganda.  He either had to obtain them illegally or he had to again make a deal with a more powerful nation, thus again making himself their puppet.  Nations do not just “give away” weapons to anyone who wants them.  There are stipulations involved.  Kagame would have had to pledge some sort of loyalty to whomever gave him the weapons.  Again, Kagame “sold out.”

Victors have the pleasure of writing the history books.  As it turns out, Kagame was able to overtake Rwanda after the Genocide of 1994.  He place all blame on the Hutu Tribe and eventually named the Genocide the “Genocide of the Tutsis.”  This implies that the Hutus were responsible for massacring the Tutsis.  Of course this is partially true.  But, Hutus were also massacred.  Since Kagame was the victor, he re-wrote the history and made Hutus into the evildoers and Tutsis into the victims.  This is a sad state of being because in reality, ALL tribes in Rwanda suffered, and all should be recognized.  However, Kagame, in his now Quasi-Colonial Leadership Role is able to dictate history because the West has other plans for him.

Kagame and his henchmen began two of the bloodiest wars that this planet has ever seen, and some of the least reported wars.  Again, this is a result of the Western Colonialism that Kagame brought into Africa.  Yes, in the West, we saw images of the Congo Wars as Kagame’s armies slaughtered entire refugee camps in the hopes that some of the genocidaires (those who committed Genocide) were there.  But, the Western governments did nothing to stop him.  Even after an official death toll of 6 Million, the West has yet to formally censure Kagame with even just words.  Their tacit support just shows who the Colonial power is in Africa.

Why would the West stay quiet while Kagame slaughters 6 million souls (and probably more – 10 million is probably a closer estimate)?  The answer comes down to money and greed.  The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (once called Zaire in the First Congo War) is hugely rich with mineral resources.  Kagame’s exploitation and incursions only allow the West cheaper access into these minerals which help to power computers, cell phones, and such.  Kagame, as puppet of the West, again, is acting as a Colonial power.

As the world became aware of overt military operations, and as they got more and more questionable, Kagame was forced to be more secretive.  He obviously cares nothing about suffering or loss of human life, and therefore he began to create militias to make incursions into the DRC – the latest being the M23 Militia.  The Group of Experts of the United Nations has provided a report that directly links M23 to Kagame’s government, though he denies this as an elaborate conspiracy theory.  While conspiracies do happen from time to time, I will just be blunt here and say that Rwanda is just not that large or important to international politics to have such a charge placed upon it for no reason.  Kagame will have to come up with a better “explanation.”

An anonymous source within Rwanda confirmed that active recruitment is happening for M23 within Rwandan borders from the Rwandan Government.  Some of the 16 Students who recently fled Rwanda and are seeking Asylum for fear of their lives included the fact that they were being forced to join M23. 

While the United Nations knows about M23 and Rwanda’s involvement, and more importantly Kagame’s involvement, why is nothing being done? Yes, small economic sanctions have happened here and there, but nothing of substance has happened.  I would posit that nothing of substance is happening because Kagame is a Colonial Power of the West! Yes, President Barack Obama is on record for having called President Kagame and telling him to stop supporting M23, but that is the most forceful action to date.

Western diplomats and celebrities and institutions continue to tout Kagame although there is no doubt about the horrors of his human rights record.  Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is an advisor to Kagame and one of Kagame’s biggest supporters.  Why would a former Prime Minister of one of the most powerful nations in the world defend the President of Rwanda (a tiny nation that on its own would have little significance)? The answer must be that the UK is supporting Rwanda to do its “dirty work” in Africa.  Rwanda is doing the work that the UK does not want to do.  In other words, Kagame has turned Rwanda into a Colonial outpost for the UK.

American Mega-Church Preacher Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, has become intimately involved in Rwanda and with Kagame.  While I can find no fault with his missionary work and work in helping to prevent disease, I find it disturbing that he thinks so highly of Kagame.  Does he not know of Kagame’s record? I find that doubtful! Is he receiving “blood diamonds” or some other pay off? As a pastor myself, I would hope to be able to say, “no” to that question.  I will refrain from trying to know Pastor Warren’s motives when it comes to Kagame, but I would call upon him to read the evidence against him and listen to those who have suffered Kagame’s tyranny.

The Pro-Kagame lobby is vicious in their attacks against those who disagree with them.  They blindly accept the “truth” as presented by Kagame.  No matter what evidence is placed before them, they will vehemently deny it and call the presenter a liar and worse.  Their main attack lately has been to call all non-Africans, “Neo-Colonialists.”  It is my hope that I have presented a case whereby the reader will see that it is not those who point out President Kagame’s faults who are the Neo-Colonialists, but rather it is Kagame himself who has sold out to Neo-Colonialism.

