The visiting African Union Commission boss Jean Ping, has lauded, the just concluded joint operation between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a home grown solution that the continental body has always advised.

The AU chief who met with DRC President Joseph Kabila, earlier in the week and then met with President Paul Kagame yesterday, reaffirmed his support for operation ‘Umoja Wetu.’

Indeed the old adage ‘divided we fall, united we stand’, rings true as we count the benefits, of the united front exhibited by Rwanda and the DRC, who with determination overcame all obstacles.

To deal once and for all with the 15 year obstacle to peace in the eastern DRC – the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

Ping’s tacit endorsement of operation ‘Umoja Wetu’ is important because for so long, we have suffered from the inadequacy of African mechanisms for conflict resolution. Thus, conflicts that have left the continent much devastated, have gone on unabated – the DRC no exception.

Africa has been misjudged as a continent sterile of any ability, to produce solutions to the myriad of ills, afflicting her people. It is instructive therefore, while we claim and celebrate victory to acknowledge that Rwanda and DRC have sent a clear message to fellow African sister countries:- that where there is leadership will, there is a way for the people.

Another upside of the process is that it caught cynics and prophets of doom off-guard. No amount of spin can beat this moment of victory, as witnessed by their current deafening silence, which only proves one point – Rwanda and DRC are vindicated.

Since the start of operation ‘Umoja Wetu’ the prophets of doom, have eagerly awaited in the shadows for one calamity or other.

In this desperate bid, false reports have been fabricated; warnings given against RDF soldiers’ eventual refusal to pullout of the resource rich Congo; to current revived theories of the invincibility of the now fast annihilated FDLR rebels.

First we are told Rwanda should not go in they will not come out, now we are told Rwandan troops should stay put if they come out, FDLR will take over again. Which is which?

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