The issue is about DRC, not Rwanda

When one closely examines the UN Resolution 1533 (2004), under which mandate the UN Group of Experts (GoE) operates, it does not need a nuclear scientist to deduce that the so-called experts’ report has more skeletons in the cupboard than meets the eye.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

When one closely examines the UN Resolution 1533 (2004), under which mandate the UN Group of Experts (GoE) operates, it does not need a nuclear scientist to deduce that the so-called experts’ report has more skeletons in the cupboard than meets the eye.But reading the perennially "leaked” report, one would think the focus was on Rwanda, and not the DRC. It was supposed to address the issues like the implementation of the arms embargo in DRC, illicit trade in minerals, cohesion in the DRC army as well as weapons marking and "ensuring proper integration and vetting of former armed groups, particularly the CNDP”, to say the least.But no, DRC is not the focus: Rwanda is. According to GoE, Congo is not responsible for its chronic homegrown problems and ineptitude that has led one of the best endowed countries –  in terms of natural resources – into the continent’s premier basket case.All the country’s problems have been bundled into one basket and dropped at Rwanda’s doorstep, as if DRC’s woes will disappear with the mere exercise of finding where to place the blame, instead of addressing the core issues.The international opinion should not be myopic and succumb to being taken hostage by a few morally intransigent characters with not-so-hidden motives. It should act in a fair and transparent manner as it sifts through the fictitious imaginations of the GoE.The question remains: What has been done on the subject of the Coordinator of the GoE, Steve Hege, for his lack of moral authority to head – leave alone being a member of – the team?The UN has a duty to equally serve all its members, by not just swallowing bunguli (without chewing) all it is served on its platter.