I should also be clear that while Kagame touts that the world is against Rwanda, nothing is further from the truth.  The world supports the Rwandan people! The world wants to see the Rwandan people thrive! The world wants the Rwandan people to TRULY come out of the shadow of the Genocide of 1994 and become a united people and a great nation.  Speaking for myself, I do not seek a violent end to Kagame.  I only seek that he turns to peaceful ways and the rule of law.  I seek that he stops this manipulation of his own people and of the world and begins to live as a citizen of the world in harmony with his neighbors.  I seek that he hold fair and free elections.  I seek that he stops ruling by fear and rules by good governance.  

Paul Kagame - A False Definition of Success

On May 18 (2013), President Paul Kagame is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at an Oxford University Business Conference.  It is high time, however, that this image of international “success” is exposed for what he truly is. He is the very embodiment of evil and cruelty, and the world allows it because victors write the history books even if the history they write is a lie.  Kagame built his pseudo-history on guilt and shame and his “success” off of the blood and lives of at least 6 Million Rwandan and Congolese humans.

It is true that if you go to Rwanda, you will see a developed nation. You will experience order and if you keep to the “company line,” you will experience safety.  All credit is due to Kagame for this.  However, all blame is due to Kagame for this as well.

Rwanda as it exists today did not come without a price made of the blood of millions, lies, guilt, shame, and dictatorial rule.  While the United Nations has in theory acknowledged this fact, it lacks the backbone to do anything about it.  In fact, this organization has only empowered the Kagame machine. 

In 1994, Rwanda endured a bloody Genocide that killed more than half a million people.  This is where Kagame finds his power.  The world shamefully stood by and watched as helpless people were brutally massacred.  The world heard a cry for help on the news, said, “Those poor people…” and went on with their day.  Kagame capitalized on this and went on to become the image of African “success.”

Dr. Theogene Rudasingwa, who at the time of the Genocide was Kagame’s most senior ally, claims that it was Kagame himself who actually started the Genocide by ordering the shooting down of then President Juvenal Habyarimana while Kagame and Rudasingwa were members of a Reblel group called the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).[1]  This allowed Kagame and his RPF to come in as the “heroes” and stop the Genocide [which they had started].

After a series of leadership changes, Kagame seized control of the Rwandan Presidency.  This is when his war crimes and use of guilt to maintain and fully realize his power come into full force.  After visiting the United States to discuss that the fleeing genocidaires (those who have committed Genocide) have gone into the Democratic Republic of Congo (then called Zaire), Kagame received no response.  He took that as a green light to invade the Congo.  He did not do this as a police action to capture the guilty.  He killed entire refugee camps of men, women, and children.  When this is questioned, it is first of all denied, and second of all justified by the fact that he was seeking justice for his nation’s suffering at the hands of the genocidaires.  With the full force of his RPF military (armed by the United States and other Western Nations), Kagame invaded the Congo two times killing an estimated 6 million or more people.

The United Nations issued a Mapping Report documenting Kagame’s War Crimes in the Congo, but when he holds the guilt of their inaction during the Rwandan Genocide, the UN has always backed down. 

Later, Kagame to exercise his power, Kagame would rename the horrific Genocide of 1994 the “Genocide of the Tutsis.” This implies that the other main tribe in Rwanda, the Hutus, either had no casualties or they were completely guilty.  It is true that the majority of those killed in the Genocide were Tutsis, but Hutus were also killed.  The majority of genodidaires were Hutus, but there were Tutsis who were genodidaires as well.  There are no clean hands as far as entire groups go.  Kagame’s rewrite of the history is a lie and it is criminal.  He has made it a crime to even question his narrative.  To do so would make one guilty of “Genocide Denial,” or “Double Genocide Ideology.”  No one but the depraved would deny that a Genocide happened, however no one but the depraved would deny that both Hutus and Tutsis were brutally killed in this Genocide.

Using his power of guilt over the world, Kagame to this day supports proxy militias (the latest being M23) that go into the Democratic Republic of the Congo and rape and pillage the land and its resources and destroy the people.  While the world is very aware of what Kagame is doing, he is still permitted to do so.  He is permitted to be the embodiment of evil that he is because he has shown what “success” can look like in Africa.  The rich and the strong nations do not care how he got there, they only care that he is there.  He can provide what the Congo cannot.  He can steal from the Congo the vast riches of minerals and resources that are found in the Congo and use the wealth from selling those riches to make his nation look “successful.”

