Focus Media (Kigali)
10 January 2009
opinion
Albert Rudatsimburwa — When earlier this month the Dutch Government decided to freeze budget support to the government of Rwanda it raised more than a few questions.
What could have prompted such a sudden and unexpected move on the part of one of Rwanda's best development partners? Had we, as Rwandans, in some way, fallen short on our commitments towards them? Had there been any prior warnings given to our Government in regards to such shortcomings? And if yes, had there been any bilateral talks to address those issues?
The truth of it is the Dutch may not have clear answers. So in the absence of such reasons, are we left with the only explanation invoked by the Dutch Government of putting pressure of Rwanda for its alleged "negative" role in the DRC?
If this is the case, then it is of the utmost importance to put this news in perspective.
How can an ex-European colonial power, unwilling to come to terms with its own violent past, presume to arm-twist a country struggling with rebuilding itself from scratch only 14 years after being the stage of one of the worst human cataclysm of the 20th century?
It is once again unfortunate to see a People being taken for a ride by its own leaders. The people of the Netherlands, many of whom I count as friends, deserve no less than the truth.
The truth of this matter, which by the way is self-evident to most informed individuals, is that decisions like cutting aid, though played out on the international political scene, have the mercenary motivation of trying to gain mileage on local political scenes.
But looking beyond the intricacies of local politics, one thing needs, in my humble opinion, to be made crystal clear to anyone willing to listen: "Holland doesn't have the moral authority to judge Rwanda!"
If you don't believe me, ask the Mothers of Srebrenica who are desperately waiting since 1995 for some form of apology from the Dutch Government for the actions of its soldiers during the Balkan wars...to no avail!
Ask the Widows of Rawagedeh in Indonesia who lost over 400 of their beloved husbands to Dutch soldiers in 1947...their tears have fallen in vain for much too long.
The list is endless...
Far from me to level baseless accusations against a country that has come a long way in reinventing itself, but doesn't it make more sense for progressive minds to seat and talk about issues before making rash decisions affecting more than just political ideologies?
The Netherlands built its wealth on the blood, sweat and tears of others...doesn't its people today deserve better?
Coming back to Rwanda, the nature of the 94 Genocide; the complexity of it lies in the very fact that it was planned and organized by a limited group of individuals but executed by a big portion of the population, from the oldest to the youngest, intellectuals and illiterates, nuns, priests, scholars, peasants, street children, and the list goes on... More than a million people were killed in the most horrible conditions in just 100 days.
Fourteen years later, Rwanda is trying to reinvent itself as a Nation by facing its own demons with full honesty.
And indeed, if you compare development of other countries over this same period Rwanda stands out. It is often cited as an example due to its effective struggle against malaria and aids. It is an example when it comes to its anticorruption policies, and its clean transparent and accountable budget management.
Of course all this didn't come overnight; it was the fruit of an intense development policy and collective efforts aimed at transforming one of the poorest countries in the world to become a mid-income state by 2020. The aspiration is that this will be achieved by transforming from an agro-based economy to a knowledge-based society. Rwanda is often referred to as an example to illustrate that development support works.
Rwanda didn't only invest into Rwanda, it also invested in the region. The country is a driving force in the realization of a sound East African Community. Rwanda has even assisted neighboring Burundi with one million dollars for their contribution in that organization. Rwanda has absolutely no interest in undermining the region.
On the contrary the country has pushed its vision to the extent that the Rwandan Army became the bulk of the peacekeeping force in Darfur.
As for the alleged involvement in DRC conflicts, as that is the argument that was brought up by the Dutch authorities, the case is much more complex and it is counterproductive to the utmost to start finger pointing and throwing accusations left, right and center without giving a real chance to the processes currently in place.
Isn't it odd though, that the same International Community so quick to judge and impose sanctions never rises to the occasion when called upon to face its own demons and failures?
Indeed, the actors of this play though not equally visible extend beyond the usual suspects of the DRC and Rwanda. It is time we stopped the hypocrisy and took a good look at the facts on the ground to make long lasting commitments backed with real action for the sake of all our people.
Bullying Rwanda into submission is out of the question.
I hereby challenge the progressive minds of the Netherlands, and I know there are many, to put their Government to task when it comes to the decisions it makes on their behalf. That's what democracy is all about, isn't it? For once, let the lesson givers become the lesson takers.
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