Minister Jean-Damascène Bizimana criticized the UN Group of Experts on the DRC for their perceived bias against Rwanda and questioned the selection of experts with conflicts of interest. He provided examples of specific individuals whose impartiality he doubts and underscored the ineffectiveness of international decisions against the FDLR militia. His concerns are particularly relevant amidst new sanctions and ongoing ethnic tensions in the region.
Jean-Damascène Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, has raised significant concerns regarding the work and selection of the UN Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). During a session on March 5, in the presence of MPs and civil society members, he accused the group of bias and a lack of impartiality towards Rwanda. Bizimana highlighted that since 2008, various international bodies have condemned the FDLR militia for human rights violations, yet ineffective actions have allowed the group to persist in DRC.
The Minister questioned the purported expertise of the UN experts, citing specific examples that illustrate potential conflicts of interest. He pointed out Roberto Garreton from Chile, previously a UN expert, who allegedly exhibited partiality in his reports concerning Rwandan issues. Bizimana mentioned that Garreton had once theorized that the Tutsi population sought to dominate the Great Lakes Region, raising concerns about the reliability of his analyses.
Additionally, Bizimana criticized Steve Hege, another former UN expert, for establishing a mineral extraction company with Jason Stearns while still being affiliated with the UN, thus questioning his objectivity regarding issues involving Rwanda. Furthermore, he highlighted Bernard Leloup’s connection to a critical academic figure, Filip Reyntjens, indicating that such ties could compromise Leloup’s impartiality as a UN expert.
Amid sanctions imposed by Western countries on Rwanda for alleged support to the M23 rebel group, Rwanda maintains that its actions are motivated by national security concerns related to the FDLR militia. Bizimana emphasized the failure of the international community to adequately address threats against Rwandan nationals and the ethnic tensions inflamed by Congolese political leaders.
The Minister’s remarks underscore the complexities involving international assessments of the DRC conflict, as well as the ongoing implications for regional stability and Rwanda’s interests in the face of ongoing tensions.
In summary, Minister Jean-Damascène Bizimana has articulated significant reservations regarding the UN Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically accusing them of bias against Rwanda. He identifies potential conflicts of interest among specific experts and questions the efficacy of international responses to ongoing violence and ethnic tensions in the region. These observations highlight the challenging dynamics that continue to shape the interplay between Rwanda, the DRC, and international governance mechanisms.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