On May 18, the students at Oxford University should be hearing a true success story.  They should not be hearing the ranting of a “lucky” war criminal.  Yes, the administration of Oxford had nothing to do with inviting Kagame – he was invited by a student organization.  This still leaves no excuse.  Oxford has a distinguished name and is known for its research.  A simple keyword search on your favorite internet search engine will find everything that I’ve just told you (and much more).  The students who invited Kagame should have known this and should have invited a truly successful person. 

Kagame is not a success to be admired.  He is a disgrace to humanity.  He is for this time, a leader to be feared by his own people and his neighbors.  Kagame should face the consequences of his actions.  There is an International Criminal Court in place for people such as him.  All that would have to happen is a recommendation for investigation from the UN Security Council.  I find it doubtful and shameful that this will not happen anytime soon, however, since Rwanda’s closest allies, the United States and the United Kingdom both hold veto power on the Security Council, and Rwanda itself is serving a term on the Security Council.  If the governments of the world will not seek justice, then it is time for the people of the world to remember that the governments work for us! We should demand that our leaders hold Kagame accountable. One person cannot accomplish this, but thousands upon thousands can! Choose which side of history you will stand upon.

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[1] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15165641

The Moon Landing and Paul Kagame of Rwanda - 2 Conspiracy Theories

           

 The Moon Landing and the Presidency of Paul Kagame of Rwanda have much in common.  Both are shadowed in conspiracy theories.  There is a network of those who believe that the Moon Landing was a great conspiracy on the part of the United States Government and faked in order to intimidate the then Soviet Union.  President Kagame has convinced his loyal followers that there is a grand conspiracy against his rule and the right for Rwanda to move forward after the 1994 Genocide on the part most of the World Community.

            Both of these Conspiracy Theories hold little truth.  But here’s the problem:  If you don’t believe in the Moon Landing, no one gets hurt (unless you’re standing in a room of astronauts – then I’d suggest you keep your opinion to yourself).  If you are Rwandan and don’t believe in Paul Kagame’s conspiracy theory, there can be a severe price to pay if you speak out with your belief.

Professor Linda Melvern chronicled what she called the conspiracy against Rwanda.[1]  She says that this conspiracy is fueled by “Hutu Power ideologues[2],…fugitive genocidaires[3], and their supporters.”  This is only partially true.  Yes, there are fugitive genocidaires who have fled Rwanda and seek an armed and violent return.  But, we must remember the genocide is at the time of this writing 19 years old.  The most active genocidaires of that time would be close to age 40 now.  Therefore, while some of the genocidaires  are still seeking return, many have had 19 years to develop a new life and to settle.  Please note that I am NOT defending the genocidaires! Genocide is a horrible crime – quite possible the worst crime that can be committed! I am saying that President Kagame is keeping the fear of Genocide alive so that he can remain in power.

Melvern’s division of Hutu and Tutsi also plays into Kagame’s hands.  While right now, under Kagame, technically it is illegal to claim to be anything but Rwandan – the labels Hutu and Tutsi are illegal, by making people fear the Hutu Conspiracy, Kagame again seems like the savior. Tribe and race cannot be erased because one declares it to be so.  What can be erased is our ultimate allegiance to them.  For example, I am a white American male. I try to use the “whiteness” for statistical purposes only when I have to fill out forms asking for my race.  I may also use my race when celebrating my heritage from my ancestors from Italy, Sweden, and Ireland. Since those ancestors were white, by default, my race comes into play, but it is not at the forefront of what I celebrate. On St. Patrick’s Day, I eat Irish food and wear green.  I remember my Irish grandfather. Being white is only a factor in that my Irish Ancestors were white.  I honestly don’t think about it on that day.

By erasing Hutu and Tutsi divisions – except when it’s convenient – such as when discussing the Genocide of the Tutsis, Kagame has attempted to erase the past of a nation.  Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda should see themselves first as Rwandans, but they should also be allowed to celebrate their uniqueness.  This does not take away from Rwanda. It adds culture and builds up Rwanda.  By calling the Genocide the Genocide of the Tutsis, Kagame has made it illegal for Hutu families to properly mourn the loss of those whom they have lost in the Genocide.  It is true that more Tutsis were killed.  But it is more true that Rwandans were killed.

