Minister Jean-Damascène Bizimana criticized the UN Group of Experts on DR Congo for perceived bias against Rwanda. He questioned the credibility of expert selections and highlighted conflicts of interest involving experts like Roberto Garreton and Steve Hege. Bizimana’s comments come amid Western sanctions on Rwanda related to alleged support for M23, as he underscores ongoing security concerns linked to the FDLR militia and incitement against the Tutsi community.
The Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean-Damascène Bizimana, criticized the UN Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) for partiality and perceived bias against Rwanda. During a discussion involving government officials and civil society, he expressed concern that the UN, African Union, and European Union’s efforts to address human rights violations by the FDLR militia since 2008 have not effectively disarmed the group, which continues to operate in DR Congo.
Bizimana raised questions regarding the selection process of UN experts, claiming it lacks credibility. He highlighted the example of Roberto Garreton, a former expert who, in his view, displayed bias towards a theory implicating Tutsi people in seeking dominant control in the Great Lakes Region. Furthermore, he mentioned that former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan had requested that Garreton’s reports be shared with Rwanda for its input, a procedure he believes is no longer followed, allowing biased information to influence UN decisions.
The Minister pointed out that certain experts possess vested interests in DR Congo’s minerals. He cited Steve Hege, who allegedly established a mineral extraction company while serving as a UN expert, raising doubts about his impartiality regarding Rwanda’s interests. Additionally, he mentioned Bernard Leloup, highlighting his affiliations with anti-Rwanda sentiments prevalent at his university, raising further questions about the potential biases influencing his work.
Bizimana’s statements coincide with sanctions imposed by some Western nations on Rwanda for alleged support to M23 rebel activities against the DR Congo government. Rwanda firmly denies these allegations, underscoring its security concerns regarding the Congolese government’s associations with the FDLR militia, which is linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He lamented the inaction of the international community in response to incitements of violence against the Tutsi community in DR Congo.
In conclusion, Minister Jean-Damascène Bizimana’s remarks on the UN Group of Experts underscore significant concerns regarding bias and possible conflicts of interest in the selection of experts addressing the DR Congo situation. Despite ongoing allegations and sanctions against Rwanda, Bizimana emphasizes the need for impartiality in international relations, particularly in light of historical context and ongoing security threats in the region. His insights highlight the complex dynamics of humanitarian, political, and economic issues currently facing DR Congo and Rwanda.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