Melvern’s article claims that there is a master plan that wants to violently overthrow Kagame because the Hutu majority wants to be in power.  This could be true in some circumstances, but on the whole, do people really want more war?  There have been elections in Rwanda, and where has the violence come from?  In the last election, one of Kagame’s opponents was beheaded.  Of course the murderer was never found.  Does it take a rocket scientist to link Kagame’s 93% win with the beheading of an opponent?  Why was political opponent Victore Ingabire jailed (and at the time of this writing remains in jail) because she mentioned that Hutu families should be allowed to mourn their dead?  Then she was charged and convicted on “thought crimes?”  How exactly does one prove a thought crime?  Her crimes were partially based off of Wikipedia articles (something that any Academic knows is not a credible source) and admitted lies on the part of the prosecution.  Her case is now in appeal.  Does any of this sound like a violent overthrow attempt? To me it sounds like people following the political process and being jailed or murdered.

Melvern’s largest error is that she blames Europe and the United States for this conspiracy against Rwanda.  Nothing can be further from the truth.  Kagame has been the favorite “African Son” of the West for years.  He was trained at Ft. Leavenworth in the United States.  This is a place where only the top US Generals get to be trained. An average US Soldier does not train there.  He has received countless dollars in aid from the West and continues to do so. When the Group of Experts named Rwanda as sponsoring the M23 Militia that has invaded the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United States refused to take any action.  In a very short press release after weeks of the report being released, President Obama made a short phone call to President Kagame telling him to stop all interaction with M23.  Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has vehemently defended President Kagame’s dictatorial regime.  So, there is no Western government threat against Rwanda!

Let’s be clear:

            *The only people who deny the 1994 Genocide are sadistic people. They are obviously wrong. No one except for the sadistic few believe the Rwandan Genocide did not happen. To say otherwise is a lie.

            *Only a sadistic few would say that anyone deserved to be killed in the Genocide.  Most people have sympathy for ALL Rwandans because of the Genocide! I do, and everyone I know who knows about it do.

            *Very few want a violent overthrow of Kagame. To be on record: I am NOT                        calling for an armed or violent takeover! Let the political process work, and let it work as it is intended. Stop the scare tactics of opponents and quit murdering them!

            *The reason there is so much opposition against Kagame’s Rwanda has nothing to do with the citizens of Rwanda. I, for one, wish the best for Rwanda.  Our problem is with the leadership’s bloodlust.  Human Life has become expendable to the Kagame regime. The regime has sparked the 2 Congo wars that have killed an official 6 Million People (and probably more). 

            (When bringing this up in a Twitter conversation, I was sickened on 2 occasions when 2 different people asked me something to the effect of,  “Oh, did you go out there and count all the dead bodies?”  Where is the human compassion?)

            *Since I have mentioned the Congo, all the blame cannot be put on Kagame. The Congo is very unstable. President Joseph Kabila is a weak president (at best) or an uncaring dictator (at worst). Again, all of the blame is NOT on Kagame, but at the same time, when there is an unstable situation, more instability is not needed.  While Rwanda is free to defend its borders, making incursions into the Congo to go after the genocidaires was questionable. There was no distinction made between actual murderers and civilians.[4]

Conclusion:  The grand conspiracy theory that says that the world lies about Paul Kagame and Rwanda is simply untrue.  It plays off of peoples’ sympathy for the 1994 Genocide.  Kagame is a dictator – plain and simple – who rules by scare tactics and an iron fist.  His first and only quest is power.  Rwanda has made great gains under his rule – that cannot be denied.  The economy is up, the nation is beautiful, and the streets are safe.  These positives, however have to be looked at through the lens of what brought them there.  They were brought on the blood of innocent people and maintained through deceit and emotional hostage holding.

           

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[1] http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmintdev/writev/726/726.pdf

[2] Hutus are one tribe along with Tutsis in Rwanda. The Twa people are a third tribe making up only 1% of the population.  During the ’94 Genocide, mostly Tutsis were massacred, but Hutus were killed as well.  By saying this, I have committed a crime of “Double Genocide Ideology” in Rwanda which is harshly punished.

[3]A Genocidaire is one who participated in the mass killing of the Genocide.

[4] To see documentation of this see the Mapping Report of the Democratic Republic of the Congo: http://www.friendsofthecongo.org/pdf/mapping_report_en.pdf

Why Tony Blair is Right about Paul Kagame (and clueless on everything else)

For all references to Tony Blair's remarks, unless otherwise noted, please see THIS STORY (Tony Blair defends Rwanda's role in DR Congo) from the BBC.

For other references to Paul Kagame's war crimes directly look up the United Nations Group of Experts Report linking the M23 Militia in DR Congo to Rwandan Government Officials and the DRC Mapping Report.  These are linked in several previous blog posts and are readily available online.

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Tony Blair recently told the BBC that Western Nations should not withhold aid to Rwanda because of alleged acts of supporting militia groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo because "Kigali [the capital of Rwanda] should not be singled out for blame" and that the conflict in the Congo is complex.

Blair, in the above cited article, then goes on to tout Rwanda's President Paul Kagame as having remade the African nation through good use of the foreign aid.  Blair praised Kagame for dropping the malaria rate by approximately 60%, massive poverty reduction, virtual elimination of measles, and now,  President Kagame, to whom Blair is a personal advisor, is moving on to tackling rubella.

It seems almost inconceivable to withdraw aid from such a benevolent nation. So, maybe Tony Blair is right!  Maybe Western Nations should continue to aid his regime.  Of course, in Blair's and Kagame's world, the individual person, or for that matter, entire communities are not important.  Neighboring nations are not important.  Only the ends are important - The means of getting to those means are not important.

The fact that Kagame has sparked 2 Congo Wars which have "officially" killed 4-6 Million (and most likely more) is irrelevant to Blair or Kagame.  If Kagame says he was invading the DRC (once named Zaire) out of self-defense, then we might as well take him at his word. Remember - the suffering of the common people does not matter - the only thing that matters is the end result. Rwanda appears successful, so therefore it is.

The fact that Blair, while Prime Minister of the United Kingdom was right at the side of President George W. Bush of the United States to make a preemptive war against Iraq over non-existent "weapons of mass destruction" should give us a sign. At the end of his Presidency, President Bush refused to say that the Iraq war was a mistake. In fact he said that the people of Iraq were better off after being "liberated."  In a recent interview played on NPR, former Prime Minister Blair said basically the same thing.  The fact that countless innocent Iraqi civilians suffered for no stated reason is immaterial in this line of thinking.  The end result is all that matters.  In this case, Iraq was liberated from Saddam Hussein. Change the rhetoric, change the objective, change the "game."  Suddenly the "weapons of mass destruction" did not matter. Now the Iraqis are free.  I wonder how they would respond to their freedom and the process leading up to it?

In essence, since the DR Congo has multiple militias, according to Blair, one more is immaterial.  Look at Paul Kagame's success.  Ignore how this success was obtained.  Ignore that it is a crime to say that the Genocide of 1994 included more killed than just the Tutsis (this is called a Double Genocide Ideology and is punishable by imprisonment).

Ignore the fact that the ONLY political part that is viable in Rwanda is the RPF.  Ignore the fact that any opposition is jailed on trumped up charges or assassinated.  Ignore the fact that the Rwandan constitution allows for 2 Presidential terms and Kagame, now in his second term, will not say that he has served his tenure and will step down.  Ignore the fact that journalists in Rwanda.  Ignore the fact that sources have said that they never know when they are being listened to on their phones. Ignore the fact that Rwandans live in fear that saying the wrong thing may lead to imprisonment or disappearance or death.

Ignore the fact that Kagame has supported the M23 militia which has terrorized the Congolese people. Ignore the fact that Kagame has been the Puppet of the Western nations in Africa. Even to this day, Western nations will not name Rwanda or Kagame in the United Nations Security Council Meetings as an aggressor in the conflicts in the DRC. Ignore the fact that one reason that people in the DRC live in perpetual fear is Paul Kagame.

After all, Blair has pointed out - Kagame has helped lower the malaria rate in Rwanda by 60%...Mosquitos Beware!

Reflecting on DRC/Rwanda Conversations

I’ve again recently engaged in some discussions concerning my writings about the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.  These discussions have at times been respectful questioning of my motives, and at other times ad hominem attacks of my person and motives. 

As a person who writes about social situations, and especially about controversial situations, I fully expect such interaction.  Everyone who reads my writing is entitled to his or her own interpretation and belief. 

After these recent discussions, I want to lay out my issues as I see them to make things as clear as possible.

First of all, and this is very important:  I am NOT a journalist.  I am a pastor and theology student.  I take situations and frame them theologically.  Whether I mention God or not by name, God is first and foremost the subject of what I have to say.  When I say, “The Congolese people deserve peace,” I say that because all of God’s children deserve peace.

I have been told in recent conversations that I should go to Rwanda to do my own research to find the truth.  I object to this argument on several points.  First, the research has been done.  Why do I need to research what has already been researched?  Some may object to the findings of this research, but the Government of Rwanda has been given multiple opportunities to present their case.  They have presented arguments against this research, though the world community has not accepted it.  Why would anything I have to find be any different? 

Let me elaborate more on this point.  Rwanda engages in intimidation techniques of those with whom they disagree.  See this interview with Steve Hege of the Group of Experts that presented the United Nations with a report incriminating Members within the Government of Rwanda with supporting the M23 Militia that has invaded and is terrorizing the people of the DRC (http://theglobalobservatory.org/interviews/414-interview-with-steve-hege-former-coordinator-un-group-of-experts-on-the-drc.html) In this article, Hege describes his research methodology, but also the intimidation techniques used against him.

I also have been victim of Rwanda’s intimidation techniques.  To me this is abhorrent.  I am of NO threat to any government.  I will not go into detail, but those who read this who have engaged in this intimidation know what I am speaking of.  I know of others who also have been victims. 

I have to ask as I did in a recent post…If you are right, and all of these reports are wrong, why intimidate? Why not prove to us that we are wrong?  I have yet to receive ONE piece of evidence disproving ANYTHING.  I have not received ONE web link, one article, or one substantive piece of evidence.  All I’ve received is name-calling and “intimidation.”  Those who have been respectful have told me to do my own research.  Again, I ask, why?

The Group of Experts Report (GoE)(http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/2012/843) implicates Rwandan officials of illegal activities.  Rwanda did respond to this report (http://www.minaffet.gov.rw/fileadmin/templates/minaffet/doc/Rwanda's%20Response.pdf) and the Group of Experts replied to it in Annex 3 in the GoE Report above. 

I will be fair in saying that I realize there are multiple militias in the DRC that are NOT affiliated with Rwanda.  The DRC is a poorly run nation under the poor leadership of Joseph Kabila.  Kabila is nothing short of an incompetent dictator.  When he sent DRC forces to battle M23 in the city of Goma, it was the Congolese forces who committed sexual violence and rape against THEIR OWN women along with the UN Peacekeeping forces (MONUSCO); NOT M23. 

The DRC is a living Hell for its citizens who deserve much better!  They live in abject poverty since the nation is in constant chaos and militia battles.  And remember, this is one of the richest nations in the world with minerals.

I also do not need to travel to Rwanda to do research because of how its president Paul Kagame treats opposition.  He arrests and even kills those who show opposition.  Rwanda is a one party state.  (http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2013/01/13/the-case-against-rwanda-s-president-paul-kagame.html).  Kagame is also responsible for the deaths of millions. Estimates range from 6-10 million dead.  Following the Rwandan Genocide, Kagame invaded the DRC two times under the guise of attacking those who committed the genocide.  However, Kagame ordered his Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) army to kill indiscriminately, thus sparking the First and Second Congo Wars (http://www.friendsofthecongo.org/pdf/mapping_report_en.pdf). 

It is not simple to explain away the situation in either Rwanda or the DRC.  Yes, Kagame has modernized Rwanda.  He has brought positive changes.  But, this is at the expense of millions of lives and despotic rule. 

The DRC suffers not only because of Rwanda – they would have their own problems if M23 were not involved. 

So, what is the solution?  The solution is NOT more violence.  Though Kagame is a war criminal and a murderer bordering on a perpetrator of genocide, he does not need to be killed.  He needs to stop all violence and autocratic rule.  The United Nations Security Council needs to formally charge him with war crimes with the International Criminal Court where he needs to be tried. 

Rwanda then needs a leader that will lead them to true reconciliation following the Genocide of 1994.  Kagame’s solution was to blame it entirely on the Hutu tribe and then “officially” eradicate tribal affiliation, while still maintaining that if one even mentions that Hutus suffered, that person is guilty of the crime of Genocide Denial (punishable by long prison sentences).  This reconciliation will be painful and it will be long. But, it is possible.  It happened in South Africa after apartheid (which involved senseless massacres).  It unofficially happened in Zimbabwe after independence when Zimbabwe emerged from what was once called Rhodesia.  Now, whites and blacks can live in the same country without killing one another.  Reconciliation is not perfect. There may be grievances for a long time, but it allows for the wounds to begin to truly heal.  Kagame has only pronounced them healed with no treatment.

As for the DRC, the solution is very complex.  First, they need a competent leader.  That leader needs competent regional leaders.  These leaders must be democratically elected and truly represent the people.  Congo’s wealth must belong to the Congolese people.  Foreign invasion (military or corporate) must stop.  Instead of invasion, there needs to be investment and partnership. 

Is any of this possible?  Absolutely!  It is all possible.  Is it likely?  It’s as likely as a snowball in Hell.  Kagame is seduced by the idolatry of power.  If he lets go of power, he knows he will be charged with serious war crimes.  Therefore, he must continue his despotic rule and indoctrination of his citizens.  In the DRC, this is only possible if the people of the DRC say enough is enough.  Sadly, they are so used to suffering that many don’t know another way of life.  They’ve accepted it as normal. 

To conclude, I will be accused of being a neo-colonialist.  I will be accused of being a white preaching to Africa how to run itself.  As for the colonialist, that is a distraction.  Nowhere did I mention that any foreign intervention is needed.  It is true, I am white.  I can’t do anything about that.  Am I preaching to Africa?  I suppose I am if one considers it preaching to say that murder and genocide are wrong; if one considers despotism and rape evil.  But, these are not confined to Africa – these are universal realities and truths.

There will also be name calling and someone will ask, what makes me an expert?  To that, I ask, “Does one have to be an expert to know that people should be able to live in peace?” “Does one have to be an expert to know that genocide and murder are wrong?”  I think not. 

Others will say that I’m jumping into something that is none of my business.  How is this not my business?  When tragedies happen in the US, isn’t that everyone’s business?  Shouldn’t the world care more about each other and not less?  Aren’t we all Children of God?

Some will say I don’t know what I’m talking about because I haven’t been there.  As a Pastor, I have never met Jesus in the flesh, but I put my faith in him because I’ve met him in other non-physical ways.  Since I haven’t “been there” with Jesus does that mean I don’t know what I’m talking about?

None of this is to promote hatred, it’s to promote peace.  Is it controversial? – absolutely!  Will people hate me? – probably.  Will I hate them back? – no!

What is He Writing About? - A "Handbook"

Whether you are confused by issues in the DRC or not, this is for you - If you are not confused, go to the end of this post.  If you are, continue reading.

Many of my American readers are confused.  The Democratic Republic of the Congo admittedly is not part of most people's dinner conversations.  Paul Kagame is not an American Celebrity or a household name.  M23 is not the newest musical group.

If you are confused, this is for you.

Here is a "Glossary" of names and terms to help you understand my recent posts.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - A large nation in the center of Africa - though it is wealthy with minerals, the people are some of the poorest in the world due to corruption, constant foreign invasion and manipulation, and because 2 major wars (the 1st and 2nd Congo Wars) were fought killing at least 6 Million people.  DRC has recently been invaded by the M23 Militia.

Genocide - Systematic killing of a race or ethnic group.  In Rwanda in 1994 800,000-1Million were killed in 100 days.

Goma - A major city in East DRC recently conquered by M23 as UN Peacekeepers stood by and
 watched.

Joseph Kabila - President of DRC - Considered to be weak by many inside and outside of the DRC.

Paul Kagame - The current President of Rwanda

M23 - A Rebel Militia - The United Nations has issued reports implicating the Rwandan Government of controlling the M23 Militia.  Rwanda denies this, but evidence is not in their favor.  M23 stands for "March 23 Movement"

Rwanda - A small but powerful nation in west/central Africa - In 1994, Rwanda suffered a Genocide   for approximately 100 days.

UN - The United Nations - The world's body set up to mediate international disputes, prevent disease, help refugees, and other issues.

UN Peacekeepers - Armed Forces from various nations under the Leadership of the United Nations sent into conflict zones to protect civilians from harm.

Oversimplified Explanation of What Happened in Recent Weeks:
* For several months, Rwanda has been accused of supporting M23 through giving weapons and direct military orders.

* The "Group of Experts" (a group within the United Nations) issued a 200+ Page report (Link Here - Please note that this link may take a long time to load) directly implicating Rwanda of supporting M23.

* After several days of Fighting the Army of the DRC and the UN Peacekeeping Force, the Army of the DRC (a very undisciplined army) left the front, and UN Peacekeepers stood aside while M23 took over the DRC city of Goma.

* DRC President Joseph Kabila met with Ugandan President Museveni and Rwandan President Kagame to come up with a solution.  A statement was issued from the meeting "condemning" M23.

* The UN Security Council met and "condemned" M23.  The Congolese Ambassador spoke to implicate Rwanda, but no action was taken.  The Rwandan Ambassador spoke denying all charges.

* Despite all evidence and reports, US Ambassador Susan Rice removed all language referring to Rwanda from the "condemnation."  The US has long been a supporter of Rwanda - the question is Why? Is it for cheaper access to the minerals in the DRC?  Only recently did the US begin to withdraw aid to Rwanda after reports showed the connection between Rwanda and M23.

* At the latest negotiation, M23 says they will move out of Goma in an act of peace.  They are demanding to have their grievances heard.  They are also threatening to overtake the entire DRC.  There are many voices speaking for M23, and it is difficult to get 1 message.

* While all this is going on, innocent people are dying, starving, being raped, murdered, looted, beaten up, and threatened.  Still, the world watches.  Still, the UN does NOTHING!


Pictures of M23 Invasion - Please look at this Link!

Please Look at this Link.  Take time to look at each picture.  These are pictures of the invasion of Goma by M23.  Notice the humanity of the civilians.  These people are not objects.  They could be you.  They could be me.  Don't these people deserve the RIGHT to live their lives in peace? Don't they deserve the RIGHT to earn a living, to go to school, to enjoy life, to worship God, to celebrate holidays, to live without constant fear of being brutally murdered/raped/robbed, to live without constant fear of being attacked by a foreign entity?  LOOK AT EACH PICTURE.  See the HUMANITY.  See the IMAGES OF GOD in each person.

Open Letter to World Leaders, Faith Leaders, and News Media

This letter is to the leaders of the nations who are in a position to do something about the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  As I write this, the M23 Rebel Group (please read this as "terrorist group of thugs") is attacking both the Congolese Army and innocent Congolese civilians.

Today, November 17, 2012, the UN Security Council met and "strongly condemned" M23.  The UN forces in the DRC are actively fighting the M23 things along with the Congolese army.

In the midst of all of this war and political wrangling, innocent people are fleeing their homes by the thousands.  Innocent people are dying.  Innocent people are being murdered.  Innocent people are being raped.  Innocent people are suffering unspeakable acts of violence.  All of this is happening while the world basically looks on.

"It's not our business."  "Let them fight their own battle."  "Why should we suffer for them?"  Those are the most often heard excuses for NOT getting involved - They are not without merit.  At this point, I am not asking anyone to become involved for politicians or political means - I am asking out of deep humanitarian concern.

Fine - Let the political battles be fought by the politicians, but stop the innocents from being killed and terrorized!  Put weight behind the words of the United Nations.

Many blame the arming of M23 on Rwanda under President Paul Kagame's regime.  Rwanda denies this. To Rwanda:  If you so deeply deny this, then do the right thing!  Help the civilians! Support life! Remember your own genocide and the horrors you faced - do not let that happen again somewhere else!  If your words are true, the put action behind your words.  You are in a powerful position to stop this, or to at least make a huge difference!

To the UN:  Condemning is fine, but these people need ACTION.  Stop the political games and for now, put the blaming aside - save that for when the crisis is over.  Right now, save these people.  Imagine if they were your family.

To the United States:  As a citizen of this nation, I am both proud and ashamed - for too many years, we have ignored Africa.  It is not "strategically significant" to us.  Can we for a moment remember that people are dying gruesome deaths?  Can we remember that as founding members of the United Nations, we should set the example by uniting with other nations to stop this crisis.

To the Faith Leaders:  As a fellow pastor - We cannot remain silent.  We must speak truth.  We must condemn random acts of violence.  We must say that what is happening is wrong.  We must say that what is happening is evil.  I'm not speaking of politics - I'm speaking of people.  All life is sacred to God, and it should be to us as well.

To the News Media:  The power is really in your hands.  You can cover a story or you can ignore a story.  I get it that you need ratings.  Ratings keep you in business.  But, news cannot be invented.  This issue is serious and MUST be covered.  Do not have the blood on your hands.  Report the horrors.  Show the grotesque.  Maybe it will cause people to start pressuring their own Governments!

To all people everywhere:  Do not sit idly by.  Write to those in power.  Call those in power.  Don't stop when you are ignored - Trust me, you will be ignored.  Pray for peace - God still answers prayer!  God is still faithful.  But listen to God's call.  Hold your leaders accountable!  The DRC may not have any direct connection to you or to me, but if this can happen there, what is to say it can't happen where we live?

May God's Peace Reign,
T.H.